Prickles' Cozy Hanukkah 🕯️🦔 With Afternoons with Mimi | Rewind

Summary

Koala Moon: "Prickles' Cozy Hanukkah 🕯️🦔" – Episode Summary

Podcast: Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids
Host & Narrator: Abbe Opher as Koko
Special Guests: Mimi & Kiddo from Afternoons with Mimi
Release Date: December 11, 2025

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Episode Overview

This gentle and heartwarming episode, a special collaboration between Koala Moon and Afternoons with Mimi, centers on Koko the Koala learning about and celebrating Hanukkah with his friend Prickles the hedgehog. The story emphasizes inclusion, curiosity about different cultures, and the magic of sharing traditions with friends. The episode seamlessly weaves facts about Hanukkah into a cozy narrative, making it both educational and comforting for young listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Setting the Scene: Holiday Excitement at Sleepy Forest Elementary

• [04:31] The story opens with Sleepy Forest Elementary beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
• Koko and friends share excitement over Christmas—tree decorations, sledging, and festive traditions.
• Prickles is introduced as a friend who doesn't celebrate Christmas, but Hanukkah.

Curiosity & Reaching Out: Koko Wants to Learn

• [07:06] Koko expresses his wish to understand Hanukkah better so Prickles feels included:

  "I want to make sure Prickles feels included. But I don't know anything about it. How can I learn more?" — Koko ([07:06])

• With Grandpa’s encouragement, Koko calls Mimi and Kiddo, experts in Jewish traditions.

Hanukkah Explained: Story Within a Story

• [09:00] Mimi and Kiddo warmly answer Koko's questions:
  • What is Hanukkah?

    "Hanukkah is so fun. We have latkes and all sorts of desserts and sing songs...we play dreidel." — Mimi ([09:11])

  • Kiddo gives a concise, child-friendly Hanukkah origin:

    "Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle...a small army of Jews called the Maccabees fought back...there was only enough oil to keep the special lamp lit for one day. Miraculously, that small bit of oil burned for eight whole days." — Kiddo ([09:58])

  • Traditions: Lighting a nine-branched menorah, foods fried in oil (latkes, jelly donuts/sufganiyot, and more), spinning the dreidel, singing songs.
  • Timing: Explains the Jewish calendar; in this year, Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas.

Gifts & Giving

• [13:13] Koko asks if he can give Prickles a present for Hanukkah:
  • Kiddo shares: “Gifts aren’t a traditional part of Hanukkah, but some families have adopted the custom...some focus on tzedakah—a kind of charity, helping those in need.”
  • Family tradition of giving: “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.” ([13:40])

Acceptance & Celebration Together

• [14:25] Koko asks Prickles about his Hanukkah plans; Prickles is touched and invites Koko to join his family celebration.

The Hanukkah Party at Prickles' Home

• [15:14-19:12] Koko is warmly welcomed into Prickles’ home to celebrate Hanukkah.
  • Lighting the menorah:

    “Koko thought [the blessings] sounded beautiful and listened carefully whilst watching the little flickering flame.” ([16:38])

  • Receiving gifts: Each gets a book and chocolate coins (gelt).
  • Singing:

    “They were going to teach him a Hanukkah song—Ocho Candelikas. The song isn’t in English, it’s in a language called Ladino, which is kind of like a Spanish Hebrew hybrid.” ([17:41])

  • Feasting: Koko tries latkes, tostones (fried plantains), and sufganiyot.

    “[Tostones] were one of the best things Koko had tasted. … Koko’s favorite was the soufganiot, the fluffy round fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam.” ([19:35])

  • Dreidel game: Playful, lively, and explained so listeners can follow at home. Prickles wins, and everyone cheers.

Winding Down: Sleepiness and Reflections

• [24:23-27:44] Koko is carried home by Grandpa, sleepy and happy.
• In his cozy bed, he reminisces:

  “He thought of softly glowing candles dancing in the reflection of a window. The grin on Prickles' face as he danced and sang Ocho Candelikas… the dreidel spinning around and around…” ([26:28-27:07])

• Koko feels grateful for friendship and new memories, drifting peacefully to sleep.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Koko’s heartfelt intention:

  “I want to make sure Prickles feels included. But I don’t know anything about it. How can I learn more?” ([07:06])

• Mimi on Hanukkah fun:

