Source: St. Petersburg Times
On December 23, 2000, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Hannukah is considered a minor holiday since its origins are historical rather than biblical. For many children, however, it is their favorite holiday. "Brittany Allen, 9, learned how Hanukkah began in Sunday school. 'Hanukkah is a fun holiday,' she said, mentioning how the Syrian-Greeks failed to vanquish the Jews. Brittany is looking forward to the special dinners, which will include matzo ball soup and chicken and mashed potatoes. Potato pancakes called latkes also will be served." Hanukkah sometimes coincides with Christmas, and this year the holiday continues through Dec. 29. Children say they are not too bothered with all the Christmas propaganda, but some wish there were more Hannukah decorations in the stores. One parent said it can be challenging to preserve Jewish customs. "'It's a challenge for us,' Mrs. Miller said. 'It's a good way to teach children that there are people who are different in many ways and gives them an opportunity to learn about them. Because I grew up in a diverse (community), every religion was part of our family life. I appreciate it more and more every day.'"