Kwanzaa Day 6 and New Year's Eve

The sixth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah), which is creativity. I can use my creative energies to build a beautiful and vibrant home and community.

And tonight is New Year's Eve- a big night for many people. W and I will celebrate quietly at home this year.

Agenda Today:

2018 Intentions Poster

1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Finish my 2019 Intentions Poster
4. Make wassail
5. Wassail my apple tree
6. Make noise!

Kwanzaa Day 5

The fifth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of nia (NEE-ah), which is purpose. Purpose allows me to dream of the best future, to look within and set personal goals that are beneficial to me, my family, and my community.

2018 resolutions

Agenda:
1. Journal queries

2. Kwanzaa ceremony

3. Make New Year's resolutions

4. Make a resolutions postcard

Kwanzaa Day 4

The fourth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujamaa (oo-JAH-maah), cooperative economics- the idea that when we work together, we all profit. Cooperative economics encourages us to meet our common needs by chipping in together. Imagine a world where everyone shares their wealth (even our government) and uses our economic strengths to make the world a better place!

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Donation pledge

Kwanzaa Day 3

The third day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujima (oo-JEE-mah), which is collective work and responsibility. Ujima is teamwork, working together for others and helping my neighbors.

Ujima reminds me of my obligation to my community, society, and world, and to the past, present and future. Imagine if all my actions flowed from the actions of those who came before me, and were considerate of all those who will come after me! That would be a life of great integrity and compassion!

Agenda today:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Make a recycled block sign
4. End of year work

Kwanzaa Day 2

The second day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah), which is self-determination: Thinking for myself, and deciding what I will say and what I will do with my life.

Self-determination requires me to understand who I am- personally, historically, and culturally. I need to know the history of my people and where I come from, so that I can live grounded in my past. My English, Welsh, German, Swiss, French, and Dutch (Mennonite and Quaker) ancestors have much wisdom and insight to offer me.

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Update my intentions poster
4. Start where I am

Kwanzaa Day 1

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.

In fact, values are the main theme of Kwanzaa; 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 us can benefit and grow by celebrating these principles.

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa altar
3. Kwanzaa ceremony
4. Continue the festal tide