  “We have latkes and all sorts of desserts and sing songs. Sometimes Isaac and Theo and Ari come over and we play dreidel. Oh, I have to teach you how to sing Ocho Candelikas!” ([09:11])

• Kiddo explaining Hanukkah’s meaning:

  “Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle that happened a long time ago… Miraculously, that small bit of oil burned for eight whole days…” ([09:58])

• On inclusion and sharing:

  “It’s really cool that charity is part of the holiday. It’s good to think of others while celebrating.” — Koko ([13:40])

• Festive invitation:

  “Do you want to come and light the menorah with us?” — Prickles ([14:57])

• Joy of celebration:

  “Prickles smile lit up his face even brighter than the flickering candle did. Koko took his friend’s paw and gave it a happy squeeze.” ([16:38])

• New favorite treat:

  “[Tostones] were one of the best things Koko had tasted. ... Koko’s favourite was the soufganiot, the fluffy round fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam. He ate three of those.” ([19:35])

• Cozy conclusion:

  “How lucky I am to have such a good friend like Prickles.” — Koko ([25:07])

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Important Timestamps

• [03:31] Guided relaxation/breathing—prepares listeners for the story
• [04:31] Story begins: School holidays, introducing traditions
• [06:12] Koko learns Prickles celebrates Hanukkah
• [07:06] Koko confides in Grandpa
• [08:32] Mimi and Kiddo join the conversation
• [09:00–13:40] Hanukkah explained: Story, traditions, food, gifts
• [14:25] Koko & Prickles discuss Hanukkah plans
• [15:14–19:35] Koko joins Prickles’ family for Hanukkah: rituals, songs, food
• [21:00–22:45] Dreidel game explained and played
• [23:50–27:44] Winding down: Koko goes home, reflects, and falls asleep

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains Koala Moon’s signature soothing, reassuring bedtime tone, with gentle humor, vivid sensory descriptions, and a strong message of inclusion and curiosity about others’ traditions. Dialogue is child-centric, supportive, and guidance-oriented—a safe and welcoming introduction to Hanukkah for children and families of all backgrounds.

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Summary for Parents and Caregivers

This episode is a beautiful showcase of how young friends can bridge traditions and share holiday joy. Through Koko’s gentle curiosity and Prickles’ willingness to share, listeners learn the basics of Hanukkah in a memorable, accessible way—celebrating both uniqueness and togetherness. The guided breathing at the start, sensory storytelling, and affirming bedtime sendoff make this both a calming bedtime aid and a mindful introduction to multicultural celebrations.

Transcript

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. Tonight's episode is a super special collaboration with with Afternoons With Mimi and it's a story all about Hanukkah. For those of you who haven't heard, Afternoons With Mimi is a cosy story podcast from PJ Library with Mimi and her grandson Kiddo. In each monthly episode, Mimi coaches Kiddo about relatable kid challenges like navigating changing friendships or dealing with a baby sibling who breaks things with food, stories and traditions from their Jewish culture. It's an awesome show and you can check it out wherever you get your podcasts.

[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

Before we begin, a quick message for the grown ups.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

If you'd like to support our podcast.

[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

Enjoy ad free listening, unlock four bonus stories per month and much, much more, you can join Koko Club.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Subscribe in just two taps via the.

[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

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[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

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[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

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[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Now before we join Prickles, let's just get into bed and have a nice relax. Take a nice big breath and sigh it out.

And again. Breathe in.

And this time as you breathe out, just stroke your arms down your body. Imagine your prickles and you're just smoothing down all of your spines and just nice and relaxed. Breathe gently in and out. We're soon going to meet up with Prickles down at Sleepy Forest Elementary. Are you ready? Ok, let's begin our story.

It was the holiday season and Sleepy Forest elementary had decked the halls and trimmed the trees and strung fairy lights anywhere they could possibly be strung. Festive songs filled the hallways and anytime the front door opened and another animal bundled in from the playground, frosty air chilled your cheeks and snowflakes drifted in to melt on the carpet.

Outside it was cold and snowy, but inside it was as toasty as can be and there were bobble hats and woolly scarves hung on the pegs. All along the corridor. Koko and his friends were sitting around a lunch table, having polished off plates of Cheesy bake followed by Jam Roly Poly. They were now busy talking about all the things they loved about the holidays. Koko and Kira had spent 10 minutes gushing about the Christmas tree their family had put up together the night before, describing every last bauble from the one of Santa on a skateboard to the snowman made of ping pong balls. They even posed like the fairy they'd put at the top of the tree. Next Camo the chameleon chattered about the sledging he would enjoy on Christmas morning, sliding down hills and starting snowball fights with his dad. Prickles giggled and wriggled his hedgehog nose. As long as you saved the snowballs for him, he said. I don't want you throwing any at me.

