Here are ten thoughts on how to spend your ‘extra’ time between Sukkot and Chanukah:

Make notes.
Spend time reflecting on the holidays you’ve just experienced. Are there any traditions you would like to remember for next year? Were there any household or ceremonial items you wished you had? Make a note on your calendar to purchase those items prior to the holidays next year. Record your menu notes as well – storing your exceptional recipes that you’d like to duplicate again next year in a special binder.

Set goals.
You may have set some goals for the upcoming year during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but create ambitions surrounding your holiday observance. How would you like to do it differently next year? How can you take it up a notch? Will you build a Sukkah next year? How about fasting all day, inviting guests for holiday meals, or taking off work to celebrate the holidays? Your objectives may also include learning about the holiday more deeply a few weeks before it begins!

Learn.
Since you do not need to spend a lot of time getting your house ready for holiday- company or preparing meals, expend some of those free moments involved in studying. Read a book, join a class, start a study group. If the learning opportunities in your area are bare, there are plenty of learning opportunities online. Partners in Torah will even set you up with a mentor to learn by phone.

Pray.
Add more prayer to your daily routine. Begin reciting morning prayers, prayers before bedtime, or prayers at meal times. Increase your expressions of gratitude and mindfulness in your day-to-day tasks.

Embrace a Jewish value.
Dive into a Jewish value. It is always fascinating to discover that something you feel passionate about has its roots in Judaism. Explore environmental issues and Judaism; helping others and Judaism; or vegetarianism and Judaism. Learn about visiting the ill, caring for animals, or parenting with a Jewish lens.

Volunteer.
Select a Jewish organization and donate your time. Try the Council for Jews with Special Needs, a Holocaust Memorial Association, or the Bureau for Jewish Education. “Give yourself” to a local synagogue, a Jewish preschool, or the Israel Center.

Cook.
Gather a group of people and start exploring Jewish food. Assign research roles – have one person look for appetizer recipes for Chanukah. Another can search for main dishes; another a side; and another a dessert. Come together in potluck fashion, exchange recipes and you have your Chanukah meal menu ready to go! Continue on with other holidays or Jewish themes.

Prepare.
Organize yourself ahead of time. Crafts stores have great sales after the secular and Christian holidays. Stock up on items for decorating your Sukkah, your dinner table or hostess gifts. Buy paper goods at the party store when they are on sale, and you won’t have to run around the week before the holiday gathering all your necessities.

Visit Judaica Stores.
The time between Sukkot and Chanukah is their slow time of the year. If you have extra spending money, add some Jewish items to your shelves. It is a great time to buy that challah board you have been wanting, a mezuzah for your home or that special honey dish you can use next year at your Rosh Hashanah table.

Get ready for Chanukah.
Plan your meals, your guest lists, and your shopping needs. If you exchange presents, start making your lists and looking for great deals. Plan some Chanukah-oriented activities to make the entire experience more meaningful.