Though quite distinct in their significance and religious meaning, the holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah have, at least in the American consumer economy, become closely associated with each other. At one level the comparison is actually apt. Both indeed are festivals of light. Not coincidentally, the custom to mark the winter solstice – the darkest time of the year – with a festival of lights dates way back to ancient pagan practices. As such this is a perfect season to look into the purchase of an ancient oil lamp. Oil lamps are another antiquities item that ranges across many time periods and many can be purchased for quite reasonable prices. So get into the holiday season – with your oil burning lamps. And start rolling your own wicks!