Starting from the day after Christmas and ending on New Year’s Day, Kwanzaa is a seven-day observance that encourages African Americans, and others, to embrace and remember African cultures and unity.

Important dates to know if you plan on sending packages to loved ones for holiday season.

Christmas may have passed, but the holiday that means the first fruits in Swahili is well underway.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Jacksonville’s Northside on Thursday, a Kwanzaa celebration honored the sixth day of the holiday. A celebration of creativity was part of the holiday event at B&Sun Arts and Culture Center on Jacksonville’s Northside. “It just feels good working with different organizations and different entrepreneurs,” said Leo Gathings, Owner of B&Sun Arts and Culture Center. Red for strength...It’s important to know your culture in general and to know your background and where you come from.”Participants say the culture needs the space to shine in this city. “The community needs this.

The week-long celebration of African-American culture looks a little different across Northeast Florida this year because of the ongoing pandemic. Davis explained that Kwanzaa started on the West Coast in the 60s and has been celebrated in Jacksonville since the 80s. Many across Northeast Florida began the celebration of Kwanzaa on Saturday. (WJXT)Seven candles represent seven principles that are celebrated during the final seven days of the year. “Kwanzaa is Swahili word.

[MORE: These 3 apps will help you find the best holiday shopping deals, experts say | Doing a little online shopping? If you’re shipping gifts you want to arrive in time for Christmas, here are some recommended send-by dates for expected delivery by Dec. 25:USPS (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)Domestic Mail Class/Product Send-by Date USPS Retail Ground Service Dec. 15 First-Class Mail Service Dec. 18 Priority Mail Service Dec. 19 Priority Mail Express Service Dec. 23Click here for USPS holiday shipping dates for Alaska and Hawaii, military bases and overseas addresses. UPSShipping Option Send-by Date UPS Ground Dec. 15 UPS 3 Day Select Dec. 21 UPS 2nd Day Air Dec. 22 UPS Next Day Air Dec. 23Click here for more details on UPS holiday shipping. FedEx (U.S. to U.S.)Shipping Option Send-by Date FedEx SmartPost (certain exceptions apply) Dec. 9 FedEx Home Delivery Dec. 15 FedEx Ground Dec. 15 FedEx Express Saver Dec. 21 FedEx 3 Day Freight Dec. 21 FedEx 2 Day Dec. 22 FedEx 2 Day A.M. Dec. 22 FedEx 2 Day Freight Dec. 22 FedEx 1 Day Freight Dec. 23 FedEx Extra Hours Dec. 23 FedEx Standard Overnight Dec. 23 FedEx Priority Overnight Dec. 23 FedEx First Overnight Dec. 23 FedEx SameDay Dec. 25 FedEx SameDay City Priority Dec. 25 FedEx SameDay City Direct Dec. 25Click here to see last-day-to-ship dates if you’re planning to send gifts to Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico or other destinations. AmazonAmazon has not released its 2020 holiday shipping calendar, but last year, the company recommended buyers send products no later than Dec. 22 or Dec. 23 for a Dec. 25 arrival.