LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Hanukkah: Nights
built 677 days ago
Although Hanukkah was originally a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it has gained much greater prominence in America. The custom of giving presents to children during this holiday was adopted in the U.S., and generally children receive a gift for each night of the celebration. Children ... receive foil wrapped chocolate coins called gelt, either as gifts or prizes for winning at the dreidl game.
Source:
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the Hanukiah, or Hanukkah Menorah, one on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash, (Hebrew: "guard" or "servant") is ... lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the Talmud (Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Nights