HAPPY HOLIDAYS PATCH PROGRAM
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All levels need to only complete 3 requirements, try to have the requirements in different categories.
there are twelve requirements to choose from

Category ONE: Christmas

1. Christmas is a religious holiday. Research and read the original story of the origination of Christmas.

2. During Christmas a tree is lit or decorated. What types of trees are used? What do they decorate the trees with? What do they place under the tree? What are some of the colors associated with Christmas? For extra participate in a tree lighting event or create an art project with the Christmas tree in it .

3. Why do children hang their stocking by the fireplace? What are some of the traditions celebrated in your area? Create a card, bake cookies, make ornaments, make a homemade gift, or attend a Christmas party. For extra: Find out what does holly, poinsettias, or mistletoes represent?

4. Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Customs and traditions vary from country to country creating a unique celebration across the globe. Some examples are: Santa Claus, The Three Kings, Advent Calendars, and Yule Logs, reindeers, gifts, trees and the nativity. Read stories about different traditions, or research the different gift givers, create a craft or project depicting Christmas or a cultural tradition

5. Christmas carols are sung every year during the holiday season. Different areas have different versions and songs. Go caroling, sing a festive song with your family or group, or participate in a holiday chorus event.

6. A Christmas celebration is served with a variety of foods, one of the favorite drinks is eggnog. What other types of foods are served during this seasonal time? Create or enjoy a food typically served during Christmas OR attend a potluck dinner.

Category TWO: Kwanza

1. Kwanzaa is a non religious holiday that is honored by many African Americans. What is the English definition of the word Kwanzaa? What year was it first celebrated and where did it originate from?

2. What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa called? Choice a day of Kwanzaa and focus on the meaning and focal point. Complete a good deed or activity representing the day you choose. Example: UMOJA (oo Moo JAH) , Day One, It represents unity. Complete an activity with your group or family.

3. Find out what the Kinara (key-nah-ra) candleholder represents. What are seven candle colors and what order are they lit? What are some of the colors associated with Kwanzaa? For extra participate in a candle lighting ceremony or create an art project with the Kinara in it. 3. Each day of Kwanzaa begins with people asking Habari gain? ( ha BAH ree GAH nee) What does this phrase mean? Create a colorful sign with the phrase on it. On the reverse side write the meaning. Decorate with colorful markers. For extra use African symbols.

4. During the festival events of Kwanzaa the dining tables are usually set with colorful mats called mkeka (mm KEE kah). In the past, they were woven out of fabric and natural fibers. Find out what Muhindi represents? How many would you place on your table at home? Create a colorful placemat or card by decorating construction with the words Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri ! (KWAHN zah YEH noo EE weh nah HEH ree) May your Kwanzaa be happy! OR weaving strips of construction paper to form a placemat OR display Muhindi.

5. Zawadi (zah WAH dee) are gifts that are given during Kwanzaa. Find out how often gifts are given during Kwanzaa. What types of gifts are given? Create a handmade gift or card and give it to someone special.

6. Kwanzaa ends with a feast called karamu (kah RAH moo). During this event everyone takes a sip from a unity cup. What type of foods represents the plentiful harvest? Find out what a bendera ( behn DEH rah ) is? Create a bendera or enjoy a food typically served on this day.

Category THREE: Hanukkah

1.Hanukkah or festival of lights is a Jewish celebration. Research and read the original story of the origination of Hanukkah.

2.Find out what the Menorah candleholder represents. Are the candles all the same color? How many are there? What is the shammash used for ? What are some of the colors associated with Hanukkah? For extra participate in a candle lighting ceremony or create an art project with the Menorah in it.

3. The Dreidel game is a traditional Hanukkah game. Find out what the Hebrew symbols represent. After you have learned how to play the game, spin the dreidel and have fun.

4. Research some of the traditions or symbols of Hanukkah. Create decorations, poems, cards or art projects representing the Hanukkah season. Examples: Star of David, Israeli flag, or menorahs.

5. Gifts are given during Hanukkah. Find out how often gifts are given during Hanukkah. What types of gifts are given? What are tzedajah containers and gelt treats. Create a handmade gift or card and give it to someone special.

6. A Hanukkah celebration is served with a variety of foods, one of the favorites is latkes or potato pancakes. What types of foods represent this special celebration? Create or enjoy a food typically served during Hanukkah.