Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of community and family. It is not a religious holiday, although individual beliefs are often incorporated into the celebrations. Kwanzaa begins December 26 and continues for seven days, ending on January 1. During the celebration, families spend time together in reflection, and this provides a perfect opportunity partake in Kwanzaa activities.
Each day represents a different aspect of Kwanzaa. They seven aspects are following:
A great way to create memories and spend time with your kids is to include them in any celebration. If your family celebrates Kwanzaa incorporating some kid friendly activities into the holiday can make a real difference to your family. Listed below you will find just that - activities that kids can do to celebrate Kwanzaa. If you are not and African-American family but are simply interested in learning about other cultures these activities are just right for you too.
Make a Kwanzaa Book
Use construction paper in red, green and black to make a Kwanzaa book. You will need one page for each day of Kwanzaa. At the top of the page write the name of the day you are celebrating. Draw or paste in pictures that represent the meaning of that day. You might also write a story or your own thoughts on what that day means on the page. Take a picture of you and your family celebrating the holiday.
Make Kwanzaa Placemats and Napkin
Decorate your table during the Kwanzaa celebration with colorful Kwanzaa table settings. You can use construction paper in the traditional Kwanzaa colors to make your placemats. Use strips or squares in a large rectangle shape glued to a piece of sturdy paper. Cover the decorated placemat with clear Contact paper. You can make matching napkin rings but cutting the tube out of the middle of a roll of paper towels into a uniform widths. Color with markers or glue on a coordinating construction paper pattern and you have instant napkin rings.
Make and Give a Kwanzaa Gift
Make something special for your family that symbolizes what Kwanzaa means. You might make bookmarks for everyone in your family with the symbol of your faith on it. Make a game your family can play to symbolize unity. Another idea is to make pins out of red, black and green clay that the entire family can wear. Make enough to give to your friends as well.
 | Before hosting a Kwanzaa celebration, you'll need to understand the Seven Principles behind Kwanzaa. Once you know those principles, you can create events around the celebration, leading to a memorable, inspirational holiday experience. |
 | Kwanzaa food includes traditional East African dishes, plenty of harvest fruits and vegetables and influences from Southern cuisine that all come together in a celebration of the senses. Here are a few of the more popular Kwanzaa dishes to serve at your next feast. |
 | Kwanzaa symbols play a significant part in this African-American cultural holiday celebrated by families from December 26 to January 1 each year. Start planning now by finding common Kwanzaa decorations that represent themes of hope, unity, harvest and African heritage. |
Kwanzaa is a holiday that happens on December 26. It originated in the 1960s along with the civil rights movement. It is a commemoration of African heritage. It is primarily celebrated in the United States, though it may be celebrated other places. |
Kwanzaa is an educational holiday, and Kwanzaa songs are great for reinforcing the holiday's meanings. When it comes to Kwanzaa music for kids, it all depends on your preferences and the ages of the kids involved in the Kwanzaa activities. |
