Holiday Heritage

Black Christmas Movies

A woman returns home to mend family fences and celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, uniting her divided relatives. Starring Holly Robinson Peete, Brooks Darnell, and Lyndie Greenwood.

“Holiday Heritage” is a heartfelt holiday movie that intertwines the joy of Christmas with the reflective celebration of Kwanzaa, set against the backdrop of familial reconciliation. The film follows Ella, a Boston-based graphic designer played by Lyndie Greenwood of “The Expanse” fame, as she returns to her hometown of Mary’s Town, Pennsylvania. Ella finds her family struggling with unresolved issues since her grandfather’s passing. The surprise of her mother Micah’s (Holly Robinson Peete) decision to start anew in Chicago ignites further tension with her grandmother Tess (Darlene Cooke), co-owners of the Chapel Family Bakery.

Amidst the strife, Ella, with assistance from her ex-boyfriend Griffin, played by Brooks Darnell, strives to unite her family through the dual celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, hoping to mend the rifts of the past. The film is a testament to the power of tradition and the bonds of family, showcasing stellar performances from its cast that make the Chapel women’s lineage feel tangibly real.

Unlike many holiday films, the central plot of “Holiday Heritage” doesn’t revolve around a romantic storyline, but rather the complex dynamics of three generations of women within a family, offering a refreshing narrative focused on mother-daughter relationships. This focus provides a rich tapestry of emotion and heritage, setting it apart from the usual holiday fare.

Directed by Alfons Adetuyi with a script by Rhonda Baraka, “Holiday Heritage” stands out for its emotional depth and the authenticity of its characters. It’s a film that doesn’t rely on the typical holiday movie tropes but instead invites the audience to a sincere exploration of what it means to come together and embrace one’s heritage during the holiday season.