Habari Gani – what’s the news – about Kwanzaa? Truthfully, the week-long holiday doesn’t get as much shine in the public eye as its December counterparts. The first Kwanzaa holiday film was produced in 2009, there are only two USPS stamps in existence and the White House didn’t even celebrate it last year! If you have your doubts about the harvest celebration, read on to see what’s true…and what’s false:

1. It’s been around for a while

Not so much. Kwanzaa was created in 1966, right before the height of the Black Power movement and during the heart of Pan-Africanism.

2. It originated in Africa

Though the celebration has African roots, Kwanzaa was created in the United States – California to be exact. Kwanzaa creator Maulana Karenga was an Africana Studies professor at California State University, Long Beach at the time.

3. It’s only for Black people

Yes, Karenga wanted a holiday for Blacks to reconnect with their heritage during a controversial era. No, it’s not exclusive.

4. You can’t observe other holidays

Kwanzaa changed many of its rules over the years. Karenga shunned Christianity at first, but all religions are welcome to observe Kwanzaa now. Many homes have their kinaras (candle holder) right next to their Christmas trees.

5. Food and gifts are only of African descent

Well, this one is mostly true. As Kwanzaa is an African-inspired holiday, many of its elements relate to the continent. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase that means first fruits of the harvest. The seven principles of Kwanzaa – Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and  Imani – are also from Swahili. However, families merge their American culture and traditions however they see fit. Classic soul food is consumed and regular gifts are given along with traditional ones.

6. It’s a knockoff Hanukkah

Now this one’s just silly. This assumption stems from the fact that both holidays use candles as symbols – Hanukkah uses a menorah with white candles while Kwanzaa uses a kinara with red, black and green ones. Hanukkah is religious while Kwanzaa is more spiritual. However, both holidays promote unity, love and cultural pride. Nothing wrong with that!

7. It’s a fake holiday

There’s surely nothing artificial about millions of people that celebrate the holiday every year. Kwanzaa’s in its 45^th year of existence. It’s bound to grow bigger and better as time progresses.

It’s definitely not an obscure holiday. Everyone knows the word (part of a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits”) but it’s not the most mainstream one. Most likely, you didn’t learn about it in school. It didn’t get the Rugrats treatment like Hanukkah or Passover. And since it falls at the end of the year, its significance gets lost in a sea of jingle bells, menorahs and sequins. But we at College Candy refuse to let your brains rot in your winter boredom blahs, so we’re here to break down Kwanzaa for you.

What is it?

Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday, starting December 26 and going through January 6. It is a celebration of all African culture, but is primarily observed by African-Americans.

What is the story behind it?
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by CSU-Long Beach professor Maulana Karenga. He was an active proponent of Pan-Africanism. This is a philosophy born in the 18th century. When Africans were sold into slavery, they were completely stripped of their culture. Over generations, it became difficult, especially for African-Americans, to trace their heritage back to their home country. Pan-Africanism seeks to unite all people of African descent around the world into a large global community by highlighting their shared historical experiences and cultural norms. In the 1960s, Pan-Africanism made a resurgence in the United States in conjunction with the civil rights movement, and Dr. Karenga established Kwanzaa as a way to embed Pan-Africanism into African-American culture. Kwanzaa was also rooted in a desire to give African-Americans a holiday of their own.

How is Kwanzaa celebrated?

There are a lot of ways to celebrate it. Some use the Hanukkah model of having a large, multi-stemmed candle. A Kwanzaa candle consists of seven stems, each stem representing one of the seven principles, and each night is dedicated to celebrating a principle. Other people may choose to observe it on just one day, organizing a big community celebration involving traditional African song, dance, and food.

So Kwanzaa is not religious in nature?

No, Kwanzaa is solely cultural. It is not meant to infringe upon any religious practices. Kwanzaa emphasizes the significance of seven principles: unity, self-determination, faith,collective work and responsibility, creativity, purpose, and cooperative economics, secular values that do not compete with or offend any religious customs.

