Tradition, family and symbolism meet and mingle in the eight days of Hanukkah. Known as the Festival of Lights, the holiday celebrates the Maccabees' recovery of the temple in Jerusalem. When the group went to light the menorah, they found only enough oil to last a day-but, as the story goes, by a miracle it lasted more than a week, enough time for more to be found. Centuries later, this tale still resonates in homes worldwide at this time of year. In Montreal, stylist Beth Gold takes hold of the season's symbols and playfully puts them to work in a fanciful decorating scheme.
Table
A table laden with food (above) takes centre stage at any family gathering, but particularly when centuries of tradition come along with the meal. Potato latkes, for example, are a must-fried in oil, they represent the oil that led to the miracle of Hanukkah. Sweet braided challah (egg bread) is made for festive occasions to bring forth joy and happiness.
Star of David
Bringing greens indoors during the winter is an easy, elegant way to freshen up a room. Boxwood in the shape of the Star of David plays on the familiar Christmas wreath while providing a striking focal point for the room. As an added bonus, boxwood greens will last all through the eight days of the holiday and beyond. 
Ornament
In a nod to her multicultural roots, Beth mixes iconic Hanukkah elements with Christmas traditions by hanging wooden hanukkiahs and Stars of David from pretty ribbon. Beth pinned them to her shelving unit, but hanging in a window brings seasonal spirit to any room, and adding them to chairbacks at the table make for fanciful dinner decorations.
Candelabra
Families gather to add a candle each night to the hanukkiah. Inherited or received as gifts, hanukkiahs are prized treasures, taking a place of honour on shelves and tables. In Beth's home, hanukkiahs from her mother and mother-in-law sit together on a small table; the majestic silhouettes with their fabulous patina greet visitors as soon as they arrive.
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