Question

In ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ how did the Franks and others celebrate two festivals, Hanukkah and St.  Nicholas Day in the Annexe ? 

Answer 1

Despite being forced to hide in the annex, the Franks and the others there are ableto celebrate a
number of holidays. One of the more significant festivals that they celebrate is Hanukkah.  Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in late November or December. It commemorates
a miracle that occurred after the war with the Greeks in the Second Century BCE when the Jews
rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem. It is normally celebrated with food, song, and the lighting of a
nine-candled candelabra called a menorah. The Franks managed to bring a menorah with them to the
annex. Usually, the candles are allowed to burn all the way down. However, the Franks only light
them for a few moments in order to avoid drawing attention. Still, they are happy to abe able to
celebrate this holiday.They also celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Celebrated on December 6, this festival
is typically associated with gift-giving and feasting. Although it is a Christian holiday, the Franks, like
most of their Dutch neighbors, still celebrate St Nicholas Day in Even though they do not have much
in the way of presents to give, Anne gives everyone in the annex a poem. They also decorate their
home as best they can considering their limited supplies.All this goes to show that the Franks and the
other residents of the secret annex do their best to try to carry on as normal, even given their dangerous  and clearly abnormal circumstances.