Kwanzaa is a relatively new African American holiday that emphasizes traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is not religious and, is not a substitute for Christmas. The word Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili. Recipes with African roots are a good way to celebrate. Try peanut butter stew, North African lamb kebabs, jerk chicken, fried chicken, and sweet potato pie.