When it comes to celebrating holidays in December, Jewish people have a hard time keeping up with gentiles.  

We all know the story. Hanukkah, a minor holiday in the Jewish faith, gets inflated to Santa-size proportions just because of its proximity to Christmas. For generations, Jewish parents have had to explain to developing young minds why a holiday devoted to presents, candy, reindeer, decorative trees and a jolly fat man is not for them. Their holiday, the Jewish holiday, is about lighting some candles and celebrating their ancient triumph over religious persecution.

This is all well and good, but not to a five-year-old when stacked up against a sleigh full of presents. Despite the fact that some parents have resorted to presenting Hanukkah as an eight-day long gift grab, it can still be hard for young Jewish kids not to feel of twinge of envy when comparing holiday to holiday.

But in celebration of tonight, the first night of Hanukkah, and in honor of the estimated 10,000 Jewish people who call Richmond home, we bring you eight reasons the gentiles should be jealous of Hanukkah.

There's no gift giving at work

We've all worked in one of those offices where the gifts abound. One morning there's a holiday bunt cake on your desk, the next some green and red M&Ms. If you celebrate Hanukkah, you don't have to give out these tasty treats, but you can receive them. It would be rude not to.  

You get to smile knowingly during the Adam Sandler's Chanukah Songs

Gentiles are very jealous of this song.

An extra day off from work without any family obligations

See a movie, eat some Chinese food, sleep in – do whatever you want, because you don't have to go to work and you don't have to go home.

Religious-sanctioned gambling

There aren't any goyim holidays that celebrate that.

Hanukkah saves money

The estimates vary, but it's said that the average Christmas shopper will spend between $800 and $900 this holiday. Over 10 years, that's a couple of European vacations.

No awkward sex talks

The Christmas story begins with a virgin birth … celebrating Hanukkah means never having to explain that one to a pre-schooler.

Less weight gain

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the average American will gain seven pounds. Celebrate Hanukkah and you'll stay thin ... as long as you limit yourself on the potato pancakes.  

Jesus celebrated Hanukkah too

And isn't that what this holiday business is about? 

Happy Hanukkah, Richmond!