Top 5 Christmas Movies To Keep In Rotation
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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Feature image by JGI/ Jamie Grill/ Getty Images
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage