December Holidays Week 2

OUR THEME IS…

DECEMBER
HOLIDAYS

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is a relatively new celebration.

It was first introduced in the USA in 1966.

Kwanzaa celebrates African American

culture, history, and perseverance.

Families gather during Kwanzaa to eat

meals, light the kinara, and exchange gifts.

KWANZAA

This is a kinara. Each candle

represents one of the seven

principles of Kwanzaa.

People light one candle for

each night of Kwanzaa.

WHEN IS KWANZAA?

Kwanzaa is celebrated for

seven days, from December

26-January 1 each year.

Kwanzaa gifts are

traditionally homemade

and/or educational.

PANCHA GANAPATI

Pancha Ganapati is a Hindu holiday.

It is celebrated from December 21-25.

Pancha Ganapati is similar

to other December celebrations.

Families gather together for five days to

exchange cards and gifts, decorate their

homes, and eat delicious foods.

PANCHA GANAPATI

Pancha Ganapati celebrates the Hindu

god Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord

of culture and new beginnings.

Each day, a tray of fruits, sweets,

and incense is offered to Lord

Ganapati, a form of the god Ganesha.

BOXING DAY

Boxing Day is on December

26th, the day after Christmas.

Boxing Day is celebrated in the

UK, Canada, India, New

Zealand, and Australia.

Boxing Day was once a day of

giving “boxes” of money, food,

and presents to the poor.

Today, giving to the poor happens

in the weeks before Christmas, not

afterwards. Instead, people watch

sports on TV, go shopping, and visit

with friends.

CHRISTMAS
IN MEXICO

From December 16 to Christmas Eve, families in

Mexico participate in processions called “posadas.”

Posada is Spanish for inn. They travel from

house to house, singing Christmas carols

but never being allowed to go inside.

LAS POSADAS

On the last night of Las Posadas, which

is also Christmas Eve, the singing

children are allowed into the house.

They play piñata, sing songs, light fireworks,

and eat food. At midnight, the family goes to

church together for Midnight Mass.

Paste today’s read-aloud book cover(s) in

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