BY AMANDA HARRISON
This time of year is filled with holiday spirit, and for many, holidays come from a religious base.
But today in our series, A Season of Greetings, we're looking at a holiday with a cultural base.
Kwanzaa is a week long celebration of African American heritage.
Dr. Pamela Johnson is a religion professor at Central Michigan University. She said Kwanzaa is based around seven core principles including faith and unity.
She said the principles of Kwanzaa helps enrich a person on a more personal level.
"You have an opportunity to involve yourself in nobiling rituals that will help to elevate and dignify your personal character and your community character, to make commitments to practice these principles and I think that's the best part of Kwanzaa." Johnson said.
But Kwanzaa isn't all about oneself. It's still the time for families to get together for a traditional meal and exchange gifts and stories.