[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

On the walk home.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Koko turned to Prickles and asked him what he and his family would be doing to celebrate Christmas. Prickles grinned. We don't celebrate Christmas, he said. We're Jewish. Will be celebrating Hanukkah. Koko was taken by surprise. He never knew that. Before he could reply, there was a loud trill and the school bell sounded. Prickles, Camo and Kira hopped out of their seats and hurried to put their trays away, ready to go to class.

The end of the day floated away, as those end of term giggle filled afternoons often do, and Koko soon found himself home again, unlacing his snow boots and taking off his puffy coat.

Grandpa, Koko said, throwing himself into a cosy armchair. Prickles doesn't celebrate Christmas like Kira, Camo and me. He celebrates something called Hanukkah. The thing is, I don't know much about Hanukkah. I want to make sure Prickles feels included. But I don't know anything about it. How can I learn more?

Grandpa smiled.

Well, you could always just ask him, Koko. But since Prickles isn't here right now, I do know someone you could call. My friend Mimi and her grandson Kiddo celebrate Hanukkah. They even have a podcast where they share stories, remember? Like the one about the egg contest? Koko nodded. He remembered that Grandpa often played it in the car. Of course, Mimi was so wise. She and Kiddo probably knew all about Hanukkah. Grandpa dialled their number and handed the phone to Koko. Soon, happy, bubbly voices were cooing their hellos through the phone.

[Mimi]

Hey Koko.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Hey Mimi. Hey kiddo. Boy, do I need your guys help. My best friend Prickles is about to celebrate Hanukkah and I want to learn all about it so we can chat about his holiday and he doesn't have.

[Podcast Host/Advertiser]

To listen to us waffling on about Christmas all day.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Can you help me, please?

[Mimi]

Of course we can, Koko.

[Kiddo]

It would be our pleasure.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Ok, I guess my first question is this is embarrassing, but what is Hanukkah?

[Mimi]

What is Hanukkah? Hanukkah is so fun. We have latkes and all sorts of desserts and sing songs. Sometimes Isaac and Theo and Ari come over and we play dreidel. Oh, I have to teach you how to sing Ocho Kondalikas.

[Kiddo]

Whoa there, kiddo. I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Let's start with the basics. For Koko, Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, the eight day festival of lights.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Okay, I see. But what exactly are people celebrating like? Christmas? People celebrate Christmas for all kinds of reasons these days, right? But for Christians, it's the day Jesus was born. Why did Hanukkah start?

[Kiddo]

Well, Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle that happened a long time ago. Way back then, after years of oppression, a small army of Jews called the Maccabees fought back and triumphed over the far Larger conquering military. When they eventually reclaimed their holy temple, there was only enough oil to keep the special lamp or menorah lit for one day. Miraculously, that small bit of oil burned for eight whole days, long enough to procure more oil.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Wow, that's such a cool story. That's like a miracle, right? So what do Jewish people like prickles do to celebrate Hanukkah? I'd like to maybe do something with him if I could. To celebrate. Could I?

[Kiddo]

The major tradition of Hanukkah is lighting candles on a special lamp or holder called a menorah. This is why Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. The original menorah in the Hanukkah story had seven branches. But the menorah we light on Hanukkah has nine branches. One for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah and an additional one for the shamash. The helper candle used to light all of the other candles.

[Mimi]

And also we spin the dreidel. That's a special spinning top. And eat foods fried in oil like latkes and jelly donuts to remind us of well oil.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Oh, that makes my mouth water. Maybe I can make Prickles some jelly donuts. Yum. What other foods do you eat? What are. What did you say? Latkes.

[Kiddo]

Jewish families all over the world traditionally eat foods fried in oil as part of their Hanukkah celebrations. Latkes, potato pancakes and jelly donuts or sufganjot are pretty well known. But tostones, fried plantains, svenj, Moroccan fritters, gulab jamun from India and more are also eaten.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

That sounds delicious. I hope prickles Mum makes that too. And that I can go round for tea. Kiddo, what's your favorite thing to do at Hanukkah?