Does every African-American celebrate Kwanzaa?

No, definitely not. Kwanzaa has actually faded in popularity over the last thirty years, as the Pan-African movement lost steam. Estimates say between one and five percent of African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. The number of people who celebrate Kwanzaa worldwide is also super sketchy, though some studies claim 30 million people celebrate worldwide (to put that number in perspective, there are over a billion black people in the world.) Kwanzaa is actively denounced by many African-Americans, because of its founder. Dr. Karenga is an incredibly polarizing figure. He was the leader of a black nationalist group (some call it a cult). When two women disagreed with one of his ideas, he assaulted and tortured them. He was imprisoned for four years, from 1971 to 1975. Many people are wary to condone any of his ideas as a result of his incredibly questionable (and felonious) behavior.

While Kwanzaa is not the most thriving holiday, it is extremely important to acknowledge its existence. It is a direct response to the systemic, historic oppression of African culture around the world. Its premise that being African is beautiful and worthy of celebration and joy is a necessary message that deserves a place in mainstream dialogue.

Yes, it’s holiday season, which means it’s time to print out that list of wants you’ve been keeping all year and hand it over to mama so she can make all your dreams come true. We all know this time of year should be all about the giving, but we can admit that getting feels really freaking awesome, too. And with all the giving you’ll be doing, you deserve to get some great stuff in return!

Since I’ve been working my ass off and totally neglecting my every shopping desire to save some serious cash this year, there are about a billion things I want for the holidays. Like this dress from Alloy (wouldn’t it be adorbs for NYE??), or any of Ashley Watson’s brilliant recycled leather handbags, or even a lame gift card to iTunes! (I’m so cheap I’ve been listening to Miley on YouTube all year…) Yeah, I want it all. And I know I’m not the only one…

This week I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their #1 wish this year. Perhaps this will inspire any friends/boyfriends out there still looking for gifts for the special people in your life. Or maybe the writers can just send this along to their parents as a little nudge in the right direction.

Now you tell us – what’s #1 on your list?

Norah – Drake University: Season 2 of The Tudors on DVD. I watched the entire first season on Netflix over Thanksgiving break, and now I’m obsessed. It’s one of those guilty pleasure shows that I could watch again and again – but hey, it’s history, so it’s not a complete waste of time…right?

Erica – Kent State University:  I am obsessing over sequins.  I just hope this skirt looks as good in person as it does online.  Looking like I just stepped off a Cirque du Soleil stage is not the idea.

Leah – Ryerson University: I’ve already received all my presents, but I just gifted myself a pair of Cole Haan boots.  Merry Christmas to me.

Brithny – Duke: A glow-in-the-dark toilet seat cover. Because you know it’s hard to find at night. Don’t lie.

Ricki – University of Michigan: For the holidays, I want the Nine West Tina Crossbody Bag in PURPLE!

Katie – Michigan State University:  A new computer! After almost five years, my poor laptop is five mp3′s away from committing suicide.

Samantha -  UCSB: Lululemon’s “Wear With All” jacket. I think I’ll do just that!

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley:  I’m not much of  Juicy girl, but this year I am fiendin’ for the Juicy Couture Perfume. It smells toooo good!

Lauren – University of Michigan: The Perfect Brownie Pan. Who doesn’t want those hard, chewy edges every time? I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Noa – CU Boulder: I want a boyfriend. But if I can’t get that then I guess I’ll settle for this gorg Botkier bag in burgundy.

Elise – Stanford: I want this huge block of Himalayan Salt to cook on.  Sounds weird, but it may be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

Charlsie – Hollins Univesity: Making a donation to the South African organization These Numbers Have Faces is the number one gift on my list this year — I’m doing it for my sister, and I think the cause is great. It sends poor South African students to college!

Emmy – Loyola University Chicago: Currently my number one on my wish list is sleep. It is priceless and sadly not sold online. But I mean, I wouldn’t say no to a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Almost as good as some sleep during finals week.

