As a mixed-breed teen, half Jewish and half Catholic, I love the season and the blend of traditions. I’m usually decorating a Christmas tree while wearing a Yamaka, or baking holiday cookies while lighting the Menorah. For the first time ever, I decided to mix the secret Santa formula with a Jewish, social media twist. For the eight days of Hanukkah I would randomly select one of my Instagram followers and make his or her wish come true.

To be entered, I told my Instagram @jacob_s_blue followers to like my most recent post.

On the first day of  Hanukkah, I randomly selected Madie Beck. She requested for me to donate a nonspecific amount of money to St. Jude children Research Hospital. St. Jude’s is the leading research center in ending childhood cancer and other diseases. I donated $10 and put the donation in her name. If you would like to donate, click the link here.

On the second day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Lexie Fowler. She requested a baby cactus plant. Cacti remind Fowler of  when she used to live in Arizona and was near her grandparents, and having one will bring her closer to that happy memory.

On the third day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Autumn Frazier. She asked me to buy a Dreidel. This request was certainly weird, but being able to show others my traditions and pass them down  is a very new and exciting experience for me. Showing people this part if my life, and how giving can be better than reviving are the reasons I wanted to do something like this in the first place.

On the fourth day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Bridget Curtis. She asked me to buy her a bag of M&M’s. M&M’s are Curtis’ favorite candy. M&M’s can be put into cookies, ice cream, popcorn, etc. the wide use of this sweet treat makes it a candy of a generation.

On the fifth day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Jasmine Dickson. She asked me for acting advice, and how to ease your nerves. Auditions for Footloose are in January 2018 and selecting audition material can be a difficult process. To help get ready, I like to listen to my audition song on repeat until I know the lyrics. Once you know the words, you can start to form a character. Making the song your own helps you stand out during auditions. If you start to get nervous, sing using funny voices by yourself or with others until you feel better. Following these tips will help you for whatever theatrical undertaking comes your way.

On the sixth day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Megan Plazinski. Megan wanted me to buy her some candy canes. For some fun, new, ways to use candy canes click this link.

On the seventh day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected my sister, Natalie Blue. Natalie wanted me buy her some Kit Kat bars.

On the last day of Hanukkah, I randomly selected Solana Rios. Solana wanted me to by her some holiday socks. Target made a sock Advent calendar counting down to Christmas using festive socks, with many sizes and designs.

I loved being a secret Jewish Santa. It gave me more holiday spirit — giving really is better than receiving. Next year I plan on making this even bigger and better. Follow me on Instagram @jacob_s_blue for your opportunity during the holiday season of 2018.