[Mimi]

I love playing dreidel and also singing songs with my family.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

That's really cool. Kira and I always play board games at Christmas. That's kind of similar. And when is Hanukkah exactly? Is it the same time as Christmas?

[Kiddo]

When we have time. Someday, Koko, we'll have a whole chat about the special calendar that Jewish people follow. This year, 2024, something very special is happening.

[Mimi]

The first night of Hanukkah is on Christmas.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Oh, so we'll be celebrating at the same time. That's brilliant. And one last thing. Even though Prickles doesn't celebrate Christmas like me, can I still give him a present? I picked out a special scarf just for him as fine enough to not get caught on his spikes. I was really looking forward to Giving it to him?

[Kiddo]

Of course you can. Koko. Sharing customs is a good thing. Gifts aren't a traditional part of Hanukkah, but are a newer custom that some families have adopted. Some families still don't give gifts, but focus instead on tzedakah. That's kind of like charity, helping and giving to those in need. As for us, we do give gifts in our house, but we follow this rule. You get something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read on different nights.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Wow, it's really cool that charity is part of the holiday. It's good to think of others while celebrating. Thank you kiddo and Mimi for all of this. You've taught me so much. Bye bye for now. Oh, and Happy Hanukkah.

[Mimi]

Hanukkah Sameach. That means Happy Hanukkah.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Oh, then Hanukkah Sameach.

[Kiddo]

Happy holidays. Coco, I can't wait to hear about how you and Prickles celebrate together.

[Koko (Narrator/Koala)]

Coco hung up the phone and gave his grandad a hug. Thank you, Grandpa, he said. Prickles is going to be so impressed when I show him how much I've learnt tomorrow.

The next day, when the bell rang for lunch, Koko sped over to take the seat next to Prickles and asked him about his Chanukah plans. Prickles smiled and told him he'd light the menorah and spend lots of time with his family. He'd eat delicious foods, sing songs and spin the dreidel. Prickles was so pleased that Koko had taken an interest in his holidays.

Well be starting at sundown in a few days, Prickles said. Do you want to come and light the menorah with us? Koko gave Prickles a big hug and said, yes, please.

On sundown on the first night of Hanukkah, Prickles threw open his front door and bundled Koko into the warmth, brushing the snow off his fluffy ears and taking his poofy coat and bobble hat. Welcome, Koko Prickles said. Chanuka Sameach. Hanukkah Sameach, Koko replied, calling through to Prickles parents too, who were in the living room. Come on in, Koko, Prickles, Mum called. You're just in time. It's time to light the menorah. Koko hurriedly untied his snow boots, wiggling his toes in his woolly socks as they adjusted to the warm cottage. The little koala and the hedgehog padded through to the lounge and huddled in around the windowsill. Prickles Mum took the shamash candle and and lit it. When the little flame was burning Wibbling and wobbling on the candle, Prickles dad gave some blessings in Hebrew. Koko thought it sounded beautiful and listened carefully whilst watching the little flickering flame.

With the blessings, said Prickles Mum lowered the shamash to the first candle on the menorah and they all watched as the first candle was lit. Prickles smile lit up his face even brighter than the flickering candle did. Coco took his friend's paw and gave it a happy squeeze.

With the candle lit, Prickles Mum and dad retrieved some small gifts they'd hidden behind the curtains. They handed Prickles and Koko a book each and a little bag of chocolate coins. Prickles book was about trains, which he'd been intrigued by since his trip on the Hedgerow Express. Koko's was a book of fairy tales. Coco felt so happy that he'd been included and wrapped his arms around Prickles Mum as he thanked her, careful not to get spiked by her spines.

Next, Koko and the hedgehogs sat down on the squishy sofas and Prickles told Koko that they were going to teach him a Hanukkah song. Ocho candelikas. Koko grinned, remembering that that was his friend Kiddo's favourite. The song isn't in English, it in a language called Ladino, which is kind of like a Spanish Hebrew hybrid, although it wasn't a language Koko knew. Prickles taught him the song sound by sound and soon he was singing along with everyone else. It was a lively and fun song and Prickles and Koko danced around the sitting room holding paws.

Next they sang Hanukkah or Hanukkah, which Koko had heard before.

He sang along, singing about lighting the menorah, spinning dreidels and eating crispy latkes. All that singing about latkes made his belly rumble. Prickles dad grinned at Koko. Sounds like someone's ready to eat, he said. Koko grinned bashfully, patting his tummy. I've been looking forward to the food, he said. I've never tried a latke before.

