Kwanzaa derives from a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits of the harvest,” and was established in 1965 as a means to help African-Americans reconnect with their African heritage through meditation and study, and also through celebrating the “seven principles of African heritage.” And here's the thing: I read up on Kwanzaa. I tried to think of a way to incorporate it into a puzzle while still being somewhat respectful, because Kwanzaa is a thing that's actually really  important to most people who celebrate it. But try as I might, I couldn't figure out a way to build a decent Kwanzaa puzzle, and I didn't want to settle for making a half-decent one. So while I'm more than happy to wish anyone who celebrates it a Joyous Kwanzaa… let's take another aside from the holiday season for something a little different. (With music byLandon Beall, Broke for Free, Nheap, and Mark Sparling [”Day 2″ and “Day 8″].)