If you ask anyone what comes to their mind when you say “winter vacation” they will probably answer Christmas. Such a large percentage of the United States celebrates the holiday that it is extremely easy to forget about other winter holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. While most people know what Hanukkah is, many do not have a clue as to what Kwanzaa is.

Compared to Christmas and Hanukkah which have been around for centuries, Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday.  First celebrated in 1966, it was created by Maulana Karenga in order to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holidays” of Christmas and Hanukkah. The term Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits of the harvest.” Karenga’s main goal was to give African-Americans a holiday to celebrate their heritage and past.

Each year, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. A main point of the holiday is to observe the Seven Principles of African Heritage. The principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperate economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. One of the seven principles is honored each night to coincide with the seven days that Kwanzaa is celebrated.

Like Christmas and Hanukkah, there are many traditions that are apart of Kwanzaa. Similar to the Hanukkah menorah, a candle holder with seven candles called a kinara is lighted every night. Other traditions include gift giving, musical activities, and preparing African meals.

Although Kwanzaa may be considered  a minor holiday to many people, it is increasing in popularity every year. Since its inception in 1966, Kwanzaa has spread to countries such as Canada, England, France, Brazil, and Jamaica. In addition to celebrating Christmas, some African American families are beginning to celebrate Kwanzaa as well. As Kwanzaa continues to gain more and more participants every holiday season, it can only be assumed that it will start to gain more recognition within the coming years.