The short answer: learn what the holiday is for, then plan food, decorations and gifts around it. What is Kwanzaa covers the meaning, dates, principles and symbols, and Hanukkah food gives an 8-night menu.
- Hanukkah: traditional dishes and an 8-night menu and 40 gift ideas for all eight nights.
- Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa decorations (symbols, colors and 20 easy ideas) and 35 meaningful gift ideas.
- More December days: winter solstice traditions, St. Nicholas Day and Boxing Day.
Ideas and how-tos
- Hanukkah gift ideas Start here40 Hanukkah gift ideas for kids, adults, hosts and grandparents, an eight-nights gift plan and 2026 dates (December 4 to 12) so yo…
- Boxing DayBoxing Day is December 26. Learn what Boxing Day means, when Boxing Day 2026 is observed, where it is a holiday, and easy ways to …
- Hanukkah foodHanukkah food guide: traditional fried and dairy dishes, why they're eaten, dinner menu ideas, an 8-night meal plan and safe fryin…
- Kwanzaa decorationsKwanzaa decorations explained: the seven symbols, what black, red and green mean, how to set up a Kwanzaa table, and 20 easy decor…
- Kwanzaa giftsKwanzaa gifts (zawadi) are traditionally made or grown and include a book and a heritage symbol. 35 meaningful ideas by principle,…
- St. Nicholas DaySt. Nicholas Day is December 6. Learn who St. Nicholas was, how the day is celebrated around the world, and simple, low-cost ways …
- What is KwanzaaWhat is Kwanzaa? A simple guide to the December 26 to January 1 celebration: its history, the seven principles, the seven symbols …
- Winter solstice traditionsWinter solstice traditions from around the world and easy ways to celebrate at home, plus the winter solstice 2026 date and time a…
How to use this page
Each page explains the holiday before it gives ideas, so you can plan with the meaning in mind.