As with any holiday, Kwanzaa traditions vary and continue to evolve with each celebration. Though the holiday is a celebration of African-American heritage and culture, it is important to remember that African-Americans are diverse, reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and lifestyles. Kwanzaa traditions also reflect this diversity. These traditions include the following:

Making Kwanzaa Gifts
Set aside time on the first day of Kwanzaa to make gifts to exchange during the Kwanzaa feast or karamu. Gifts should be handmade and educational, teaching something about the heritage of people of African descent. These gifts can include books on African- American history or culture or food items linked to the African diaspora. Ideas are available online at various websites and in publications focusing on food and entertaining from The Cooking Club of America

Honoring the Ancestors and Elders
In local communities or among the church family organize a visit with youth groups to nursing homes, senior centers or residences to celebrate Kwanzaa with the residents. This visit can also include small gifts such as bookmarks or socks with Kwanzaa colored trim for the residents.

Wear Traditional African Clothing
Though traditional African garb can be worn year round, many people wear it during the seven days of Kwanzaa or at the Kwanzaa feast or karamu.

Kwanzaa Menus
Food is an integral part of the celebration. During Kwanzaa, some people abstain from eating meat until the Kwanzaa feast or karamu. On each day of the Kwanzaa celebration, include a dish from a different country in the African diaspora.

Edible gifts such as quick breads or nut mixes can make great presents for the host or hostess of Kwanzaa activates.

Kwanzaa Feast or Karamu
The Kwanzaa karamu can be intimate with close family and friends or a large community celebration. This menu can be a cooperative effort with each person bringing a dish. These dishes can be family favorites or foods of one particular country. In the spirit of Kwanzaa, and learning about African heritage, some families and churches, select one country and the entire karamu menu includes dishes and foodstuffs from the specified land.

Celebrating Kwanzaa

Source: Charla L. Draper
It is not legal to reprint without author's permission.