'Tis the Season for 'Kah and 'Zaa, Too

Based on television commercials alone, you'd think that the only holiday coming up this weekend is Christmas. There's Santa, yet again, at the Kay Jewelers buying a rock for Mrs. Claus and there go those Target kids, getting jiggy by the tree, dancing to a holiday rendition of an Earth, Wind and Fire tune. Thing is, there's a whole lot goin' on this long holiday weekend, which includes both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, both culinary events in and of themselves. The eight-day Jewish festival of lights actually coincides this year with Christmas, kicking off the evening of Dec. 25. Wake up the next morning, Dec. 26, and there's Kwanzaa to celebrate, the seven-day tribute to Africa and African-inspired culture, which continues until New Year's Day. So as you can see, there is much to do beyond trimming a tree and waiting for the fat dude to come down the chimney. There...

By kimodo | December 20, 2005; 10:13 AM ET | Comments: (8)