Kwanzaa is an African American celebration that focuses on the traditional African values of family, responsibility in the community, and improving and bettering yourself. Kwanzaa is a time where African-American people reconnect and celebrate their ancestors and culture. Here's a how-to article on celebrating Kwanzaa.

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Know the Nguzo Saba. Nguzo Saba is the basis of Kwanzaa. Nguzo Saba means "the seven guiding principles" (One for each day of the observance), and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Here is the Nguzo Saba;
- Umoja- "Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community." This is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
- Kujichagulia- "Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community."
- Ujima- "Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world."
- Ujamaa- "Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support."
- Nia- "Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community."
- Kuumba- "Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community."
- Imani- "Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle."
Get all the items for your Kwanzaa celebration. You'll want to get the following items to celebrate Kwanzaa;
- Kinara- A candle holder. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa.
- Mkeka- A placemat made of straw.
- Mazao- Fruits and vegetables.
- Vibunzi or Muhindi- Ears of corn to represent the number of children in your home.
- Kikombe cha umoja- The communal unity cup.
- Mishumaa saba- Seven candles. You'll need three red, three green, and one black.
- Zawadi- Enriching gifts.
Decorate your home or the main room with the symbols of Kwanzaa. Your home or the main room of celebration should be decorated with the symbols of Kwanzaa and should include the Kinara. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green; anything black, red, and green can be used to decorate. Your house or main room of celebration can also be decorated with African prints, art, or sculptures.
Give out the gifts of Kuumba. Kuumba, meaning creativity, is highly encouraged and brings a sense of self-satisfaction. The gifts are usually exchanged between the parents and children and are given out traditionally on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. Since the giving of gifts has very much to do with Kuumba, the gifts should of an educational or artistic nature.
Celebrate the Kwanzaa feast, or Karamu. The Kwanzaa feast is a very special event that brings everyone closer to their African roots. It is traditionally held on December 31st and is a communal and cooperative effort. You need to decorize the place where the feast will be held in a red, green, and black scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the feast will be held. A large Mkeka(Straw placemat) should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self themselves. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program should involve welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

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Kwanzaa is not a political or religious celebration and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas.
Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili.