Kwanzaa Stories for Kids
Kwanzaa runs for seven nights, from December 26 to January 1, which makes it a natural fit for bedtime: one candle is lit on the kinara each evening, and each night has its own principle to talk about. It is an African American cultural celebration, created in 1966, honoring African heritage, family and community. Families of any faith celebrate it.
A Kwanzaa story for kids works best when it stays close to what a child sees: the kinara with its red, black and green candles, the mkeka mat, the ears of corn for each child, the unity cup, and the big feast near the end. Here is a complete Kwanzaa story to read aloud tonight, free. To make one with your own child as the hero, by name, it takes about thirty seconds.
Amara and the Seven Candles
A free story to read aloud tonight
On the first night of Kwanzaa, Amara’s family gathered around the kinara on the mkeka, the woven mat Grandma had brought from her house. There were seven candles: three red on one side, three green on the other, and one black candle in the middle.
Amara was the youngest, so she got to help light the black candle first. “Umoja,” said Grandpa. “That means unity. Staying together.” Amara thought about that while the little flame stood up straight.
Every night after that there was one more candle and one more word. Kujichagulia, which was hard to say and meant deciding who you are. Ujima, working together, so the whole family cleaned the kitchen in ten minutes flat. Kuumba was creativity, and Amara drew a picture of everybody, with Grandpa much taller than he really was.
On the sixth night there was the karamu, the big feast. Aunties and cousins filled the house, and somebody played drums, and everybody ate until they were very full. There was an ear of corn on the mkeka for every child in the family, and Amara counted them twice: eleven.
On the last night, Amara gave Grandma a gift she had made herself, a little clay bowl, a bit wobbly on one side. Grandma held it with both hands. “Imani,” she said, which means faith. “I have faith in you.”
Then all seven candles burned together, red and black and green, and the room was warm and gold. Amara fell asleep on the couch before they burned down, and somebody carried her to bed, and the light from the kinara was still in her dreams.
What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Each night of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of them, in that order.
Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday?
No. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration of African heritage and community, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. People of any religion, or none, celebrate it, and many families celebrate it alongside Christmas or other holidays.
Can I make a new Kwanzaa story for each night?
Yes. Starting from this page, the story maker opens with Kwanzaa already typed in. Some families make one story for each of the seven nights, one principle at a time. A free account makes three stories a day.