17 December 2021
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Meleah Campbell shares how she celebrates Kwanzaa with creative DIY gifts.

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture that is held from December 26 to January 1. The name “Kwanzaa” originates from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.”

There are seven principles of Kwanzaa:

  1. Umoja – Unity
  2. Kujichagulia – Self-determination
  3. Ujima – Collective work and responsibility
  4. Ujamaa – Cooperative economics
  5. Nia – Purpose
  6. Kuumba – Creativity
  7. Imani – Faith

Homemade gifts are traditionally given on the last day of Kwanzaa. To recognize the sixth principle, Kuumba, which means “creativity”, here are three Kwanzaa gifts I made for my friends and family that can be created using Cricut.

7 Principles of Kwanzaa coasters

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (left to right): Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani

Happy Kwanzaa mug

Happy Kwanzaa mug with the Cricut Joy and Cricut Mug Press

My First Kwanzaa onesie

My First Kwanzaa onesie

The Kinara is a seven-space candle holder, and each candle represents one principle of Kwanzaa. The red candles on the left represent the struggle, the black candle in the middle represents people of African descent, and the green candles represent land and hope for the future.