A “popular” antisemitic lie that pops up regularly on Twitter/X is that Channukah is a recent invention designed to either usurp Christmas or to have Jewish children not feel upset at Christmas time. Here are some examples:
The fact of the matter is that this is completely untrue. Chanukah is a very old celebration, dating back over two thousand years. It certainly predates Christmas in that it was observed during Jesus’s own lifetime (John 10:22).
Even if you discount the reference in John for whatever reason, Chanukah has appeared in all the major texts in throughout the history of Rabbinic Judaism.
It’s mentioned in the Mishna (Bikkurim 1:6, composed about 200 CE)
It’s mentioned in the Talmud (Shabbos 21b, composed about 550 CE)
It’s mentioned in Maimonides’s Mishneh Torah (Megillas Esther and Channukah, Chap 3-4, composed in the 1100s. Citation from 3:3.)
It’s mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 670-684, composed in the 1560s. Citation is from 670:1)
It’s mentioned in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Chap 139, composed 1864. Citation is from 139:4)
These are just examples from the major works of Jewish thought and halacha. Channukah is, of course, referenced in many other works as well. Anyone who says that Channukah was “invented” any time in the recent past is lying or is simply ignorant