For educational material and resources, visit http://makahiki.kaahelehawaii.com Eagerly anticipated by parents and other educators, this collection of stories and songs presents treasures collected through more than a decade of cultural presentations on Hawai`i's unique holiday season, the Makahiki. The seed for recording this collection was planted in 2003 when the late Nona Beamer phoned Leilehua Yuen and said, "Dahling, the Volcano Art Center called and asked me to help with their Christmas presentation. It's such a worthy production, I help them every year. But this year Keola wants me to do something, so I can't be there. So, I told them you'd be happy to do it. You don't mind, do you?" Well, how could Leilehua mind? Of course she would do it. "Oh, and Dahling, they'll have lots of Christmas carols, but I wanted to give them something Hawaiian. So, would you please write a Makahiki carol for them?" Thus, "A Makahiki Carol" was born. It has since become the signature piece for the delightful and informative holiday programs Leilehua and Manu give during the winter months in Hawai`i. Combining traditional and historical mo`olelo (teaching stories) with traditional chants, hula, their original songs, and music, Leilehua and Manu captivate audiences of all ages in their joyous voyages through Hawai`i's culture and history. Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah grew up with stories. Blessed with the privilege of being reared in part by their grandparents, they were exposed to the skills, talents, and culture of an older generation. When they were young, the term "cultural practitioner" was not yet in vogue. What is now known as "cultural practice" was then simply the way one's `ohana, one's family, did things. Children learned by observation, and by listening to stories. Manu and Leilehua are available for cultural programs featuring their storytelling and music. The programs on which "A Makahiki Carol" is based are available approximately November through February, during the Makahiki season. "A Makahiki Carol" is designed to be a resource for parents and other educators, to help teach Hawai`i's history, natural history, culture, and traditional values. It is meant to be a starting point for further exploration, and a fun way for families to learn together. "A Makahiki Carol" is the first time the original material in their holiday presentations has been recorded. Joining Leilehua and Manu in this recording are The Maile Sisters, a set of hula puppets which often accompany them in presentations. Charles Brotman, at whose studio the CD was recorded, also graciously joins in on bass guitar. "A MAKAHIKI CAROL"  ©2003, D. Leilehua Yuen You’ve heard of Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. You’ve heard of the babe in the manger, born so long ago And Santa who lives in the North, in the snow. But how many know of our holiday here, When Makali`i, the Pleides shines bright and clear? Four months, said our ancients, four months of peace, While Makali`i, the Pleides, shines bright in the East. A time of no toil, no trouble, no fear That’s Makahiki, the Hawaiian New Year Holiday time, oh Holiday time, Holiday time is here Put aside your worries, put aside your fears Dig the imu deep and wide for the biggest hog Find an old kiawe tree for the biggest log  Put aside all anger, discontent and tears Seek out joy and happiness at this time of year In the land of aloha plant the seeds of peace Faith and hope and charity to harvest for the feast Hau`oli Makahiki Hou! Sing it loud and clear! Makali`i shines a light by which we can steer Chart a course for happiness all the whole year through And when those stars roll ‘round again the world will sing with you!