Dreidel:Mickey & Co. Wooden Dreidel

This play set illustrates how toy manufacturers have integrated Chanukah into their seasonal product lines. As Chanukah became more of a family celebration, playthings based on the holiday's traditions have become increasingly available in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While not the most important holiday in the Jewish calendar, Chanukah is likely the most widely-known among non-Jewish Americans. With Christmas dominating the December cultural landscape, Chanukah has taken on significance as a Jewish alternative to Christmas. The eight-day celebration became a reminder of Jewish identity at a time when Christmas seems omnipresent for Americans of every perspective.