Keeping Kwanzaa Simple Easy Ways to Celebrate

Its estimated that 30 million families celebrate the holiday of Kwanzaa. I have a hard time finding families who celebrate Kwanzaa because its not often discussed as a topic amongst co-workers or associates. There seems to be a mysticism associated with this holiday. Many dont know how to celebrate it, heard something about it or just dont want to give up Christmas for Kwanzaa. As truths about traditional American holidays unravel the oppression associated with most of them, I find myself looking outside of standard American holidays to bring more meaning to my family events. Kwanzaa connects African Americans to their African roots. Without traditions, you dont have a culture. I want to create this culture and our own traditions for my family. I want to create a legacy.

This quick guide will give you some ideas to celebrate Kwanzaa and the good thing is that you dont have to give up Christmas. If you and your family celebrate Kwanzaa please comment on how you celebrate and post a photo below.

Without traditions, you dont have a culture. Janice Celeste, Editor of Successful Black Parenting

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE UP CHRISTMAS

In 1966 when Kwanzaa was invented by its creator, Maulana Karenga, he intended Kwanzaa to be celebrated in place of Christmas. The good news is that Kwanzaa is celebrated the day after Christmas so you don't have to give it up if you don't want to. Celebrating Kwanzaa requires minimum effort outside of your normal New Year's Eve meal and is not much of an investment after purchasing the basic candles and perhaps a unity cup. You can keep Kwanzaa simple by using votives or tea light candles and any cup that you designate as your official Unity Cup for your family. Kwanzaa does not have to be a huge celebration. You may think of it as a grand feast and it can be or not. Incorporating one small piece of Kwanzaa your first year of celebrating and then adding more parts to the holiday the following year is one way to grow your Kwanzaa celebration.

KWANZAA DAYS CHALLENGE

We often commit to something when we post about it on social media. I'm challenging you to post your Kwanzaa celebration, no matter how small or how large on social media. This will not only commit you and your family to follow-through but you will also teach others who are following you online about the celebration. Kwanzaa starts on December 26th and continues until January 1st. Let's start posting!

"Each one, teach one."

Celebrating each day of Kwanzaa can be as small as reading what each day means or as fancy as creating a special event at dinner each night. Many of the materials below you may already have in your home, others can be found at your local dollar store.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Mkeka A woven straw mat

Mazao Fresh fruit

Kinara Candle holder

Mishumaa Saba Seven candles [three green candles (represents hope), 3 red (the struggle), and 1 black (the people)].

Muhindi Ears of Corn

Zawadi Small gifts for children

Kikombe cha Umoja Unity cup

HOW TO KWANZAA

Each day discuss the Swahili word of the day at dinner or during a designated family time. Greet each other with Habari Gani and respond with the word of the day. On the last day of Kwanzaa, each child should receive a small homemade wrapped gift.

December 26 Umoja - Unity

December 27 Kujichagulia - Self-determination

December 28 Ujima - Collective work and responsibility

December 29 Ujamaa - Cooperative economics

December 30 Nia - Purpose

December 31 Kuumba - Creativity

January 1 Imani - Faith

If you dont celebrate Kwanzaa and you know someone who does, greet them with Joyous Kwanzaa or Happy Kwanzaa.

For more, go to Successful Black Parenting magazine or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BlackParenting1 .