My son Daniel Oliver (3rd grade) has brought home his song sheet for the

school’s “Winter Songfest.” There are three songs on it.

(1) A spoof on “The 12 Days of Christmas” (Heaven forbid anyone should take Christmas SERIOUSLY!) with gifts like messy drawers… burning ulcers…

bags of dirty clothes… and “viscous” [sic] colds.

(2) “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, unaltered so far as I can tell.

(3) A song I am not familiar with named “Celebrate Kwanzaa.” In case I am not alone in being unfamiliar with this no doubt ancient and traditional

American carol, I have written it out below. Can anyone tell me the

provenance and meaning of “Habari Gani”?

CELEBRATE KWANZAA

Winter is here so Kwanzaa is near

Celebrating joy and love

As a happy family

Join us in our greeting

With seven days of holiday

Sharing all our gifts and love

In a happy gathering

[Chorus]

Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Kwanzaa

Love and peace, from me to you

Habari Gani, spread the news

Of joy to you and ask what’s new

Peace be unto you

Good things come true

When you spread your joy and love

In a happy family

Self determination

Living as a nation too

Where all one relation and live in harmony [sic]

[Chorus]

Happy Kwanzaa, etc.