Nina – Michigan State University: It’d be fun to get the Victoria’s Secret Miraculous Pushup Bra. TWO cup sizes? That’s just ridiculous.

Hillary – Columbia: I’m crossing my fingers for an iPhone 3GS. Whenever I try to list all of the awesome features it has, I lose count almost right away: voice control commands, a built-in compass, a video camera… if you’re going to dream about presents, dream big, right?

Sara C-Fordham: The holidays are always a feast for the senses, with the scent of pine needles and gingerbread and peppermint lingering just about everywhere. But for the eleven other months out of the year, I’d like to smell just as pretty, which is why I hope to find a little bottle of Marc Jacobs’ Rain with my name on it!

Zahra – Northwestern University: Nothing’s sexier in the winter than a trench coat.

Carrie – Duke: Furniture for my new off-campus apartment! Hellooo, IKEA.

Mechelle – Florida State: A boy to impress my mother. Must be Jewish, a med student, and obscenely wealthy. Any takers?

Alex K – Lakehead University: Number 1 on my wish list is the Dawson’s Creek complete series! My guilty pleasure, all in one convenient package!

Note: if you feel like fulfilling any of my gift desires, hit me up for my address! I write really nice thank-you notes!

Ugh. I'd much rather be catching up on Glee than doin' this ish.

Thanksgiving. Sigh.

After being more stuffed than the holiday turkey, it’s time to come to terms with the fact that the holiday season has begun. Whether you celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or none of the above, it’s a given that you will be inundated with all kinds of holiday-ness over the next 6 weeks.

Whether you love it or hate it, every aspect of the holidays comes with some pros and cons. Yes, even getting lots and lots of presents. Have you ever had to do the fake “OMG I LOVE IT?!” upon opening the most awful gift ever followed by months of excuses when grandma doesn’t see you wearing those giant, sparkly cross earrings she got you? It sucks.

So, this week I’m gonna break down the ten best/worst things about the holidays. Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Season

10. Christmas music
Jingle Bell Rock? Loathe it. “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” by FOB? Love it.

9. Cookies
And Candy. And Gingerbread houses. And fruit cake (ew!). So many calories – yuck. However, like my mom says, calories don’t count on Xmas! Work it off before Spring Break and you’re in the clear.

8. Shopping
Shopping can be a bitch, especially if you hate mass crowds and fighting for a coveted Burberry coat. Skirt the crowds and the lines and shop online.

7. The Relatives
Embrace your family’s wackiness instead of taking a shot every time your crazy distant relative makes an inappropriate comment or asks you when “you’re going to start settling down.”

6. The High School Holiday Reunion
If you don’t want to deal with the HS frenemies, then don’t. Trade those tedious “Oh my godddd how have you beeeeeen”s for a quiet night in with the fam or a few cocktails with your besties.

5. Traveling
Pack only what you need, and CARRY-ON! Makes life a little less painless at the holidays.

4. Tacky Christmas Movies
Put on some giant sweatpants, make some hot cocoa (with a hint of Bailey’s) and embrace it. Especially “Elf“! I like to drink a little Irish Coffee every time Will Ferrell sings.

3. Presents
Learn to love what you get, even if it’s an ill-fitting sweater. Think of the DIY possibilities! Sweater turned handbag?

2. Tree Decorating
Detangling lights = not fun. Going through all the ornaments you’ve made through the years? Kinda fun. Making new ornaments with party pics of you and your besties? A total blast.

1. Eggnog
Sorry, I have no answers here. This sh** sucks. Unless it’s in the form of a milkshake from McDonalds. OMG, yum.

And they have one? Who knew?

Today, December 23rd, is HumanLight. What is that? I have no idea, really, and either do the people celebrating it. It is supposed to be a family holiday, but because there is no set religion (and therefore, no set rules), people can choose to celebrate the holiday however they’d like.

