Parenting Tips
By Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D
For the WHYY Children's Service

Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas: How are they the Same? How Different?

Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas. How are they the same? How are they different?

Here's a wonderful opportunity to help your children learn who celebrates these holidays, and how.

With the internet or the library, read together about the unique meaning and traditions of the 8 days of Chanukah, a Jewish celebration, the 7 days of Kwanzaa, celebrated by many African-Americans, and the 12 days of Christmas, with its roots in Christian cultures worldwide.

Let your children draw pictures, make up stories, or create decorations for a holiday different from their own. They can even create a puppet play, and perform it for the guests.

Special foods for these celebrations are different, but they all have a feast.

Decorations for these celebrations are different, but they all have special roots.

The traditions of giving gifts are different, but they all have gifts that show love.

But most importantly, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas help hold families together, emphasize giving, and caring about people.