HAPPY HOLIDAYS PATCH PROGRAM
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Category ONE: Christmas

1. Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated by Christians. Find out how long the holiday lasts.

2. During Christmas a tree is lit or decorated. What do they decorate the trees with? What do they place under the tree? What are some of the colors associated with Christmas? For extra participate in a tree lighting event or create an art project with the Christmas tree in it .

3. One of the traditions of Christmas is to hang a stocking on the fireplace or place it out the night before Christmas. If you celebrate Christmas, what are some of your traditions? If not, what are some of the traditions celebrated in your area? Create a card, bake cookies, make ornaments, make a homemade gift, or attend a Christmas party.

4. Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Customs and traditions vary from country to country creating a unique celebration across the globe. Some examples are: Santa Claus, The Three Kings, Advent Calendars, and Yule Logs, reindeers, gifts, trees and the nativity. Complete an activity from another country other than yours that represents Christmas. Examples are: Read a story, discover the gift givers name or tradition in that country, create a craft or project depicting Christmas or a cultural tradition.

5. Christmas carols are sung every year during the holiday season. Different areas have different versions and songs. Go caroling, sing a festive song with your family or group, or participate in a holiday chorus event.

6. A Christmas celebration is served with a variety of foods, one of the favorite drinks is eggnog. What other types of foods are served during this seasonal time? Create or enjoy a food typically served during Christmas OR attend a potluck dinner.

Category TWO: Kwanzaa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa]

1. Kwanzaa is a holiday that is celebrated by many African Americans. Find out how long the holiday lasts.

2. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa. Choice one and find out the meaning and focal point. For extra: Complete a good deed or activity representing the day you choose. Example: UMOJA (oo Moo JAH) , Day One, It represents unity..

3. Kinara (key-nah-ra) is the candleholder used in Kwanzaa celebrations. What are seven candle colors and what order are they lit?

3. During the season of Kwanzaa there is a variety of performing arts held at local venues with African dance and songs. Try to attend an event or watch one on the internet or TV.

4. During the festival events of Kwanzaa the dining tables are usually set with colorful mats called mkeka (mm KEE kah). In the past, they were woven out of fabric and natural fibers. Create a colorful placemat or card by decorating construction OR weaving strips of construction paper to form a placemat.

5. Zawadi (zah WAH dee) are meaningful gifts that are given on the seventh day of Kwanzaa. Create a handmade gift or card and give it to someone special.

6. Traditional African dishes are served during karamu (kah RAH moo), meaning special feast, on the last day of Kwanzaa. The bendera (behn DEH rah) traditional Kwanzaa flag is usually on display. During this event everyone takes a sip from a unity cup. Create a bendera or enjoy a food typically served on this day.

Category THREE: Hanukkah, Chanukah or Festival of Lights

1. Hanukkah, Chanukah, or festival of lights is a holiday celebrated by the Jewish people. Find out how long the holiday lasts.

2. Find out what the Menorah candleholder holds the eight candles plus one for the lighing of the rest. They are lit every night for the celebration. For extra participate in a candle lighting ceremony or create an art project with the Menorah in it.

3. The Dreidel game is a traditional Hanukkah game. Find out what the Hebrew symbols represent. After you have learned how to play the game, spin the dreidel and have fun.

4. Research some of the traditions or symbols of Hanukkah. Create decorations, poems, cards or art projects representing the Hanukkah season. Examples: Star of David, Israeli flag, or menorahs.

5. Gifts are given during Hanukkah. Create a handmade gift or card and give it to someone special.

6. On the last day, a Hanukkah celebration is served with a variety of foods, one of the favorites is latkes or potato pancakes. Create or enjoy a food typically served during Hanukkah.