Habari gani! (That's Swahili for What's happening?) If you are celebrating Kwanzaa, the word for today is Ujamaa, which means "Cooperative Economics." It's a day for thinking about ways in which people of African descent can pool their resources to strengthen their families and communities. It's also the fourth day of the week-long celebration, and I've been asked to do a roundup of photos and reports from the festivities so far.

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, the celebration that honors African-American heritage. From December 26 to January 1, each day features a special principle symbolized by a candle placed in a kinara. While Kwanzaa has both fans and critics, here we'll stick to Kwanzaa food, around which there can be just one dispute: sweet potatoes or collard greens?

Last month Lainad introduced the concepts of Kwanzaa which begins Wednesday.  While gifts were not initially part of the Kwanzaa celebration, some people do give zawadi, or gifts, on the final day. Others treat Kwanzaa more like Hannukah, giving a small meaningful gift each day of the celebration; with such gifts representing the principle of the day.

Whether the feminists in your life celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, or you just want to give them a little token to show them how much you appreciate their friendship/love, there are tons of great gifts out there. Here are a few of my favorites:

Nearing this winter holiday season when stores sell more toys than at any other time of year and during a year when we've heard so much about dangers like lead paint in toys, I've been wondering where can parents find safe toys? Do you wonder the same? Parent News at The Pikes Peak Gazette, a newspaper serving Colorado Springs, Co., offers a standard tip to parents with toy-safety concerns this year:

The seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) carries many different meanings to many people. It is a time for both black folks to celebrate their cultural heritage, and for non-blacks to enjoy this African-inspired festive season.

Our species uses music and dance to express various feelings: love, joy, comfort, ceremony, knowledge and friendship. - Daniel J. Levitin "Dancing in the Seats" The New York Times Now that it has been scientifically proven that shaking one's booty to the groove is healthy for us humans, music should be at the top of gift lists everywhere.  Here then is a guide to some ways to bring the gift of musical comfort and joy to the lives of your loved ones.

It's that time of year again; peace on earth, good will toward man, and shopping as a marathon sport. Right? Not necessarily.