In the United States, Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 through January 1 every year.  This was the first holiday created specifically for African-Americans.  Its original goal was to provide the African-Americans an alternative holiday to Christmas and to celebrate themselves while reconnecting with their history.  Maulana Karenga, the creator of this holiday in 1966, believed that Christianity was a white religion and black people should reject it.  In later years, however, as Kwanzaa gained participants, Karenga changed his views so as not to alienate anyone and said that the holiday was to celebrate family, community and culture.  Many people who celebrate Kwanzaa also celebrate Christmas as it is now thought of as a completely separate holiday.
There are seven principles of this holiday.  One principle is celebrated each day.  Umoja, or Unity, is related to the attempt for harmony in the family, community, nation and race.  Kujichagulia, or self-determination, references defining, naming, creation for, and speaking for oneself.  Ujima, or collective work and responsibility, is building and maintaining their community together while solving their problems together.  Ujamaa, or cooperative economics, is to build profitable businesses together.  Nia, or purpose, is the effort to restore their people to their traditional greatness.  Kuumba, or creativity, is to always do as much as they can in an effort to leave their community in better condition that when it was inherited. Imani, or faith, is to believe with all their heart in all their people and the importance and success of their struggle.
When celebrating Kwanzaa, participants will decorate their homes with art, colorful cloth, and fresh fruits that stand for African idealism. Children and ancestors are included in the ceremonies where libations are shared using a communal chalice that is passed around to all.  This holiday is most commonly celebrated by African Americans; although non-African Americans also have been known to celebrate too.  Throughout the celebration there is drumming, music, libations, special readings, a candle-lighting ritual, performances and among many other activities a Karamu (feast).
The feast is traditionally held on the last day of December.  Coincidentally this is also New Year’s Eve.  Therefore, the Karumu celebration is held the early evening for those that celebrate both holidays.  Typical foods served at the Karumu include green Chile corn fritters, squash and bean soup, Moroccan chicken, Jambalaya, hot and spicy greens and a colorful black bean salad.
A Kwanzaa Kinara is a candle holder that contains seven candles in a row.  There are three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right and one black candle in the middle.  Each day the black candle is lit.  Along with the black candle being lit each day either a red or green candles it also lit depending on the day until all candles are lit on the seventh day.  At the end of the seventh day, all the candles are blown out and the celebration is over until the next year.