by MeMeME

Created on: March 19, 2009

Kwanzaa is a holiday that was created by Ron Karenga in 1967 that celebrates African American culture and heritage by focusing on seven key principles; it has nothing to do with religion. Kwanzaa is not only celebrated by African Americans, but by people of many backgrounds. The holiday lasts for seven days, from the day after Christmas until New Years Day. Families that choose to celebrate Kwanzaa typically introduce it to their children at a very young age. Kwanzaa is not a commercialized holiday- there is absolutely no need to buy extravagant gifts for baby's first Kwanzaa, or any subsequent Kwanzaa celebrations. Often, families celebrate the holiday by making gifts together. But if you prefer to purchase gifts, the most appropriate Kwanzaa gift for children is a book, other educational material, or a heritage symbol.

The gift of a book during Kwanzaa is symbolic in itself because it represents the African tradition of placing importance upon learning, a tradition that goes back to ancient Egypt. There are many children's books that are ideal for children celebrating their first Kwanzaa holiday, including "My First Kwanzaa" by Karen Katz, "My First Kwanza Book" by Deborah Chocolate, and "Mommy, Is It Kwanzaa Yet?" by Barbara Johnson-Stokes. The best thing about these books is that they can be read throughout the year, thereby encouraging children to want to celebrate their heritage and culture all year long, not just when Kwanzaa rolls around.

Kwanzaa-themed coloring books are a good idea for older babies, and dolls or puppets dressed in traditional African attire are great for babies of all ages. Giving a movie is another option that will grow along with the child, and can be used for many Kwanzaa celebrations to come, as well as throughout the year. "The Black Candle" is a Kwanzaa documentary that will come in handy once the baby is a bit older, while "Elmo's World - Happy Holidays" is appropriate for babies and small children, though it reviews many holidays and doesn't primarily focus on Kwanzaa.

The giving of traditional clothing worn during Kwanzaa such as kufis, dashikis, and kaftans is appropriate even for babies- you can find specialty retailers that can custom make these items for the child. Baby creepers, blankets, and bibs celebrating Kwanzaa are even easier to find, and more common.

The best gift that can be given to a child of any age is simply teaching the seven values that are the foundation of the Kwanzaa celebration: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani). By remembering that it is not material gifts but the meaning of the holiday that is important, your family will surely have a joyous Kwanzaa.

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