Winter Holidays

2 Winter Holidays

Christmas Page 3 Christmas story Foreign customs Gift-giving Holiday symbols

Hanukah Page 7 A time line Hebrew words Potato pancakes Holiday game

Kwanzaa Page 11 Seven principles Who is a hero? Kwanzaa card Read a fable

THE Topic is holidays Kwanzaa, Hanukah, Christmas: Each is a celebration in time of a people, a place and a promise. The ways these three holidays are alike can be seen in this special section. Although we hope students will respect differences between peoples, we also hope they will see common threads that run throughout the three holidays. One of the common threads is the dates on which the holidays are celebrated: Christmas on Dec. 25, Hanukah on Kislev 25 and Kwanzaa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 Light plays a big part in each holiday. Christmas candles are a sign of light in the darkness for Christians. The eight candles on the Hanukah menorah symbolize the eight days that the small amount of oil for the light in the temple lasted. The Kwanzaa ceremony includes the lighting of seven candles, each of which represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. All the holidays are rooted in history. Students will learn the

stories behind the three holiday celebrations and where some of the customs started. In addition, there are heroes in all the celebrations. Because there are many ways to show how someone can be a hero, we ask students to name examples of brave behavior. To all people, there is a real need to remember, to love and to share. Students also will be given activities that they can share with members of their families, such as recipes to cook, crafts to make or customs to introduce into family celebrations. We are grateful for our heritage and our history and celebrate the miracle and meaning of its many gifts — especially, the joys of deliverance and of being provided for. Holidays are special days when we promise ourselves again to live up to the best of our words and actions — when we offer ourselves with loved ones and friends to the unity of the Family of Man. In the true spirit of Hanukah, Kwanzaa and Christmas, we wish all humanity freedom, harmony and joy.

Check the Newspaper Can you find a story about any of these holidays in the newspaper? Write a summary.

3 Christmas

The story of Christmas Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. Some churches celebrate the holiday on Dec. 25, some on Jan. 6 and some on Jan. 18. The story of Jesus’ birth is well known: Joseph had to participate in a census in the city of his ancestors, Bethlehem, which is in Judea. Bethlehem is also known as the city of David. He took with him his wife, Mary. In Bethlehem, there was no room for them to stay in an inn, so they found shelter with the animals. There Mary gave birth to her first-born son. She made a bed for him in a manger. Nearby, shepherds were watching their sheep when an angel appeared to them. The splendor of the angel frightened the

shepherds. But the angel calmed them and told them to be happy because Jesus had been born. He told them to look for a child lying in a manger. At the same time, three kings from the East traveled to Jerusalem, following a star that they said foretold of Jesus’ birth. When they found Jesus, they gave him gifts of gold, plus frankincense and myrrh (two kinds of perfume). Christmas customs go back to celebrations and rituals performed long before Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Early Christians used to celebrate the holiday on Jan. 6, but it was changed to Dec. 25, which was an ancient Roman holiday, the birthday of the sun. In England, the celebration became known as “Christes masse,” the church festival of Christ.

Tell the tale through music Hark! The Herald Angels Sing . . . and so do we before, during and after the holiday season. Songs, carols and hymns fill the air. Carols tell the story of Christmas. Study carefully the first lines of the following songs, and then number them in the correct order to tell the story of Christmas.

_____ “Joy to the world! The Lord is come” _____ “O little town of Bethlehem” _____ “While shepherds watched their flock by night” _____ “It came upon a midnight clear” _____ “Angels we have heard on high” _____ “Away in a manger, no crib for his bed”

4 Christmas Christmas customs Christmas has special customs — things people do year after year. But not all countries celebrate with the same customs. THE PINATA, a large paper ornament filled with candies and toys, is a Mexican tradition. Hung from the ceiling, it is struck with a stick by blind-folded children until it spills the candies and toys inside. A simple Pinata can be made from a large paper bag decorated with animal designs or crowns. The crowns remind us of the Three Kings. Streamers of green and white symbolize the colors of the Epiphany (e-PIF-e-nee). Tied at the top and attached to a long cord, it can be raised and lowered from the ceiling until broken open by a lucky child. In Spain, THE NACIMIENTO (nas-i-meEN-to) or manger scene is lighted on Nochebuena, or the Good Night (Christmas Eve). But on Epiphany Eve (Jan. 5) the custom is for families to seek the Magi (the Wise Men) by staging great parades to the edge of the town. Foods are carried for the Kings and their animals. The Magi are found in the nacimiento in the village church. In England, EPIPHANY EVE is known as Twelfth Night — the last evening of Christmas and the traditional time to take down the holiday decorations. It is also the last chance to celebrate the Christmas season. As the decorations come down, carols, games and food, including Epiphany Cake, are enjoyed by all. Epiphany Cake, a spice cake with white frosting and green crowns, has three beans baked into it, as well as other objects such as a coin for wealth or a ring for marriage. The beans represent the Magi. Each person who discovers a bean in his or her slice of cake is crowned with a paper crown. The Kings of the evening lead a festive procession while singing “We Three Kings.”

