For many, this holiday season will be spent closer to home. In this post we review some fun and culturally relevant activities one can do in lieu of travel and large social gatherings. This post is also a shout out to sponsors and affiliates as we appreciate their support! At no additional cost to you, Shop With Leslie will receive a commission should you use the advertisements in making a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, and according to Wikipedia the celebration of Kwaanza has been on the decline. This might be a good time then to refresh your understanding of the seven principles for which Kwanzaa is based, and incorporate them into holiday activities.
Mahogany Books (advertisement) offers a selection of Kwanzaa books that include a guide to celebrating and books for children.
Kwanzaa resources are also available on Amazon, and more are provided in the references.
YBE offers a traditional Kwanzaa set that includes a Kinara, candles, raffia mat, and unity cup. YBE specializes in African clothing which is traditionally worn during Kwanzaa celebrations. The Kwanzaa set and select apparel are featured below.
Play board and card games. There are many from which to chose that challenge your wit, fill one with practical and cultural knowledge, and promote quality time within the family. It’s A Black Thang (advertisement) offers a large selection of board games that include the following.
- Blackboard is an African American board game for the entire family (ages 7 and up), where you review and learn about African American cultural experiences.
- Specialty board games will provide hours of family fun. Examples include Cat-opology and Shark-opology for ages 8 and up.
- A deck of playing cards featuring “Great African Americans” is also available.
Furthermore, see the following card games on Amazon (advertisement)
Redecorate. Art De La Tuile offers a selection of African print duvet cover sets. Matching shower curtains and bath mats are also available. There are many collections. Check out the wild royal collection (1 of 15) below.
Incorporate cowrie shells into your fashion sense. Cowrie shells have long standing meaning in African culture. Historically cowrie shells were used as currency. Today they are also considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
Accented Glory uses cowrie shells in the design of their accessories. These include headbands, necklaces, and earrings. A sampling of products are featured in the carousel below. Products are available on Etsy, Amazon, We Buy Black, and Black Utopia.
Treat yourself to something special, and in doing so consider these wool poncho wraps that reflect the elegance of artist Stephanie Hill Ross. They are made of 100% twill wool, and breathable throughout, whether worn as a cape, oversized scarf, or colder weather poncho.
In reviewing these activities and products I hope you find one or more that work for you.
Happy shopping! Happy holidays! Happy Kwanzaa!
References
- Afrostyle magazine. “The significance of the cowrie shells.” http://www.afrostylemag.com/ASM11/significance_of_cowrie_shells.php
- BH & G Holiday Editors. “Learn more about important Kwanzaa history and traditions.” 12 November, 2020. Kwanzaa History & Traditions | Better Homes & Gardens (bhg.com)
- Robinson-Celeste, Janice. “Keeping Kwanzaa simple – easy ways to celebrate.” 11 December, 2017. Keeping Kwanzaa Simple – Easy Ways to Celebrate | HuffPost
- DTLK’s Crafts for Kids. “Kwanzaa crafts and children’s activities.” Kwanzaa Crafts for Kids (dltk-holidays.com)
