Paul,

Gifts are given each day of the 8 days of Hanukkah, which is why some kids --learning about the holiday ---ask to celebrate Hanukkah!  :)

Hannukah gelt (chocolate, foil-wrapped  "coins") is won by spinning the dreidle, a top.  And the Menora is lighted each night, with special prayers for each----

Here're 2 good links to info about the holiday:

http://www.answers.com/topic/hanukkah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

God bless!  Jan