Prickles put his paws on Koko's shoulders and steered him through to the dining room, where the table was piled high with all kinds of delicious foods. Coco licked his lips and tied a napkin around his neck, which he only did when he was planning on eating a lot.

Prickles dad asked Prickles to say a short blessing before dinner, which he did proudly, and then it was time to tuck in. Everything was delicious. The latkes were crispy and golden and Coco finished his first one before he could even pause to say how tasty it was. Next, Koko spooned some tostones on his plate and when Prickles asked if he knew what they were, he said fried plantains. Right, Thanking Mimi and Kiddo in his head. Plantains are like bananas but bigger. And when fried like this, they were absolutely delicious. Kind of like potatoes in texture but with more flavour and a golden caramelised crust. They were one of the best things Koko had tasted. Koko asked Prickles mum whether he could take some home for his sister Kira and she nodded her head and promised she'd make him a doggy bag so he'd have extra of everything. Koko's favourite was the soufganiot, the fluffy round fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam. He ate three of those.

After dinner, the koala and the hedgehog family sat around the table for a game spinning the dreidel. Each player began with 10 tokens. Prickles explained that you could use anything as tokens really, but that they used pennies mostly because they liked how they sounded when they jingled in the pot. Each player put a token into the pot any time it was empty. Then whoever's turn it was to spin the dreidel would try and win them all. Each person took a turn to spin the dreidel. It was a four sided spinner and each side had a different Hebrew letter on it. Depending on which letter the dreidel landed on, the player would win nothing. Half of the tokens, all of the tokens, or if they were unlucky, they'd have to put an extra token in the pot from their collection. Anytime someone ran out of tokens, they were out of the game.

Koko started strong winning a whole pot of tokens and Prickles kept winning half. Prickles dad on the other hand, didn't win anything and he went out first. Every spin had the players on the edge of their seats and Coco couldn't help squealing excitedly when he saw the result of each turn. Coco was out second after a couple of unlucky rolls and then it was down to the last two, Prickles and his mum. The game went on for a while longer and it would look like Prickles was about to win until his mum had a winning streak and vice versa. Coco and Prickles dad were watching intently and cheering the players on. Eventually Prickles mum lost her last token to the pot and it was official. Prickles was the winner. Prickles jumped up in joy and Coco lifted him in the air and cheered for him. When the buzz of the game wore off, Koko began to actually feel quite sleepy. His head began to bob and drift towards Prickles shoulder, although when Prickles parents asked if he was tired, he would say in a soft, sleepy voice, no, not one bit.

Not long later there was a knock on the door and Koko felt himself lifted into the warm arms of his grandpa, who carried him out into the cool air, whispering Hanukkah Sameach to the hedgehogs. As he left, koko whispered Hanukkah Sameach 2 as loud as he could and heard Prickles yawn. Good night, Coco.

Koko's grandpa carried Koko all the way back to their own cosy cabin, through the warm living room and to the bathroom where he put Koko down to stand on the fluffy bath mat and passed him a toothbrush loaded with minty toothpaste.

Koko took it from him and began to brush eyes half closed with sleepiness.

As he did, his grandpa sat down on the edge of the bathtub and asked him how his evening was.

It was lovely, coco said through a mouthful of toothpaste bubbles. I had the most magical time. How lucky I am to have such a good friend like Prickles.

Grandpa grinned and ruffled Koko's ears. Very lucky indeed, he agreed.

When Koko had finished brushing his teeth and washing his face, he tiptoed into his bedroom where Kira was already sleeping, tucked into her blankets and snoring softly.

He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and whispered, goodnight, Kira, but the little panda hardly stirred. Then he put on his fluffy star patterned pyjamas and climbed into bed. Laying there in a nest of fluffy blankets and poofy duvets, Koko smiled to himself and let the images of the day float through his mind.

He thought of softly glowing candles dancing in the reflection of a window.

The grin on Prickles face as he danced and sang Ocho Candelicas, shaking his hips and waving his arms in the air.

The warmth of the dining room and the table piled high with delicious foods, the dreidel spinning around and around and around.

And the happiness he felt being carried back to his home, safe and sound and full of new memories.

Coco took one last happy sigh and closed his eyes, drifting into the sweetest of dreams.

[Mimi]

Sam.

Sat.