Holiday Puzzle (December 2022)

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Across
  1. 4. - Annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1.
  2. 5. - Most common secular symbol of Christmas; can be either real or synthetic.
  3. 6. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for purpose.
  4. 7. - Spinning top, usually played with by Jewish children to celebrate good fortune during Hanukkah.
  5. 11. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for cooperative economics.
  6. 14. - Holiday celebrating the birth of Christ, held on December 25 and traditionally celebrated for twelve days.
  7. 15. - Nine-branched candle holder used in the celebration of Hanukkah.
  8. 17. - Eight day holiday celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem and the purification of the Second Temple during the Maccabean revolt; usually celebrated in mid-late December.
  9. 20. - Common colorful garment, originating from West Africa and often worn to celebrate Kwanzaa.
  10. 21. - Also referred as a Nativity or creche, physical representation of birth of Christ displayed in public places during Christmas season.
  11. 22. - Period before Christmas celebrated by many Christians.
  12. 23. - Holiday traditionally celebrating end of the twelve days of Christmas.
  13. 24. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for collective work and responsibility.
Down
  1. 1. - Common baked good offered during Christmas season, popularly offered in person and house forms.
  2. 2. - Common Christmas practice of singing Christmas songs in public.
  3. 3. - Common fried food made with potatoes eaten in celebration of Hanukkah.
  4. 4. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for creativity.
  5. 8. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for faith.
  6. 9. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for self-determination.
  7. 10. - Originally from Mexico, this plant is often considered the unofficial Christmas flower.
  8. 12. - Most common symbol found on top of American Christmas trees.
  9. 13. - Principle of Kwanzaa, Swahili term for unity.
  10. 16. - Seven-branched candle holder used in the celebration of Kwanzaa.
  11. 18. - Giving these is common practice across all three holidays; Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa.
  12. 19. - Another common Christmas symbol, often seen on people's doors.