New York Army National Guard Sgt. Eric Farina is in Afghanistan this Hanukkah.

But his wife Melissa and sons Gavin, 9, Jake , 7, and Ben, 5, plan to join him to light the candles for the Jewish Festival of Lights--via Skype.

Melissa Farina told Long Island, N.Y. Newsday
she plans to celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah while on Skype Video.

"My plan is to try to make it as normal as possible...," she said. "We'll try to get on Skype with him so he can be watch us lighting the candles and exchanging presents."

Hanukkah is celebrated over eight days by lighting candles and sharing gifts.

Melissa says when Eric returns in January, she plans to light a ninth candle.