Mom got a box from the shelf. In the box, there were tall, wax sticks. "What is that for?" Matt asked.

Mom said, "We will make 9 flames." "But why?" Matt asked.

"I will tell you," Mom said. Matt struck the match. With a soft hiss, the match lit the tall wax stick. Then, Matt lit the rest of the wax sticks.

"Long ago, a band of people had to act fast to save their land. The odds were slim. But, they had grit, skill, and were brave."

Mom said, "They hid in a cave and found a jar. It was not much, but they made a lamp with oil. The lamp was lit for 8 days, and it did not fade. The lamp kept their land safe."

"There is a flame for each night and one to help the rest. The story tells us to be brave and not to fade. We celebrate on this day and call it Hanukkah," Mom said.

Matt sat still and gave a nod.

Matt gave his mom a grin and looked at the wax sticks. He too, felt brave.

Then, Dad came in with snacks. He set rolls, jam, grapes, and a cake on a plate.

The wax sticks gave light. Mom, Dad, and Matt sat, ate, and had fun.