Nala picked up the box and handed Ade wax sticks: 3 red, 3 green, and 1 black. “We get the black stick for Umoja. It is how we are bonded with loved ones," she said.

Ade nodded and set up the sticks. Then, Nala lit the black stick. The flame lit up. “What is next?” Ade asked.

His sis grinned and said, “Next, we set up the mat! The crops stand for hard work.” Ade picked up the mat, brushed it off, and set it on top for his mom.

With a big bag in hand, Mom grinned. She plopped the bag on the desk. “I added corn to the mat,” she said. “It is for the kids and stands for hope!”

“It smells so fresh,” Ade said as he sniffed it. Mom handed some nuts to Ade. He helped set them on the mat.

They crafted a flag. “Pass the tape!” Ade yelled, as the flag slipped. He grabbed it and pinned it back up on the wall.

Then they all got dressed. They clapped and chanted. Mom winked and thanked Ade.

Ade hugged his mom and grinned. “This was the best time!” he said. Then, he dashed to the rest of their kin.

Next to the lit flames, Ade and his kin ate, sang, and gave gifts. Ade felt blessed. “Happy Kwanzaa!” they said with a grin.