Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration, begins on Dec. 18, 2022,  this year, and concludes on Dec. 26, and it’s second most celebrated winter holiday in the United States.

In Jewish culture, Hanukkah is celebrated as a way to reaffirm their beliefs in Judaism. Lighting each wick on the famous Menorah everyday until all of the candles are lit, in order to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, according to history.com.

Just like with Christmas, students who celebrate Hanukkah have started to prepare for the occasion. In contrast, their preparations include setting up Menorahs, preparing latke and gelt recipes and playing with dreidels.

According to AP-NORC, Hanukkah is the second most celebrated religious holiday in America, followed by Christmas, however, the gap between the two holidays is massive with 92% of Americans who celebrate Christmas and only 5% celebrate Hanukkah.

“My favorite part of Hanukkah is when everyone gets together to celebrate it. It’s my favorite thing during the whole holiday,” said sophomore Layne Kemp.