5 Ways to Make Your Chanukkah Celebration Meaningful but Less Costly

Any time you have a major holiday or milestone to celebrate, the cost can really add up. Case in point: The National Retail Federation found that consumers expect to spend an average of  $875 on holiday items this year, including gifts, decorations, food, and other holiday-related purchases.

Meanwhile, Chanukkah is just about to kick off, and you may still be scrambling to purchase gifts, decorations, and other items you feel are necessary to celebrate the holiday to the fullest. But before you run up a giant credit card tab, consider these ways to make the holiday meaningful without spending a fortune.

1. Focus on the tradition -- not the gifts

Chanukkah is meant to commemorate the Jewish people reclaiming the holy Temple. It's very much a story of underdogs emerging victorious against oppression. The reason for lighting candles centers on the miracle of just a small amount of oil sufficing to light the Temple's menorah, or lamp, for a full eight nights instead of just one.

If you're hoping not to raid your savings account too badly this year when celebrating Chanukkah, go easy on gifts. Instead, talk to your kids about the purpose of the holiday and what it means to believe in miracles. Also, discuss different strategies for overcoming challenges, whether they relate to school work, social situations, or sports. 

2. Have a "give back" night

Chanukkah is very much a holiday of gift-giving. But that doesn't mean you have to shower your family with gifts for eight nights in a row. One thing you may want to do is have a "give back" night, where your family signs up to volunteer for a cause that's meaningful to all of you. 

Another option? Spend a night going through toys at home, and if you find unopened or unwanted ones, consider donating them to local children in need.

3. Have a homemade gift night

Gifts from the heart really are the best ones. Instead of splurging at Target, give your family members at least one homemade gift that shows you put a lot of thought into it. 

For your grandmother who loves classical music, that could mean recording a video of your child playing a timeless piece on the piano. For your sports-obsessed father, that could mean baking a cake with his favorite team's logo you design with icing. 

You can take different routes, and none of them have to cost a fortune. Some might not even cost a dime.

4. Enjoy a latke-fest

On Chanukkah, it's tradition to eat foods fried in oil. And potato latkes, or pancakes, have become a holiday staple. 

This year, have a true latke-fest. Try out a few variations of the classic recipe, and encourage your kids to get their hands dirty in the process. Just be warned that the smell of fried potatoes may be pungent enough to last eight nights if you don't open your kitchen windows during the festivities. 

5. Have your kids make all of the decorations

Chanukkah decorations can run the gamut from lights to banners to window decals. Instead of spending hard-earned money on decorations, put your kids to work with art supplies. It'll give them something fun to do, and it'll help them feel like they're even more involved in bringing the celebration to life. 

Chanukkah doesn't have to cost a fortune, despite the holiday lasting more than a week. The key is to focus on the less materialistic aspects of the holiday -- and the joy your traditions have the potential to bring.