TRACK THE CUSTOMS Christmas reminds us of the Christ Mass or that special service when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Through the centuries this religious service has grown into a season of fun and feasting. Throughout the world, certain gifts or customs from other people have made our Christmas more bright and beautiful. Can you guess the place where each “gift” or custom began? Connect the place and the custom by drawing a line between the two. Plum pudding Christmas trees

Germany Italy

“Silent Night”

Holland

Creche (manger scene)

Austria

St. Nicholas (Santa) Turkey dinners Pinatas

England Mexico United States

SPREAD SOME GOOD NEWS The story of Christmas is called the “Good News.” You can send the “Good News” in the form of a greeting card. Cut a piece of newspaper 6-by-8 inches. See if you can find a happy headline or picture to use. Glue it to a piece of plain paper the same size. Fold the paper so that the newsprint is on the outside. Write “Good News” on the cover. On the inside, write: “It’s Christmas!”

g oo d

n ew s

5 Christmas The Custom of Giving Gifts Incense — a valuable material burned for its beautiful smell — was brought to the Baby Jesus by the Wise Men or Three Kings. What gifts will you bring to Christmas this year? Look through your newspaper and cut out or tear out pictures and words of gifts that you could give to others this Christmas. Remember that gifts are not only things you can wrap and put under the

tree. They can also be acts of kindness and helpfulness as well. Newspaper ads show all the newest things you could give those you love. But many stories in the paper give ideas about gifts people give by their actions — to their families,neighborhood, or school. You don’t need money to give these gifts. Just care and imagination. Tape or glue your gift ideas to the package below.

A gift received in love is a joy forever. Now you have shown what you would give others, what do YOU want for Christmas this year? Now is the time to write or make up your list. Using pictures or words from your newspaper, tell us what you want. Maybe you would like to mail your list to Santa. Don’t limit yourself to toys and the usual presents. Include at least one idea or act that would make your life more special.

make a chain In the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” we sing about the five golden rings given as a present. With 12 strips of colored paper, make a paper chain to hang on your Christmas tree. Beginning on Christmas Day, open one ring each day. When you open the last ring, you’ll know that Christmas is over, and the Epiphany has come.

the roles of the saints There are many saints at Christmas. Special people who did special and wonderful things in the past: Barbara, who helped young girls marry; Lucia, who showed forth the light of God in the darkness of life; Francis, who gave us the Christmas manger; Nicholas, who gave secret gifts of love. Of all these saints, Nicholas — or St. Nick or Santa Claus — is the most famous and loved. His story is simple. As a young, rich man in Asia, he decided to give gifts

to people secretly each Christmas. No one knew he was the giver until he went away forever. Then people knew who gave them their gifts; and, they began to give the gifts secretly in the name of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. So even today the mystery and magic of Nicholas lives on all over the world. How many Santas do you know? Could you list them by name? Could you be someone’s secret Santa this year? How? What gift will you give?

Epiphany (Jan. 6) marks the day the Three Kings visited the Christ Child, bearing gifts. In some countries such as Spain and Mexico, there is much feasting and gift-giving on the Epiphany. You might want to make your paper chain a Christmas-Epiphany gift for someone. To make it very special, write a loving word or message on each strip of paper before you assemble your chain.

