Jump Up. Luisah Teish

always wins. I ponder whether this is a reenactment of the “battle between Day and Night,” or is it an emotional response to the Moorish conquest dramatized? In any event, I am not enamored of this holiday as it is celebrated in popular American culture.

      I have attended Christmas parties where a Black man shows up as Santa Claus. Sometimes this works for the children, whose imaginations allow them to accept the essence of the folk character without knowledge of the true history. But it just doesn't work for me personally. And, as we shall see later, many African Americans have made the choice to celebrate Kwanzaa instead of, or in addition to, some of the Eurocentric festivities like the one described previously.

       The Meaning and Joy of Christmas

      Many times I have seen children who are disappointed because “Santa” did not leave them a disco Barbie Doll or that plastic helicopter that cost $39.95 and is guaranteed not to fly. I've also tried to assuage the pain and frustration of hard-working, well-meaning parents who feared losing the respect and affection of their disappointed children. And I've seen other families where expensive gifts are given in lieu of love.

      The humility, warmth, and joy of the original Holy Family and their Visitors are what this season is all about. At the end of this chapter I will share information that anyone, of any ethnicity, income level, or location, can use to create meaningful and joyous j.0 celebrations for family and friends.

      

      Kwanzaa