Why is Hanukkah put on par with Christmas?

Why is Hanukkah put on par with Christmas?

I find it confusing why there is so much talk about Hanukkah and equating it to Christmas.

Hanukkah is a MINOR Jewish holiday. (Not a High Holiday)
Christmas is the MOST IMPORTANT Christian Holy Day.

Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year. In the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving tradition. Amid the ever-growing flood of Christmas advertising, it may seem especially fitting that the Hanukkah story tells of Jewish culture surviving in a non-Jewish world.
Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights celebrates the revolt of the Maccabees in 165 BCE against the Syrian-Greek forces that had been occupying the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. After chasing the invading forces out, the victors found only enough oil in the desecrated temple to last one day, but miraculously the flame survived for eight days.

Although Hanukkah was originally a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it has gained much greater prominence in America. The custom of giving presents to children during this holiday was adopted in the U.S., and generally children receive a gift for each night of the celebration. Children also receive foil wrapped chocolate coins called gelt, either as gifts or prizes for winning at the dreidl game.
Celebrating Hanukkah

Actually, in Jewish tradition it is considered a minor holiday. A major holiday in Judaism is similar to the Sabbath (Shabbat/Shabbes), when working is borbidden according to religious law. On Hanukkah working is allowed as usual, except when lighting the Menorah (Hannukiyah) and half an hour afterwards. In fact, in Israel, where Jewish holidays are recognized officially, Hanukkah is observed as a vacation only in state's elementary and high schools. Other institutes and companies , private or public, work as usual.

In the US Hanukkah has special importance as it occurs on the national holiday season, sometime between Thanks-Giving and Christmas. Many American Jews regard Hanukkah as the Jewish alternative to Christmas, and thus giving it special importance.
Why is Hanukkah important