Holiday Spirit

Sydney Pollack



The shimmering candles glistened in front of me, warming my spine. I set the candle down, back in its holder at the top of the menorah. We all stood there in front of 7 soothing candles watching the fire jump around and dance in circles. The sweet sent of the burning candles filled the thick air. Many scents came in with each breathe, and out with others. Only two more Hanukkah presents leaned against the wall, each wrapped in blue paper lined with white stars. I saw that the wonderful 8-day week of Hanukkah was drawing to an end. All the present and food was the part I am going to miss. Potatoes pancakes were my favorite. The crispy outside with a warm cooked to perfection inside. The great feeling of the holidays and the joy of winter break. The joy in the air was easy to sense. People carrying many shopping bags, full handed. Smiles on all the little kids faces as they each got a turn to sit on Santa’s lap at the mall. This great time of the year is just about gone, over. I wondered what was inside the last two presents; I had already got what I wanted. The happy looks on my face made my parents happy, and their facial expressions lightened my day as well. I hoped that my last few presents would be useful to my parents. I had my gifts to give my friends tomorrow when we all went for a holiday party sleepover. One of my friends was having everyone over at 7 pm to have a dance party and pizza. We were all having a slumber party after. I wished that his happy joyful time lasted for another week.