Celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and one museum in downtown Zanesville is getting ready for two celebrations.

The Putnam Underground Railroad Education Center is covered in Christmas and Kwanzaa decorations.  Museum Director Romona Burke said many people are unfamiliar with the meaning of Kwanzaa.

"Kwanzaa is a time when people get together, and they appreciate their families," said Burke.  "They show caring, sharing and loving toward one another like we do for the birth of Jesus, and that is what Kwanzaa is all about."

Kwanzaa is a harvest festival that celebrates African culture, and much like Christmas, the holiday usually involves a feast and gift giving.  Tour guide Synthia Ferguson said family is the heart and soul of the celebration.

"I think throughout the year the kids get pushed away a little bit between work and all of the other things that have to be taken care of, so when it comes down to Christmas and Kwanzaa, it gives the kids a chance to reunite," said Ferguson.

The festival is held from December 26th to January 1st, and many Christian African-Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to observing Christmas.