All I know is this is another great reason to drink on a Tuesday. So, grab your holiday drink of choice and let’s pour one for our HumanLight celebrating homies!

Not this year!

Inevitably, there will always be people on your holiday-gift list who stump you (especially now that you waited until the last minute!). Maybe you haven’t seen Great-Aunt Ruby since you were ten, but you have to get her something this year because she just sent you a ton of cash for your birthday. Or maybe you just made a new friend, but you aren’t sure of this person’s likes and dislikes yet.

Charity to the rescue!

If the people you know are nice, they’d probably really appreciate a charitable gift. Not the kind of charity where you give them money—the kind of charity where you give others money in the name or honor of those you’re gifting.

Here are some great places to start.

Heifer International – This organization has a gift catalog link from their home page, which will lead you to a menagerie of offerings to give in the name of friends or family members. You can give a flock of chicks or ducks for as little as $20. Heifer is all about providing livestock to people who need it to become self-reliant, and it’s a great cause.

World of Good – This place is partnered with eBay and sells eco-friendly, humane, fair trade, etc. gifts of all kinds. You can search for gifts in four categories: people positive, eco positive, animal friendly, and supports a cause.

Global Goods Partners – Offering gifts and the opportunity for donations, Global Goods Partners aims to relieve poverty around the world and empower women by giving them the resources they need to become self-sufficient and successful.

Build a Nest – This site supports women artists and artisans in developing countries by providing them with loans to start or maintain creative businesses. The products are sold online, and much of the proceeds go back toward helping the women.

Hooray for the Underdog – Sells fun and funny notecards and images, then donates a portion of all proceeds to benefit rescue dogs and animal-welfare groups.

Animal Gift – For the animal lover in your life, Animal Gift provides you with tons of donation options that will help animals from seals to elephants.

World Vision – This aid organization provides an online holiday gift catalog with options ranging from goats and chickens (similar to Heifer International) to emergency aid in Darfur to portions of clean-water wells in Africa.

[Photo courtesy of World of Good. We just bought that beautiful bag!]

Sometimes you need a little something like the holidays to give you an excuse to really…excel in the bedroom.

For those of you who have never delved into the whole sex toy thing don’t be alarmed. While the entire concept may seem seedy, it doesn’t have to be!This Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa…) take the plunge into the world of adult toys. Don’t know where to start? Allow us to guide the way:

Boditalks – $69.00 (hehe…)

The slogan here is “getting off while you’re on”. And it’s simple. Boditalks is simply a vibrator that is activated by the use of your cell phone and it only turns off once the call is ended.

Do you know how useful this would have been when I was in a long distance relationship? For the college girls who are, you owe this to yourself!

Sex Night Planner - $12.00

Maybe vibrators are a little too much for you. Or maybe you don’t need one (lucky). In that case, make it fun and set up how you want things and when with a Sex Night Planner. Similar to Magnetic Poetry, this planner will tell your guys all the very important specifics of what you want.

I’m thinking this will go over well with the compulsive English major types, no?

Freshman – $25.00

Picked not only because of it’s lovely collegiate name and low price but for it’s beginner setup, this is the perfect toy for the novice user. Its lifelike (well as lifelike as hot pink can be…) ridges resemble veins and according to consumer reviews has a soft, mellow vibe. Just be sure to upgrade sophomore year…

Just In Case Crystal Condom Compact – $199

Yes, $199 is expensive, especially just to carry some rubbers in. But this speciality case is an adorable way to stay safe. It’s always good to have protection on hand. And for those of us on a student budget, Just In Case makes simpler compacts (sans crystals) for just $24.95.

…and just to scare your boyfriend (or not?):

Nexus Vibo – $170

I’m sure he’ll love you for this one, ladies. Complete with a humongus fake phallus and a prostate stimulator (read: goes up the behind) I think you’re supposed to use this in tandem with your guy? I’m not sure…let me know.

Or don’t.

Remember have a Happy(er) Holiday (and stay safe)!