How many families whose members were dispersed and scattered everywhere, in the restless struggles of life, are then reunited, and meet again in that happy state of companionship and mutual goodwill, which is a source of joy so pure and unmixed, and so incompatible with the cares and sorrows of the world that the religious belief of most civilized nations, and traditions of coarse wild toughest, as the number among the first joys of a future condition of existence, provided for the blessed and happy! When I realized that we [Jews] have something better [that the traditions of Christmas].We fire. Think about it. The Spiel whole Hanukkah is lighting the menorah to commemorate the miracle of the lamp oil that lasted eight days. Little kids like me were given matches and told by candlelight. I remember standing mesmerized in front of the flames as my mother and my father gave us our gifts all night. It felt so dangerous. And in my book, just like rock beats scissors, danger beats flashy.