6 Christmas Christmas tree: A symbol that keeps giving Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the Christmas tree. It has been a beautiful symbol even for people who didn’t have the kind of trees we usually use. In pioneer days — especially on the American Plains — there were no evergreen trees to cut and decorate. So families wrapped

sassafras branches with cotton and decorated them at Christmas. Some Moravian families in Pennsylvania still follow this custom. Trees weren’t always decorated with shiny balls and ornaments. Why not have an old-fashioned family tree? String popcorn, bake cookies, wrap candies and hang fresh fruit on the branches (apples, pears and oranges — some covered with cloves). Apples were the first ornaments used on the first Christmas trees. Cloves remind us of the spices brought by the Wise Men. Spices

also remind us of how Christmas spices up our life. When your family is finished with your tree after Christmas, you still can use it for fun and friendship. Cut stale bread with Christmas cookie cutters, spread it with peanut butter and dip it in bird seed. Then hang the bread on a discarded Christmas tree and put outside for birds and small animals. You then can enjoy the beauty of nature the rest of the winter!

see the signs

treats for Christmas Day:

Signs of Christmas are everywhere at this time of year. They all point to something important. What do these holiday signs tell us about Christmas? Draw an arrow from the sign to its meaning.

Christmas Toast — Using Christmas cookie cutters, cut shapes from pieces of white bread, then butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and toast in oven. Fruit and Nut Mix — Carefully split walnuts in two and remove nuts from shell. Chop the nuts and mix with raisins and bits of dried fruit.

Light in darkness Welcome

Love

Guidance

Caring Life or growth

lay out a christmas feast Many meals, and especially Christmas Dinner, make the holiday special for young and old. Using your newspaper (the food sections are a good place to start), cut out or tear out pictures or words of foods you would like to see on your dinner table this Christmas. Set your table below, and don’t forget the centerpiece — a special decoration in the middle of the table.

7 Hanukah

The story of hanukah A long time ago, the Jews of Israel were ruled by cruel King Antiochus from Syria, who wanted the Jews to believe in the Greek religion. He sent soldiers to the Jews’ most holy place, the Temple in Jerusalem and made it a place of Greek worship. The soldiers killed many people and burned many homes. A brave Jewish man, named Judah Maccabee, led a small Jewish army — the Maccabees — in a fight against the King and his soldiers. After three years, the King and the

write history Read these sentences describing Hanukah events and then rewrite them in the order that they happened in history:

Syrians were defeated on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. After the war, the Maccabees cleaned the holy Temple in Jerusalem. Legend has it that there was only enough oil to burn the Menorah for one day. But a miracle happened — the oil burned for eight days! We light the Hanukah menorah for eight days to recall the oil that burned for eight days. Hanukah means “Rededication,” because the Maccabees rededicated the Temple and cleansed it.

King Antiochus is cruel to the Jews. The Maccabees clean the Temple and rededicate it. The Maccabees defeat the King and the Syrians. King Antiochus of Syria becomes King over the Jews. Judah Maccabee leads the Jews in a fight against the king and army. 1.

learn the blessings for the menorah A MENORAH is a candle holder. We light one candle each night for eight nights, until all the candles are lighted. We use the tall middle candle to light the others. Here are the blessings we recite over the Hanukah Menorah: Baruch Alah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher Kidshanu beMitazvotav, VeTzivanu LeHadlik Ner Shel Hanukah. Blessed are you, O Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us through your commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukah lights. Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, she’asah Nisim La’avoteinu, Bayamim HaHem Bazeman Hazeh. Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who did wonders for our ancestors in former times at this season. (On the first night only) Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, She’hecheyanu V’Kiyemanu V’higiyanu Lazeman Hazeh. Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this time.

______________________

________________________ ________________________ 2. ______________________ ________________________ ________________________ 3. ______________________ ________________________ ________________________ 4. ______________________ ________________________ ________________________ 5. ______________________ ________________________ ________________________

8 Hanukah look for heroes in everyday life The Maccabees are called heroes, because they were brave in fighting off their enemies. Being brave in battle is one way of being a hero or heroine.

____ Rescue someone from a fire. ____ Not be afraid of an operation. ____ Break up a fight between two people.

There are other ways to be brave and be a hero or heroine. Put an “X” next to the things that you think a brave person would do:

____ Admit you did something wrong.

Look through the newspaper this week for examples of men or women being heroes or heroines. Sometimes little things can be the mark of a hero as well as big things. People who over-come obstacles each day of their life are called “everyday heroes.” How might kids be “everyday heroes.”?

What makes a miracle? A miracle is something wonderful that happens when we do not expect it. Some people say that the oil that lasted for eight days instead of one was a miracle. Some people say that it was a miracle for the small band of Maccabees to win the war against the Syrians, who were stronger and greater in number.

