Thinking Questions for Kwanzaa

Use these questions to reflect on the history and meaning of Christmas.

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Print out these thinking questions and write down the answers as you travel through the Christmas holiday scrapbook.

1. The traditions, names, and decorations of Kwanzaa reflect African culture, but it is an American holiday. Explain the meaning of the holiday in your own words.

2. Think about the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These principles reflect how we should live our lives, work together, and build our community. Choose one, describe it in your own words, and give an example from your life.

3. What is an example of a gift that might be given for Kwanzaa? What makes these gifts special?

4. If you were to explain Kwanzaa to a friend who had never heard of it before, what would you say?

5. Kwanzaa is a holiday about looking back and looking forward. Why do you think Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, chose the week between Christmas and New Year's for this holiday?

Find thinking questions for Christmas and Hanukkah.   

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