When I was a child, like everybody else in my community, Christmas was anticipated and we were swept up in the fallacies that engulfed the commercialism that thwart mankind from celebrating the real reason for the season. My father introduced us to a strange holiday called Kwanzaa growing up in the early 50’s to late 60’s, and we were all excited because it was different, and it was exclusively ours. Christmas was traditional, especially before I learned the truth; even beyond what became status quo. It wasn’t until Kwanzaa became such a cultural phenomena among African-American families like ours for something more palatable and worthy with values in familial order that principles were inclusive. I still celebrate it today! In it, you had seven principles that made up the gist of the celebration—Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work/Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Even Biblical lore exemplifying the Fruit of the Spirit, is relative to dictates in what is needed to live productive lives, so does what Kwanzaa implies with first fruit harvest in giving something back to insure a stable existence. Of course, I’m all grown up now, and look at Christmas as a time for reflection hoping that nothing is distorted from the truth, but still able to give children something to anticipate. Likewise, I view Hanukkah just as important to Jewish tradition in its scope and purpose. 

      Nevertheless, and true to the theme of this essay, you should be familiar with the three main celebrations that permeate our minds, albeit with three different disciplines, even. The true meaning of Christmas is compromised with dual liberties—one for real reason for the season, and paradoxically, Santa Claus holding children (and some adults) captive based on lies. But think about this: should synchronicity and similarities that be shared without consternation and disrespect honoring one over the other? I ask this question simply because there’s no denying the fact that between December 22 thru January 5 we are in the spirit and rejoicing. Rejoicing for what, and why? Can’t there be a better sense of togetherness on one accord when it comes to debunking myths and harboring truth and goodwill that would validate all three for all purposes intended? If you didn’t know it, Hanukkah too, is a traditional eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication during the second century (BC) where they rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. It’s all about religious freedom. Freedom no matter the circumstances should be observed in a celebratory way. This, perhaps in a somewhat different interpretation is what Dr. Maulana Karenga had in mind when he created Kwanzaa. It is my mindset that it is unity and living life with purpose and with a sense of self-empowerment. Traditionally it’s also a week-long annual celebration held in the Black American and African diaspora honoring cultural heritages observed from December 26 to January 1 which includes end of session gift-giving and a feast. Seven core principles are part of the process. Kwanzaa is often misunderstood by those of different persuasions, while no less important than Hanukkah, but much more respected than Christmas if Christ is part of why they are celebrating it.

      Often people ask what’s the difference between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and I would readily say that all of them are celebratory in nature, but man has certainly allowed history to distort the truth and give this time of year reasons to be jubilant on one hand, but not so on more salient points. Mankind’s penchant for distorting truth for pagan origins are to blame for many different reasons. Moreover, Jesus would be appalled at how the ‘do this in remembrance of me’ is not indicative of his reason for the season, nor anything else associated in lieu of over-commercialism (and we all know that he probably was NOT born in December). Whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this year, or if you choose to celebrate nothing at all, let’s have ourselves a merry little Christmas—whatever our reasons for the season if you celebrate one of the other, or all three…just enjoy the break from school! Take the initiative to visit family and friends sharing good cheer enjoying home cooking delights, read a book (preferably the Bible)…and if you just want to rest and recuperate from rigors of the past year, that’s okay too!