1. ____________________________

What do you think is a miracle?

3. ____________________________

HA PP

____________________________

Y

HANUKA H

2. ____________________________ ____________________________

List what you think are miracles:

____________________________

create a hanukah card know some hebrew words Match the Hebrew word on the left with the English word on the right: HanukaH

Happy holiday!

Latkes

Candle holder

Menorah SufganiyoT Hag Samayach Dreidel

Potato pancakes Spinning top Rededication Jelly doughnuts

Here is the front for a Hanukah card. Fold a piece of plain or colored paper like a card. Cut out and paste this card-front to your paper. On the inside of the card, write your own message. In Hebrew, we greet each other on Hanukah by saying “Hag Samayach,” which means “Happy Holiday!”

9 Hanukah

WHAT DO WE EAT ON HANUKAH?

3 large potatoes 1 small onion

2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs In Israel, the Jews eat Sufganiyot, jelly doughnuts, on Hanukah. Another food eaten on Hanukah is Latkes, potato pancakes, because they are cooked in oil, as are the doughnuts. Here is the recipe for Latkes:

Makes 6 to 12 pancakes. 1. Grate the potatoes and onions and put them in a bowl. 2. Add the eggs, flour, and salt and mix well. 3. Form into pancakes and fry well on both sides in hot oil in a frying pan. 4. Eat with sour cream or apple sauce.

set a table for HanUkah Here is a table almost ready for Hanukah. Draw and color in the following items. You may want to label them.

Menorah Jelly doughnuts Latkes

10 Hanukah

Songs and games I have a Little Dreidel On holidays, we celebrate by singing songs. Here is a favorite Hanukah song: I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay; And when it’s dry and ready Then dreidel I shall play. O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay; O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, Now dreidel I shall play. It has a lovely body With leg so short and thin; And when it is all tired, It drops and then I win. O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, With leg so short and thin; O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, It drops and then I win. My dreidel is always playful, It loves to dance and spin; A happy game of dreidel; Come play, now let’s begin.

On Hanukah we play with a Dreidel, which is a spinning top. The Dreidel has four sides, and on each side is a Hebrew letter. The four letters are:

NUN

play a game of Dreidel 1. Everyone starts with the same number of pennies, nuts, or raisins. 2. Each person puts one of these in the middle. 3. Each person spins the Dreidel. If the Dreidel lands on:

NUN: the player does nothing GIMEL: the player takes everything in the middle

HAY: the player takes half of the middle SHIN: the player puts one in the middle Whoever gets the most is the winner.

GIMEL

HAY

O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, It loves to dance and spin; O dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, Come play, now let’s begin.

SHIN

11 Kwanzaa The Nguzo Saba

The story of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa ( KWAHN-zah ) is an African American celebration. This celebration is a special time when black families and friends come together, give thanks and celebrate their African heritage. The word Kwanzaa is a Swahili (swah-HEE-lee) term meaning first fruits. Swahili is the official language of Kenya in East Africa. Celebration of harvesting the “first fruits” or first crop is traditional in Africa. At this time of year our people in Africa come together to share and rejoice. Everyone brings a gift he or she has made or grown to the Karamu(ker-rah-MOO). The Karamu is the feast that takes place during the celebration. People sing, dance and tell stories. Now in the United States, we have a Karamu during our Kwanzaa too. This celebration is not a religious holiday or an alternative to Christmas. Some black families celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa. Some black

families celebrate only Kwanzaa. People do not have to buy expensive gifts to celebrate Kwanzaa. They can share their talent and kindness. The spirit of Kwanzaa is love, harmony and joy. Here is the story of Kwanzaa: Once upon a time in a place called California, there lived a man, Dr. Maulana Karenga. Karenga was a scholar and philosopher. He wanted black people to become aware of their past, their present and their future. Studying African societies, he discovered that all were built upon and guided by seven basic principles — the “NGUZO SABA” (en-GOO-zoh SAH-bah). Karenga said that traditional societies celebrated on the last day of the harvest and gave thanks for a rich crop. He felt that Americans of African descent could adopt the coming together of black people. Today more and more black families come together to celebrate Kwanzaa.

look to the principles Write about the principles of Kwanzaa. Choose one of the seven principles. Write on another piece of paper how that principle could be used to solve a problem like those found in the newspaper today. Choose another principle. Find a story in the newspaper about something that is the opposite of the principle. Write about how they are different.

