Creating New Kwanzaa Traditions

Kwanzaa has always been a special time of year for me and my family.

.....at least that's what I wish I could say. If you're anything like me, then you did not grow up celebrating Kwanzaa with your family or community, and it's something you recently adopted as a holiday of your own.

When I celebrated my first Kwanzaa for myself in 2020, I gathered candles from around the Westside of Detroit, and was gifted a Kwanzaa Kinara from a brotha on the opposite side of the city. I gathered a picture of Fannie Lou Hamer, and a bowl for libations and it was on and popping! It was humble beginnings for me, celebrating my very first full blown Kwanzaa, but little did I know that it was the unfolding of KwanzaaMe!

Reflecting on how I've embraced Kwanzaa and created new Kwanzaa traditions over the past few years i'm proud of the ways I take space during the holidays by celebrating for myself, my family and my community.

So far, these a few Kwanzaa traditions I've created along with the Kwanzaa principles they embody

1. Unity/Umoja: Kwanzaa Paint n Sip Date Night

2. Self-Determination/Kujichagulia: Taking off work a few days during Kwanzaa and tending to my home or family in ways that bring me joy.

3. Collective Work & Responsibility/Ujimaa: A big part of Kwanzaa is dance, being from Detroit, I like to host Hustle Nights and dust off our hustles, teach each other new ones, and if we're feeling really good, we might make some

4. Cooperative Economics/Ujamaa: At KwanzaaMe, December can be one of our most active seasons for po`Hosting Kwanzaa Kickback that has games, food, and even entertainment centered on Kwanzaa or general Black community or culture.

5. Purpose/Nia: Lighting the Kinara every morning of Kwanzaa, pouring libations and set my Kwanzaa intentions for the day.

6. Creativity/Kuumba: I usually take a fun and creative class/workshop on my own that let's me delve into my creativty or self expression

7. Faith/Imani: Gather with my family and intentionally name our goals for next year, our personal plan of action, as well as how we will support each other and hold each other accountable to those goals.

Here are Some additional suggestions for your family to create your own Kwanzaa Traditions:

• Kwanzaa Karoke

• Kwanzaa Movie Screening

• Kwanzaa themed Game night

• Purchase a Kwanzaa Activity Download from our site for more activities for your family

Kwanzaa is about celebrating our culture, our community, and ourselves. By adding our personal touches, we’ve turned it into a celebration that feels vibrant and alive—something we look forward to every year.

If you’re thinking about starting or evolving your Kwanzaa traditions, my advice is simple: start with what feels meaningful to you. Mix old with new, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, Kwanzaa is about self-determination—so let your celebration reflect the beautiful, unique spirit of your family and community.

How are you celebrating Kwanzaa this year? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other!