The Enduring Magic Of This Christmas: A Holiday Legacy That Feels Like "This Christmas 2" Every Year

Introduction: Why "This Christmas" Still Resonates

The holiday season brings with it a unique blend of warmth, nostalgia, and often, a cherished tradition of revisiting beloved films. While many might be anticipating a fresh holiday classic or even a direct sequel like "This Christmas 2," it's the original 2007 film, "This Christmas," that continues to capture hearts and minds year after year, proving its enduring legacy. Its timeless themes and relatable characters ensure that for many, watching it feels like a brand new experience, a "This Christmas 2" in spirit, every time the credits roll.

Released on November 21, 2007, "This Christmas" quickly established itself as a staple in holiday viewing. It delves deep into the complexities of family dynamics, the airing of long-held secrets, and the powerful pull of tradition. This article will explore the enduring appeal of this cinematic gem, its talented cast, its availability, and how it beautifully intertwines with the broader, multifaceted meanings of Christmas itself, making it a film that truly stands the test of time.

The Heart of the Holidays: An Overview of "This Christmas" (2007)

"This Christmas" is a heartwarming yet poignant film centered around the Whitfield family. For the first time in four years, the entire clan reunites for the holidays at their matriarch Ma'Dere Whitfield's home. What begins as a joyous gathering soon becomes an opportunity for long-simmering tensions to surface and hidden truths to be revealed. The film masterfully balances humor, drama, and heartfelt moments, making it a truly authentic portrayal of family life during the festive season.

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The narrative weaves through various individual struggles and collective challenges faced by the siblings and their partners. From career aspirations and relationship woes to unresolved conflicts and surprising revelations, the Whitfield family navigates the often turbulent waters of familial love and loyalty. The film's strength lies in its ability to present these challenges with raw honesty, allowing viewers to see reflections of their own families and experiences on screen. It’s not just a story about Christmas; it’s a story about what it means to be a family, flaws and all.

The Whitfield Family: A Mirror to Our Own Holiday Realities

At the core of "This Christmas" is the Whitfield family, a diverse group of individuals brought together by blood and tradition. Ma'Dere Whitfield (Loretta Devine) lives with her youngest son, Michael (singer Chris Brown), and her longtime boyfriend, Joe (Delroy Lindo). The arrival of her other children and their significant others sets the stage for a holiday that promises to be unforgettable. Each sibling carries their own burdens and secrets, which are slowly unveiled throughout their time together. This intricate web of relationships and personal histories makes the Whitfield family feel incredibly real and relatable, echoing the complexities often found within our own family gatherings during the holidays.

The film brilliantly showcases how the holiday season, while meant for celebration, often serves as a catalyst for deeper conversations and confrontations that might otherwise be avoided. The Whitfield clan uses this opportunity to air their true feelings, leading to moments of both conflict and profound reconciliation. It’s a testament to the idea that true family bonds are forged not just in joy, but also in vulnerability and forgiveness.

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A Star-Studded Ensemble: The Cast That Brought the Whitfields to Life

One of the key reasons for the film's success and its lasting appeal, making it feel like a cherished annual event (or "This Christmas 2" for fans), is its exceptional cast. The ensemble brings a remarkable depth and authenticity to their roles, making the Whitfield family truly come alive:

• Idris Elba as Quentin Whitfield Jr.
• Regina King as Lisa Whitfield-Moore
• Chris Brown as Michael "Baby" Whitfield
• Loretta Devine as Ma'Dere Whitfield
• Delroy Lindo as Joe Black
• Sharon Leal as Kelli Whitfield
• Columbus Short as Claude Whitfield
• Lauren London as Melanie Whitfield
• Mekhi Phifer as Gerald
• Keith Robinson as Devan

The chemistry among the actors is palpable, contributing significantly to the film's ability to resonate with audiences. Their performances elevate the narrative from a simple holiday story to a compelling drama about the human experience within the family unit.

Where to Watch "This Christmas": Streaming and Purchase Options

The enduring popularity of "This Christmas" means that it remains widely accessible for viewers eager to revisit the Whitfield family's holiday reunion. Its availability across various platforms contributes to its status as an annual tradition for many, effectively serving as their personal "This Christmas 2" each festive season.

Currently, you are able to watch "This Christmas" streaming on several popular services:

• FuboTV
• Starz Apple TV Channel
• Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel

For those who prefer to own a digital copy or simply rent it for a one-time viewing, "This Christmas" is also readily available for purchase or rental online:

• Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
• Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Spectrum On Demand online

This wide accessibility ensures that the film continues to be a go-to choice for families looking for a meaningful and entertaining holiday movie experience.

Beyond the Screen: The Deeper Meanings of Christmas

While "This Christmas" offers a fictional narrative, it touches upon universal themes that prompt reflection on the true meaning of the holiday season. The film, like Christmas itself, is a blend of celebration, introspection, and the complex interplay of human relationships. It serves as a reminder that Christmas is more than just gifts and decorations; it's a time for family, forgiveness, and sometimes, profound spiritual consideration.

Unwrapping History: The Origins of December 25th

For many, Christmas is intrinsically linked to the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25th was not an original decree but was made sometime during the fourth century by church bishops in Rome. They had a specific reason for doing so: to integrate existing pagan festivals into the Christian calendar. Having turned long ago from worshiping the one true God and Creator of all things, many early cultures in the Roman Empire had fallen into sun worship. By placing the celebration of Christ's birth on the same day as the winter solstice celebrations (like Saturnalia and Sol Invictus), the Church aimed to encourage conversion and shift focus from pagan deities to Christ. This historical context adds another layer to our understanding of how Christmas traditions have evolved over centuries.