The Nguzo Saba(en-GOO-zoh- SAH-bah) are the seven principles of Kwanzaa. They are written in the Swahili language. Look at the pronunciation key after each word. Say aloud each principle:

UMOJA — (oo-MOH-jah) KUJICHAGULIA — (koo-jee-chahgoo-LEE-ah)

UJIMA — (oo-JEE-mah) UJAMAA — (oo-jah-MAH) NIA — (NEE-ah) KUUMBA — (koo-OOM-bah) IMANI — (ee-MAH-nee) The seven principles of Kwanzaa have special meanings. Each day of Kwanzaa a principle and its meaning are discussed. The first day is UMOJA. Umoja mean UNITY. We must come together and show love for our family, our friends and our community. The second day is KUJICHAGULIA. Kujichagulia means self-determination. We must control our own lives. The third day is UJIMA. Ujima means Work and Responsibility. We must build up our communities. The fourth day is UJAMAA. Ujamaa means Economics. We must have and maintain our own businesses. The fifth day is NIA. Nia means Purpose. We must have pride in ourselves and in our ancestors. The sixth day is KUUMBA. Kuumba means Creativity. We must keep our homes clean and our surroundings beautiful. The seventh day is IMANI. Imani means Faith. We must believe in our right to exist as a people.

12 Kwanzaa KWANZAA SYMBOLS The Kwanzaa ceremony involves symbols and the lighting of the seven candles. The seven candles are red, black and green. They are called the MSHUMAA (mi-SHOO-mah). Each candle represents one of the seven principles. The candles are placed in a wooden candle holder called the KINARA (ki-NAH-rah). The Kinara is placed on a straw mat called the MKEKA (mah-KAY-kah). The straw mat represents the foundation of humanity. The Mkeka is set on a table. Other symbols on the table are: MUHINDI (moo-HEEN-dee) is the corn. An ear of corn is placed on the table for each child in the family.

MATUNDA (mah-TOON-dah) is the fruit. The fruit is placed on the table to represent the harvest. ZAWADI (zah-WAH-dee) are gifts for the children. KIKOMBE (kee-KOHM-bay) is the unity cup. The unity cup is filled with wine or fresh juice. The color scheme of the setting is red, black and green. Red is the blood of our ancestors. Black is the beauty of our color. Green is the growth of our land. Each day during Kwanzaa a candle is lit and a principle is discussed. After the ceremony each person drinks from the unity cup and says “HARAMBEE” (hah-rahm-BAY), which means “pulling together.”

stories tell of Black heroes During Kwanzaa children are told stories about some of the many black heroes: • Shaka (SHAH-kah), founder of the great Zulu Empire in Southern Africa. • Rosa Parks, who refused to sit at the back of a bus. Her action led to the famous bus boycott led by Martin Luther King. • Toussaint L’Ouverture (TOO-saunt la OVER-ture), the general who won freedom for the Haitian slaves. Read through the newspaper and find three people whom you consider to be heroes.

KWANZAA meal The Kwanzaa meal consists of delicious and nutritious foods. Some families eat a special Kwanzaa dinner. This dinner was created by Dr. Edward Sims who lives in Philadelphia, Pa. Each selection in the dinner represents a symbol and a color. Blackeye peas — color is black, symbol of Africa the mother continent. Rice — color is white, symbol of the slave ships that brought black people from Africa to America. Collard greens — color is green, symbol of rebirth and cultural awareness of black people. Cornbread or sweet potato bread — color is orange, symbol of sunrise of a new day. Wine — color is red, symbol of our pain and passion. Other families might eat a combination of foods that are eaten in Africa, the Caribbean and black America. Banana Biscuits come from Jamaica, which is in the Caribbean. Here is the recipe:

Banana Biscuits 2 ripe bananas (peeled) 1 tablespoon of shortening 1 cup of flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of lemon juice pinch of salt

Mash bananas in bowl. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening. Add lemon juice. Make a dough with mashed bananas and flour mixture. Roll out on floured pastry board. Cut into 2 1/2 inch rounds. Prick tops of rounds with fork and place on greased, floured cookie sheet. Bake in hot oven (450 degrees) for 10 minutes. It makes 12 biscuits.

