American families are worried as they teeter on the edge of the fiscal cliff. While politicians pontificate and posture, moms, and dads throughout the country wonder how they will feed, clothe, and house their children in light of the huge tax increases looming on the horizon. Now is the perfect time for a holiday that focuses on family values and reminds us of the truly important aspects of home and hearth. We need a little Kwanzaa now!
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family. Although it is considered as an Afrocentric holiday, it can serve to refocus us all on seven basic principles that push families beyond survival and help them thrive during hard times. According to the Official Kwanzaa Website, the principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Living by these principles is a tall order, but well worth the effort because they remind adults, and teach children, the true value of family.
It is incumbent on each family to come up with their own unique goals and activities to actualize these principles, but here are a few suggestions to get you started. At your next family meal begin with a unity circle where you all join hands and say what each family member means to you. The exercise will serve to uplift each of you and help you to function as a unit over the coming months.
On New Year’s Day, gather the family together to set goals to assist each member in achieving greater self-determination in 2013. Be sure the goals address any fears that keep each person from fulfilling their potential presently. Next, make a list of all family chores that need to be accomplished in the New Year. Divvy up the list by deciding who has the best skills (or needs to develop the skills) to get the highest quality result with each task listed. What better way to encourage collective work and responsibility!
Cooperative economics can be exemplified by deciding on one purchase the family will make during the coming year with each person contributing some cash to the cause. A bit of each person’s paycheck or allowance is banked until enough money is accumulated to take a fun family outing or buying something that everyone will enjoy.
Does your family have a purpose statement? If not, write one. Begin by listing the talents each individual has been endowed with. Once you recognize each family member’s individual gifts, the purpose of your family will become clear to all of you. Devise a statement that details how your family will serve the world with the talents it possesses.
While the focus is on the talents of each family member, decide on one thing your family will create this year that utilizes everyone’s talents. Perhaps a garden, a painting, a song, a poem, a gourmet meal, a charity project, or a family website could emerge from your combined creative energy.
Cultivate a faith in your family this year, one that shelters you through any impending storm. Speak often of the faith you have in one another and in your Creator. Take comfort as a family in your belief that your combined strength can and will get you through any crisis you may encounter.
Happy Kwanzaa!