Theology of Christmas: Remembering the Incarnation

Beyond its historical roots, Christmas holds immense theological significance for billions worldwide. For many, it is the time to think of Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger, marveling over the mystery of the incarnation – God becoming man. While the birth of Christ is a special and miraculous event, it isn't the primary focus of Christian theology year-round, but Christmas provides a dedicated moment for this contemplation.

Christmas can also be a time for reverent worship. The shepherds glorified and praised God for the birth of Jesus the Messiah. They rejoiced when the angels proclaimed that in Bethlehem was born a savior, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). This sense of awe and worship is central to the Christian observance of the holiday. As Philippians chapter 2, verse 5 ends by identifying Christ Jesus, He becomes the theme of the next few verses, emphasizing His humility and divinity. The intention is to be straightforward and tell the real story of the birth of Christ and make no mistake about its genuine significance.

The first Christmas saw wise men coming to worship. Today, sadly, many worldwide ignore the one the wise men worshiped, distracted by the temporal aspects of the holiday. The call is to draw back into the Word of God and let the Word of God speak, for it is much more important that you hear the Word of God than anything else.

The Modern Christmas: Wealth, Wonder, and What We Might Miss

Christmas today is often a display of wealth, as millions of people spend billions of dollars to indulge in temporal things. The amount of advertising, publicity, and promotion the holiday receives is staggering, making it seem impossible for anyone to "miss Christmas." Yet, paradoxically, the majority of people in the world might miss the true essence of Christmas amidst the commercial fervor.

The story is told of a little girl who’s passing out presents to her family on Christmas morning. After finding gifts for each member, she was puzzled that there wasn’t a gift for her. This anecdote highlights a poignant truth: in the hustle and bustle of giving and receiving, the most profound "gift" of Christmas – its spiritual and communal meaning – can sometimes be overlooked. It's a reminder to look beyond the material and appreciate the intangible blessings of the season, much like the Whitfield family learns to value their bonds over their individual struggles in "This Christmas."

A Different Perspective: Why Jehovah's Witnesses Don't Celebrate Christmas

The fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not participate in most holiday observances and other celebrations can be somewhat perplexing to a teacher or anyone unfamiliar with their beliefs. Their decision stems from a deeply held conviction rooted in their understanding of biblical principles and historical origins. We hope the following helps to understand why they take the matter so seriously; the answer may just surprise you.

Here are four primary reasons for some of their choices regarding Christmas:

1. Pagan Origins: As discussed, the celebration of Christmas on December 25th has roots in pagan festivals. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that adopting practices with pagan origins for Christian worship is displeasing to God.
2. No Biblical Command: The Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Jesus' birth. While the birth of Christ is a special and miraculous event, it isn't the primary focus of early Christian worship, nor is there a specific date or instruction given for its annual commemoration.
3. Unknown Birth Date: The exact date of Jesus' birth is not known. Celebrating on a date chosen centuries later, rather than one specified in scripture, is seen as arbitrary and not divinely ordained.
4. Commercialism and Worldly Practices: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that modern Christmas has become heavily commercialized and is often associated with excessive materialism, drunkenness, and other practices that they view as unchristian. They strive to live lives that are distinct from worldly traditions and practices.

Their stance is a testament to their commitment to what they perceive as pure worship, free from traditions they believe are not biblically supported or are tainted by non-Christian origins. This perspective, while unique to many, highlights the diverse ways in which people approach and understand the holiday season.

Spotlight on a Matriarch: Loretta Devine's Enduring Legacy

In "This Christmas," Loretta Devine delivers a powerful and memorable performance as Ma'Dere Whitfield, the matriarch holding her complex family together. Her portrayal grounds the film, providing both comedic relief and profound emotional depth. Devine's ability to convey the strength, vulnerability, and unwavering love of a mother makes her character the heart of the Whitfield clan and a pivotal reason why the film resonates so deeply with audiences, cementing its status as a holiday classic that feels fresh every year, much like a "This Christmas 2" experience.

Loretta Devine: Biography and Personal Data

Loretta Devine is an acclaimed American actress and singer, known for her distinctive voice and versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Her career spans decades, earning her numerous accolades and a reputation as a beloved figure in entertainment.

Devine's extensive body of work showcases her incredible range, from comedic roles to dramatic portrayals. Her performance in "This Christmas" is a testament to her ability to anchor an ensemble cast and bring a nuanced, authentic character to life, making Ma'Dere Whitfield a memorable matriarch for holiday film lovers.

Conclusion: The Unforgettable Spirit of "This Christmas"

"This Christmas" (2007) has firmly established itself as a holiday classic, a film that viewers return to year after year. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its star-studded cast or its engaging plot, but in its authentic portrayal of family life, with all its joys, challenges, and messy realities. The film captures the essence of what the holidays truly mean: a time for reunion, reconciliation, and rediscovering the unbreakable bonds that tie us together.

While the anticipation for a direct "This Christmas 2" might linger for some, the original film itself continues to deliver a fresh and impactful experience with each viewing, embodying the spirit of a new installment every holiday season. It reminds us that Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Christ, to marvel over the mystery of the incarnation, and to engage in reverent worship. It also serves as a poignant reminder to look beyond the commercialism and focus on the true gifts of love, family, and faith. The Whitfield family's journey is a powerful testament to the idea that even amidst secrets and struggles, the spirit of Christmas can bring healing and hope. So, as the holidays approach, consider revisiting "This Christmas" – it's an experience that truly never gets old, offering new insights and warmth each time.

What are your favorite moments from "This Christmas"? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore more of our holiday film analyses!