

Christmastime is here and what better way to spend the most wonderful time of the year than cozied up in blankets with a cup of hot cocoa watching a classic holiday film? Of course, there’s an almost overwhelming abundance of options available for one to watch during this time, but what makes Christmas particularly special is the return of tradition and nostalgia.
That is why xoNecole has compiled a list of some of your favorite Christmas films from over the years that’ll be sure to make you laugh and feel comforted during the holidays.
"This Christmas"
This Will Packer-produced movie has an extraordinary ensemble cast featuring Idris Elba, Regina King, Lauren London, Loretta Devine, Delroy Lindo, and more. Devine’s character Ma’Dere gathers her family together for the first time in years. However, a number of secrets amongst the family threaten to make what was supposed to be a warm, joyful holiday, a chaotic nightmare.
"Almost Christmas"
It wouldn’t be another Will Packer classic film if it didn’t boast yet another star-studded cast. Almost Christmas stars Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise, and many more. In this recent addition to the Black Christmas film canon, Glover’s character Walter gathers his family for the holidays to honor their recently departed matriarch. Not long into the festivities, however, it becomes clear that everyone’s arguing might ruin any chance at a peaceful holiday.
"The Best Man Holiday"
Nearly fifteen years after the beloved first film debuted, The Best Man Holiday the sequel to The Best Man became an instant holiday classic upon arrival. Following the same ensemble cast led by Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, Nia Long, Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau, and Melissa De Sousa, the film picks up well over a decade after the events preceding Diggs’ character publishing a bombshell book detailing the salacious details of him and his friend’s lives. As the entire gang travels to Chestnut and Calhoun’s characters' home, old tension and love flare in equal amounts.
"Last Holiday"
In Last Holiday, the ever-delightful Queen Latifah plays a woman named Georgia who leaves behind her dull life when she receives news that she doesn’t have long to live (spoiler alert: the information turns out to be false.) However, the news of her death was what Georgia needed to finally live her life. She moves to Europe, charms everyone in her path, and finally finds the romance she’s been looking for.
"The Preacher’s Wife"
What’s not to love about a film that has Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington as the leads? In The Preacher’s Wife, Washington plays Dudley, an angel sent down by God to help a preacher played by Courtney B. Vance regain his pastoral confidence. But Dudley’s attempt to fulfill his heavenly duties might be thwarted by his affection for the preacher’s wife played by Houston.
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Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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This Moisturizer Comes With A Built-In Sculpting Tool—And It Lowkey Changed My Skincare Routine
Gua sha, essence, serums, moisturizer, and SPF are a few of the many steps incorporated in an everyday skincare routine. However, it’s easy to skip a step or two to save time.
And in my case, I’ve wondered how crucial it would be if I slack on an essence or gua sha routine, so my routine doesn’t feel as extensive. With skincare routines getting longer, I always appreciate a two-in-one product.
Now and then, the beauty industry releases a two-in-one product that makes life worth living again. One of those brands is REFY.
The Hype Behind REFY's Face Sculpt Moisturizer With Built-In Roller
The company shook the industry when it first released its REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer With Niacinamide. Now they’ve come out with a moisturizer version of the product. The Face Sculpt by REFY is the world's first moisturizer with a sculpting piece attached.
The product aims to lift the skin while hydrating it at the same time. This is music to my ears, since it’s one less step I have to take separately and still get my facelift.
Face Sculpt by REFY is the "world's first facial sculpting moisturizer that instantly lifts, defines and hydrates."
REFY
Key Ingredients in REFY's Sculpting Moisturizer: What Your Skin Will Love
Before I try any product, I always look at the ingredients. It’s important to know what's going on with your skin. Doing this extra step can help you learn the benefits or risks you’re up against. I love that this moisturizer is filled with glycerin and provitamin B5.
Glycerin is incredible for deeply hydrating the skin, which is essential since I have dry skin. Provitamin B5 is an ingredient I rarely see in most skincare products. It’s excellent for calming the skin and reducing redness. This can come in handy on mornings when your skin is puffy and needs to calm down.
How To Use REFY’s Face Sculpt Moisturizer for Best Results
When applying the product, I learned that patience is key. Rolling the moisturizer into your skin won’t melt in as quickly as using your hands. I found this beneficial since it meant the moisturizer was slowly working its way into my pores, instead of forcing it in. I worked the “roller” in upward motions to ensure I got the face lift effect I sought.
Although the facelift didn’t come instantly, I knew it would come in time if I were consistent enough—four weeks to be exact.
REFY
Four-Week Facelift or Nah? My First Impressions
The website shows various final results after using the moisturizer for four weeks. Several women are posing with pride, showing off their final results. There was a slight difference in lifting for each face. In addition, their smile wrinkles have subsided.
I look forward to these results as I continue to use this product consistently. I encourage everyone to check out the results on their website, as they're worth looking into before you start.
After using this product immediately, I noticed a noticeable difference in hydration. The moisturizer created a luminous effect on my skin that I deeply appreciated. I also loved how much it helped with lymphatic drainage. Since I had to work in the moisturizer, the rolling motions helped smooth out my skin. Allowing for a depuffing effect before starting my day.
Final Thoughts: Is REFY's Face Sculpt Worth It?
I give this product a 10 out of 10. It's perfect for all skin types, but especially those looking for a subtle face lift. With patience and commitment, your skin can be perky and ready for the day!
Remember to roll day and night so your skin can stay plump.
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