13 Kwanzaa plan your own KWANZAA meal

“Big Leopard and Mother Hen”

Read the food section of the newspaper. Plan your own Kwanzaa meal. On the plate below draw and color in your meal. Do not forget to include your bread and your drink.

Games are played at the Karamu (feast) during Kwanzaa. Here is a game from West Africa. It is called: Big Leopard and Mother Hen. Players needed: Five or more. One player is Big Leopard. One player is Mother Hen. The other players are the baby chickens. The chickens form a line behind Mother Hen, each holding the next player around the waist. They sway and chant: “Who is coming?” Big Leopard stands in front of the line dancing and growling: “I am coming for you.” Mother Hen chants: “The leopard comes to catch my babies!” At that point, the leopard grabs at the chickens, who fall to the ground when he starts to move. If the leopard catches a chicken before it falls, he takes the chicken to his den. The game continues until all the chickens are caught.

matching: the seven principles of KWANZAA Below are definitions for each of the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa. Draw a line from each principle to the correct definition. Umoja (Unity)

A.

the effort to make or do something

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

B.

having to do with the management of income, supplies and expenses of a household

Ujima (Work)

C.

having the intention of doing or accomplishing an aim

Ujamaa (Economics)

D.

coming together in harmony and agreement

Nia (Purpose)

E.

having the ability to produce by one’s own thought and imagination

Kuumba (Creativity)

F.

belief

Imani (Faith)

G.

making decisions for oneself

14 Kwanzaa

Why the Leopard Has Spots In additional to games, story-telling is a traditional part of the Karamu feast. “How” and “why” fables are stories that are used to entertain and educate people of all ages. Read the following fable from West Africa. Answer the questions below. Long, long ago all the animals of the forest lived in huts. One day Baby Leopard asked his mother if he could go outside to play. “You can go out, son,” said Mother Leopard. “But be careful. Do not run into fire!” The Baby Leopard did not know what fire was. So he said, “I am not afraid of fire. I am a leopard!” “Fire is stronger than any of us,” said Mother Leopard. Baby Leopard leaped and played through the forests all day. Just as the sun was setting he saw many antelopes and zebras running toward him. “Fire! Fire is chasing us,” they cried. “We must go to the river!” “I am not afraid of fire! I am a leopard!” shouted Baby Leopard. The animals continued to run past him until Baby Leopard could see them no longer. Baby Leopard ran deeper into the forest. Soon, however, the fire was upon him. “Help! Help! Something is burning me,” screamed Baby Leopard. He ran as swiftly as his legs could carry him. But the fire jumped and landed on his back. When he returned home, Mother Leopard rubbed his back in oil. “Mother,” he cried, “my back is full of spots.” Ever since that day all leopards have spots to keep them away from fire. The moral is: “Rain can wash the leopard’s back, but it cannot wash out its spots”.

Questions 1. What is a fable?

make a kwanzaa card

2. What is a “how” and “why” story?

Kwanzaa cards are sent to family and friends. You can make one to send.

3. What is a moral? 4. Read the titles below. Choose and write a “how” or “why” story a. “How the rabbit lost its tail.” b. “Why the zebra has stripes.” c. “Why the elephant has a trunk.”

Cut out the African designs on this page, or draw some. 1. Fold a piece of heavy paper to make a Kwanzaa card. Glue on the designs. 2. Write a message using words about Kwanzaa. In Swahili, “hello” is “Jambo.”

15 Winter Holidays

A way to conclude your studies Now that you have read separate articles about three holidays celebrated in the United States during the month of December, you are ready to think about all of them together: There are some things you can do with your class or at home. You will need the help of an adult for some of these activities. 1. Write two paragraphs, one on how the three holidays are similar and one on how they are different. 2. What is the message of each holiday? Discuss them in class or with your family. 3. Why do we celebrate holidays? Share your ideas with your classmates. 4. Look for articles in the newspaper during this month about the holidays. Be sure to check the food section for recipes and articles on holiday foods. 5. Clip out pictures and words from the newspaper that make you think of

Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa. Make a collage out of them by gluing them onto a large piece of plain paper. 6. With your teacher’s help, design a bulletin board to show the three December holidays. 7. Make a candle and give it as a gift to someone you care about. You may want to be a secret giver. You will need help from your teacher, your parents or another adult: Melt wax, add food coloring. Cut the top off a milk carton. Fill it with ice cubes. Tie a string around a pencil and lay the pencil across a carton so the wick (string) hangs down straight. Pour in wax. Let harden. When it is hard, tear off carton and cut off pencil. To decorate candles: Glue on glitter to make designs or to write name.

