This Christmas

(**Bloggers note: Amidst the Writer's Strike going on nationwide, it really gives focus to the freedom that all writers possess. For those apart of the Union that exercise this freedom I commend them. But in the same breath realize that I don't think I could subject my craft to the scrutiny of others. And I use scrutiny loosely because what is a blog but for others to read and comment. I mean to be forced to edit my work, submit to deadlines and paychecks. I do this because I like to, and not because its a task assigned to me. So this piece is somewhat of a break from the norm. I don't usually do request work. I don't write on command about any topic or specifically for any one person so AJ (you know who you are) this is in part for you. But I also had some notes on this that I wanted to share as well.) **

I had the opportunity to see an ensemble cast that resembled a lot of my family members and situations in the form of the new movie 'This Christmas' a few weeks ago. I was still doing my best Scrooge impression, as I was not so ready to move from turkey to Tree Trimming so fast. It seems like the Holiday Season always surprises up when it does arrive. And opening the day before the Turkey and Over Roasted Honey Ham had even been cut came this film that at first glance looked like the second part of Soul Food (which also opened up right before the Thanksgiving Holiday season) a little more than 10 years ago. The similarities ensued as the commonalities between many movies focused on the closeness of African-American families. The reason why these movies do so well is because many African-Americans identify with the characters and scenarios.

There is always that matriarch (although I am sick of the name Madea...thanks Tyler Perry) who seems to cook dinner, decorate the house, balance the check book, run the family business, keep the peace, and still seems to know what's really going on in her children's lives despite their locations. (Shout outs to all the women that do this with one hand tied behind her back). Then as stereotypical as usual Papa is missing in action as The Temptations (<<Thanks Dad) put it so quaintly 'Papa was a rolling stone, wherever he laid his hat was his home...'. The one difference is that the movie does focus on how blended families can still work out. Many strong male characters in the film (Delroy Lindo, Idris Alba, Colombus Short, Chris Brown, and even 'Cousin Fred') stress the importance of family and the sacrifices that we make for the sake of blood.

The women in the movie all represent African-American women in many different stages of their lives. The separated mother (who is still getting her groove on but hasn't moved on from her 1st husband), the career college student (who has the best intentions with school, just not as much focus), the too focused career woman (who can't get out of her own way and allow someone to love her outside of her family), and the stay-at-home-mom (who does what too many women do nowadays and think that infidelity should be overlooked for lack of confidence and find ways to excuse it). Very Soul Foodish, but portrayed very well by Loretta Devine, Lauren London, Sharon Leal, and Regina King, respectively. And on a side note, big ups to the director for making sure Regina King had next to nothing on. I mean housewife or not she stayed in the gym to keep that body tight and tried to keep her man home and satisfied. Hey if you're going to do it, you mind as well be the best at it. LOL. And no matter what role Regina King plays she always seems to carry that homegirl quality. Every family has a member like her. You have to give her creativity points too, baby oil and a leather belt. LOL. That ranks up there with Al Greene and the hot grits.

Not trying to give too much of the movie away, but I think it appeals to me because I come from a pretty close medium to large size family. Where if you share that similarity can attest that hijinks's like those in the movie happen at many a family function. Most of all it reminded me that Christmas really isn't Christmas without being surrounded by the ones you love. Not necessarily the ones you like, but when all is said and done you know they would do anything for you. And yes they will judge, point fingers, fight with you on the front lawn, at the bar, or on vacation, but let someone from outside the family step to you and they will have your back. I feel like I have celebrated Christmas for the last two months. The only thing I really wanted was to spend time with all of my family. It was part of the reason why I have moved back to the Northeastern area. My brother is back from Iraq and him and his entire family made the trek from Hawaii to the East Coast. At the drop of a dime my family was there to celebrate with dishes of all kinds and of course spirits. That's family.

This Christmas don't send yourself into credit card debt that you will be paying off til August. It's not worth it. Enjoy the greatest gifts that this season has to offer. Turn over and smile at the special someone that makes this cold season a little warmer. Or walk down the hall and peek in on the little ones whose innocence you are shaping while they are still caught up in being comfortable and not the commodity of this Holiday. And if you have to by train, plane, bus, or automobile make sure that home is where your heart is This Christmas morning. Rejoice and be glad. And lest not forget that 'Jesus is the reason for the season'.

**(Bloggers 2nd note: I'm an old school fan too. Chris Brown as talented as he is needed to leave Donny Hathaway's original alone. Too many runs. The soundtrack for the movie is bumpin' though. And for me it's not the Christmas season until I hear The Temptations 'Silent Night'. By the way this will be my only Christmas piece. It snowed today in Jersey and with it being December it seemed perfect timing to post this. I will not be posting many movie reviews, just ones I feel strongly about. But another good one to check out if you haven't seen it is The Family Stone. Now with that said you won't see anything about The Perfect Holiday, you know that other movie starring Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union (for like the 5th time). Although I will be seeing the new Will Smith production I Am Legend, again no other plugs especially since I hope it doesn't follow the boring footsteps of Tom Hank's one man show Cast Away. And if you went to go see This Christmas you probably also got a chance to view the trailer for the new Ice Cube movie featuring Katt Williams. I'm not even going to tell you the name. One word for it Buffoonery. LOL. I'm going to sneak in. It's my way of not really supporting.)**

"I want to wish you a Merrrrrry

Merrrrrrry Christmassssss

To eaccchhhh

To all of youuuuuu

Merrrrrrry Christmasssss

To all of youuuuuuuuu

(in the deep voice)

Merry Christmas from the Temptations"