Jewish people moved to the U.S. starting in the 17th Century. They brought it with them.
Jews
Kids celebrate Hanukkah almost the same in all countries, but in the US, gift-giving is more common than it is outside the US.
1) It's a time of happiness. 2) Like Purim, it reminds us that God is with us even when He seems hidden. 3) Among its other lessons, Hanukkah reminds us to avoid Hellenization (assimilation).
חנוכה שמחSee also: More about Hanukkah
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah in every country where they live. Most Jews live in the US, Canada, Israel, and Europe.
It is called a Hanukiah or a Hanukkah menorah.
Hanukkah is the name of Hanukkah. In Hebrew it is spelled חֲנֻכָּה
The oil in which they're fried reminds us of the oil of the menorah in the Temple, for which the miracle of Hanukkah occurred. See the attached Related Link.
Gift-giving during Hanukkah is a US invention performed by Liberal Jewish parents who saw that Jews felt left out of the Christmas gift-giving spirit. It has nothing to do with the proper celebration of Hanukkah. However, if you are a Liberal Jew in the US, you will likely receive gifts because this new tradition is pervasive.
No, it is not a national holiday in ANY country except Israel.
Hanukkah is a holiday, not a person.
There is no Jewish tradition of eating tamales on Hanukkah.