This supplement was put together from the contributions of three persons: The Christmas material was supplied by Paul A. Westman, an independent educational consultant for many schools and churches. The Hanukah information was supplied by Rabbi Ruth Sandburg, who teaches at Gratz College in Philadelphia. The Kwanzaa material was supplied by Linda Goss, a nationally known storyteller.

◆ Cover illustration was by Christopher McRobbie. The designers were Arzu Inal and Kimberly Rogers.

◆ Copyright © 2004 by Hot Topics Publications PO Box 183 Wyncote, PA 19095-0183

Solutions PAGE 3. Tell the tale through music: 1. It came upon a midnight clear 2. While shepherds watched their flock 3. Angels we have heard on high 4. O little town of Bethlehem 5. Away in a manger, no crib... 6. Joy to the world! The Lord is come PAGE 4. Match words and countries: 1. Plum pudding-England 2. Christmas trees-Germany 3. “Silent Night”-Austria 4. Creches-Italy 5. St. Nicholas-Holland 6. Turkey dinners-United States 7. Pinata- Mexico PAGE 5. Match colors and words: 1. Red-holly berries 2. White-light 3. Green-evergreens 4. Gold-rich gifts PAGE 6. Match symbols and concepts: 1. Heart-love. 2. Star-guidance 3. Candy cane-caring 4. Candle-light in darkness 5. Evergreen tree-life and growth 6. Christmas wreath-welcome

ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT

PAGE 7. Time line: 1. King Antiochus of Syria becomes king over the Jews 2. King Antiochus is cruel to the Jews. 3. Judah Maccabee leads the Jews in a fight against the king and his army. 4. The Maccabees defeat the king and the Syrians. 5. The Maccabees clean the Temple and rededicate it. PAGE 8. Matched words: 1. Hanukah-rededication 2. Latkes-potato pancakes 3. Menorah-candle holder 4. Sufganiyot-jelly doughnuts 5. Hag Samayach-Happy Holiday! 6. Dreidel-spinning top PAGE 13. Kwanzaa definitions: 1. D 2. G 3. A 4. B 5. C 6. E 7. F

16 Winter Holidays

Christmas means ...

HANUKAH MEANS ...

Find a word for every letter.

Find a word for every letter.

KWANZAA MEANS ...

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For more reading Students who wish to read more about these holidays can find many books and articles in libraries. Some recommended references are included here.

Hanukah “The Hanukah Anthology,” Philip Goodman, Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia. “Book III of the Jewish Home Series: Hanukah,” Daniel Syme, Union of American Hebrew Congregations, New York. “The Eight Nights,” Jane Bearman, Union of American Hebrew Congregations, New York

Christmas

Kwanzaa

“Christmas The World Over,” Daniel J. Foley, Chilton Book Co., Radnor, Pa.

“The Story of Kwanzaa,” Safisha L. Madhubuti, Third World Press, Chicago.

“Welcome the Babe: A Family Celebration of Christmas,” Bob and Chris Sitze, edited by Barbara Kortrey, Fortress Press, Philadelphia.

“Kwanzaa Handbook for the Black Family,” Edward Sims, the Black Family Rituals, P.O. Box 4956, Philadelphia.

“The Gift of Time,” Margaret Ehlen-Miller, Robert Miller, Loretta VanderVeen and Carl VanderVeen, Morehouse-Barlow Co. Inc., Wilton, Conn “The Seeds of Paradise, A Garland of Holiday Projects,” Mary V. Reilly and Margaret K. Wetterer, Morehouse-Barlow Co. Inc.,Wilton, Conn.. “The Jesse Tree,” Raymond and Jeorgene Anderson, Fortress Press, Philadelphia.

“Twas the Night Before Kwanzaa,” Edward Robinson Jr. and Harriet Cox Ronbinson, Black Rhapsody, Inc., 219 E. Clivedon St., Philadelphia. “African American Workshop,” Lucille Wallower and Marilyn Porter, Penns Valley Publishers, State College, Pa. “Kwanzaa Songs” and “Kwanzaa” cassettes, Kwanzaa sheet music, Coates Communications, P.O. Box 6365, Philadelphia, PA. 19139.