Kwanzaa is a seven-day African-American cultural holiday - an American holiday inspired by African traditions. The word kwanza is Swahili for “first”, as in "first fruits", because in some parts of Africa this is the season for first fruits harvest festivals. Kwanzaa is a time of thanksgiving for the earth, but also a time to honor ancestors, and a time for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage and learn about African traditions and values.
This is also the second day of the twelve-day festal tide - a sacred, festive season. In some old traditions, this whole season was seen as a sort of Sabbath: Prepare ahead of time and then spend the Twelve Days doing as little work as possible. It's a good time to rest, reflect, and find peace within.
Just like in the Netherlands, this year we are celebrating Christmas for two days. (The Dutch call it First and Second Christmas Day.) This morning we will have brunch and a big Christmas fire outside with my children and grandson, to open presents, eat, and drink, and be the crazy people we are. Later, we will go inside with half of my family to do a puzzle and have Christmas dinner together.
1. Kwanzaa principles
2. Journal queries
3. Love Goals for 2021
4. Practice Love with a Christmas brunch
5. Make Advocaat
1. Kwanzaa principles:
Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture, called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the Seven Principles.
Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture, called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the Seven Principles.
All of the Kwanzaa principles focus on community because in African philosophy a true human is always a person-in-community; this is reflected in the African saying, "I am because we are"- a good counter balance for the Me First thinking of the American culture. All of us can benefit and grow by celebrating these principles.
The first value is Umoja (oo-MOH-jah), which is unity- the unity of working and playing together with family and community, in harmony.
2. Journal queries:
This year, because I'm being safe and unsocial, I turned the 12 Days of Christmas into a mini-retreat for myself. I'm doing some reading and writing every day, focusing on my priorities and what I'm called to do (or not do) next in my life.
Today I am honoring Love and my receptive nature, all those yin qualities of being open, soft, gentle, unconditionally loving, nurturing, and trusting.
What is the condition of my marriage, family, and friend relationships? What do they need of me this year?
With whom am I struggling or feeling distant, and how can I open to healing our relationship? When problems and conflicts arise, do I try to resolve them in a timely fashion?
Do I keep my word, follow through with my responsibilities, speak truth, listen well, and show loyalty? What can I improve? How and when can I be kinder?
Where in my life do I need to be more generous - giving freely of my time, energy, love, possessions, encouragement, laughter, hospitality, service, and forgiveness?
How can I better love and care for myself? Can I manage my personality quirks with love and respect?
3. Love Goals for 2021:
I'm just beginning the work of setting goals and resolutions for the New Year. My theme for today is Love; like the earth accepting the seed, and willing to nurture it. Love requires that I be open and available, and also requires that I do the work to care for what I receive.
My ideas so far for love goals next year:
- Work together to listen better and discern what is important in our relationship.
- Continue to care for and nurture my grandson and his self-discovery.
- Find creative ways to nurture important friendships from home (like a weekly zoom happy hour).
- Create a process that is comfortable for me, to discuss large differences of opinion safely.
- Study and practice habits to improve my empathy and unconditional love (and reduce my judgementalism).
- Take daily time to rest and renew my body, mind, and spirit.
- Study my personality style, and learn how to manage my quirks without judgement.
4. Practice Love with a Christmas brunch:
We are having a brunch outdoors this morning - not sure how it will go since it's probably going to rain. But we have plans and contingency plans! We are determined to be together and be safe.
We will have a gift drop off space in the bike port, and chairs set up under cover in the tool shed area that looks onto the courtyard with our tiny Christmas tree. We will have blankets and hot water bottles and umbrellas. And we will have a big fire in our backyard fire pit.
We will serve food and hot drinks on the outdoor workbench: Cereal in little boxes, Danish prune bread, pears and oranges, leftover cheese ball, and eggnog.
5. Make Advocaat:
I made this traditional Dutch recipe for eggnog, called Advocaat, yesterday. It's thicker than the eggnog we are used to - more like an alcoholic custard. (In fact, it's a little too alcoholic for me; I may tone it down next time.) It keeps in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Ingredients:
10 egg yolks
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/3 c. sugar
1-1/2 c. brandy
2 tsp. vanilla extract
whipped cream
10 egg yolks
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/3 c. sugar
1-1/2 c. brandy
2 tsp. vanilla extract
whipped cream
cocoa powder
1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with 1-inch of water, and heat to a simmer on high then reduce to low.
1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with 1-inch of water, and heat to a simmer on high then reduce to low.
2. Beat the egg yolks, salt, and sugar until the mixture is thickened and creamy - about 4 minutes. Keep beating while slowly trickling in the brandy.
3. Pour the mixture into the top of the double boiler and warm over a low heat, continuously whisking. Be patient! The advocaat is ready when it's nicely thickened and hot (it should reach 130ºF), but do not boil or the alcohol will evaporate.
3. Pour the mixture into the top of the double boiler and warm over a low heat, continuously whisking. Be patient! The advocaat is ready when it's nicely thickened and hot (it should reach 130ºF), but do not boil or the alcohol will evaporate.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
5. Allow the advocaat to cool and then place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving.
6. Pour or scoop into small glasses or espresso cups. Top with whipped cream and a bit of cocoa powder to serve in the traditional manner. (OR, what I found delicious was to thin it with warm milk!)
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