As soon as Thanksgiving ends, everyone seems to just turn all their attention towards Christmas, frantically trying to find that over-specific toy online to get for their obnoxious family members, and drinking eggnog. But amidst all this hustle and bustle of the yuletide spirit, everyone seems to forget the other “most wonderful time of the year:” Hanukkah.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication, is a holiday celebrated by the Jewish community that has certain required rituals attached to it. The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a nine-branched candelabrum known as a menorah. The regular menorah usually features eight branches with an additional branch raised above the others, called the shamash (“attendant” in Hebrew), that is used to light the other eight branches throughout the length of the festival.

Other such rituals performed during Hanukkah is the playing of dreidel, a game where people take turns spinning angular clay tops, and eating different oil-based food items such as donuts. And the exchanging of gifts, with one gift being exchanged per person for each eight days of the holiday.

According to MyJewishLearning.com, “the game of dreidel is an essential part of Hanukkah, as is its song.” To learn the song, go to MyJewishLearning.com!

Hanukkah ends on January 20 this year, and like the menorahs, it’ll be pretty lit.