Why is it that folks always wanna rush through Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas? Could it be because, although it’s origins have been whitewashed,Thanksgiving traditionally focuses more on giving, while Christmas is more about receiving, unless you’re a parent.

I’m not faulting anyone for being more greedy than they are thankful, just trying to put some things into perspective, as usual.

My family always got together for Thanksgiving and Christmas and the dinners for both were heavenly. Growing up I loved being around all my relatives that I didn’t see on a regular basis. The spread was so delicious that even members of our church would come by after their own dinners. Although my age excluded me from the “real” fun, I still enjoyed the holiday vibe.

However, I’d be lying if I said that Christmas, and all the gifts that came with it, wasn’t my favorite time of year. I never really asked anyone else what they wanted, but I didn’t hesitate to make my wishes known.

To keep it real, I was a brat. My mom would go above and beyond year after year and I was never satisfied. I would have more than I deserved, but I always wanted more. I wanted what other kids got and some. On top of that, I never made much effort to get my mom anything in return.

Looking back, I want to kick my younger self straight in the throat. My ungrateful, undeserving butt. Smh.

I remember hearing about Kwanzaa, but I never really knew exactly what it was until I got to college. The Black Student Union on my campus hosted an annual Kwanzaa banquet where I learned more about the holiday.

Kwanzaa is observed the week between Christmas and New Year’s (Dec 26th-Jan 1st). According to the Official Kwanzaa Web Site, “Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.”

It’s seven principles, or “Nguzo Saba” focus on strengthening one's self, family, community and culture as a whole. Kwanzaa was founded in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenga, during the Black Freedom Movement as a way to reaffirm and restore Black culture.

The Seven Principles include, unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

If you’d like to learn more about the celebration of Kwanzaa, here’s a link.

For me Kwanzaa is a way to reground myself for the coming year. A way to focus in on what’s most important, family and unity. If you’re feeling kinda hesitant, don’t knock it til you try it. Do some research for yourself. Nobody’s asking you to give up your holiday tradition, just to potentially embrace a new one.

Peace