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Black-Led Movies and Books to Cozy Up With This Holiday Season

  • Writer: Oluwaseun Mary Temitope
    Oluwaseun Mary Temitope
  • Dec 23, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2024


The holiday season is here! As the scent of spiced drinks fills the air and fairy lights twinkle in every corner, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a great story. Whether you love getting lost in a good book or immersing yourself in a heartwarming holiday film, this Christmas offers plenty of tales to warm your soul.





Films to Set the Holiday Mood (Hollywood)






"Meet Me Next Christmas" is a heartwarming 2024 Christmas romantic comedy that brings a refreshing Black-led perspective to the holiday genre. Directed by Rusty Cundieff, the film stars Christina Milian and Devale Ellis, with a standout cast that includes Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, and an ensemble of diverse Black talent. The movie shines a spotlight on Black love, family, and community during the festive season, celebrating both cultural traditions and the magic of the holidays. With a mix of heartfelt moments, laughter, and romance, "Meet Me Next Christmas" offers a much-needed narrative that centers Black joy in the context of Christmas, making it a perfect addition to the holiday movie lineup for audiences craving stories that reflect their experiences.







"Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" is a groundbreaking 2020 Christmas musical that reimagines the holiday classic with a vibrant, Black-led cast and rich cultural elements. Directed by David E. Talbert and choreographed by Ashley Wallen, the film stars Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, and the talented Madalen Mills. With executive production from the legendary Michael Jackson, the movie blends fantasy, music, and heart, while celebrating Black joy, creativity, and family. Nominated for 10 NAACP Image Awards, including Best Motion Picture, the film’s powerful storytelling and visual brilliance make it a must-see holiday experience that showcases the magic of Black culture during Christmas.





"Best. Christmas. Ever!" is a 2023 Christmas romantic comedy that brings heart, humor, and holiday cheer with a notable Black presence. Directed by Mary Lambert, the film stars Heather Graham alongside Brandy Norwood, who brings her signature charm and talent to the festive storyline. With a perfect mix of romance and comedy, the film highlights the warmth of family and the magic of Christmas, featuring a diverse cast led by Norwood, making it an exciting and inclusive addition to the holiday movie lineup. With her stellar performance, Brandy adds an extra layer of joy to this Christmas celebration.


Films to Set the Holiday Mood (Nollywood)


1. Christmas in lagos (2024) - PrimeVideo




"Christmas In Lagos" brings the vibrant energy of Lagos to the holiday season, following three intertwining love stories. Directed by Jade Osiberu, the film stars Teniola Aladese as Fiyin, who navigates a love triangle with her best friend Elo (Shalom Chibuiken Obiago) and his fiancée Yagazie. Shaffy Bello shines as Gbemi, Fiyin's widowed mother caught between two romantic suitors, including a playboy from her past. Other standout performances include Ivie (played by a talented cast) and the chemistry between various characters, offering a mix of romance, drama, and Nigerian holiday spirit. Set against the backdrop of Lagos' luxurious districts, "Christmas In Lagos" is an engaging Nollywood romance with a refreshing mix of heart and holiday cheer.


2. A Warm Christmas(2024)




"A Warm Christmas" is a heartwarming holiday film that offers a unique look at an African Christmas through the eyes of the diasporic experience. Directed by emerging filmmaker Regina Idu Udalor, the movie follows three siblings Ariel, Jaden, and Zarah as they travel from Canada to Nigeria to spend Christmas with their grandparents in a rural village. Initially skeptical about what to expect, they soon learn valuable lessons about family, culture, and togetherness. Featuring a talented cast including Ruby Akubueze, Lois Itodo, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Rekiya Atta Ibrahim, Bimbo Manuel, and Kayla Udalor, "A Warm Christmas" beautifully captures the essence of African traditions and the power of family, making it an ideal holiday film for viewers of all backgrounds.





"A Naija Christmas" is a lively 2021 holiday comedy that blends family dynamics with the spirited competition of the season. The story centers around a mother’s Christmas wish, which sparks a fierce rivalry between her sons as they vie for a grand prize. Directed by a talented team, the film features standout performances from Late Rachel Oniga, Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara, Linda Osifo, Abayomi Alvin, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Lateef Adedimeji and Segilola Ogidan. With its unique take on Nigerian family traditions, "A Naija Christmas" highlights the humor, drama, and love that comes with the holiday season, making it a perfect watch for anyone looking to enjoy an African twist on Christmas celebrations.




Books to Warm Your Heart






The Christmas Fix is a festive and heartfelt romance that brings holiday cheer and second chances to life. When a hurricane threatens to cancel the beloved Christmas Festival in Merry, Connecticut, single dad Noah Yates and reality TV star Catalina King must overcome their differences to restore the town’s holiday spirit. For the Black community, this story resonates as a reminder of the resilience and unity that emerge in challenging times. Catalina’s determination to bring joy and hope back to Merry highlights the importance of community and collective celebration, making this book a delightful and inspiring read this season.





This transformative guide is more than a self-help book, it’s a journey of empowerment. Dr. Yonga draws on her personal experiences and clinical expertise to help readers tackle impostor syndrome with eight practical strategies. Her relatable anecdotes and insightful advice make this the perfect read for anyone reflecting on their year and ready to embrace their true potential. Let this inspiring book be a reminder to walk confidently into the new year with self-assurance and hope.





My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories is the perfect holiday anthology to cozy up with this Christmas. Featuring twelve heartwarming tales from bestselling young adult authors, this collection celebrates the magic of the season across diverse traditions, from Christmas to Hanukkah and Winter Solstice to New Year’s. Beyond its festive charm, the book holds a special significance for the Black community, showcasing relatable narratives of joy, love, and hope. Its inclusive stories affirm that Black experiences are integral to the universal celebrations of the holiday season, making it a meaningful addition to your bookshelf this winter.





Start the new year with the empowering energy of Trifold Mirror, a poetic masterpiece by Dr. Eze that celebrates identity, resilience, and love. Each verse invites moments of profound self-reflection, encouraging you to embrace your strengths and envision new possibilities. Ideal for quiet winter evenings, this book offers the perfect blend of inspiration and introspection, helping you access the clarity and motivation needed to excel in the year ahead.



Why Stories Matter During the Holidays


The books we read and the films we watch aren’t just entertainment; they’re invitations to connect. They remind us of what truly matters: family, love, hope, and self-discovery. Whether you’re diving into Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome to reflect on personal growth or laughing along with A Naija Christmas, these stories have the power to inspire and bring joy.


So, grab your coziest blanket, pour a mug of your favorite holiday drink, and let these stories make your season unforgettable. Because this time of year is all about warmth, connection, and a little bit of magic—and there’s no better way to celebrate than through the beauty of storytelling.




Happy Holidays!




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