This Christmas

On Christmas, the Whitfield siblings return home after years apart, each carrying baggage they’ve kept hidden. The house fills with the sound of laughter, music, and a chorus of unresolved hurts. As meals are prepared and the tree goes up, long simmering tensions bubble to the surface, forcing the family to reckon with past mistakes and the mistakes of others. As late night talks, shared memories, and small acts of forgiveness unfold, they discover that the real gift of the season may be simply choosing to be together. Hearts and humor collide as they work toward a renewed sense of family and hope. Its warmth lingers after the credits for the season.

Directed by Preston A Whitmore II, This Christmas released in 2007 with an ensemble cast led by Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Loretta Devine and Chris Brown. The modest 13 million dollar budget grounded the film in feel good realism, with humor threaded through drama.

Critics treated the film as a warm if uneven holiday ensemble that leans into family ties over slick plot twists. It spotlights forgiveness, reconciliation, and the idea that togetherness can heal old rifts while balancing humor with heartfelt moments. The performances, especially by Delroy Lindo and Loretta Devine, earned praise.

Among Black holiday films, This Christmas stands as an early ensemble story anchored in family and music, pushing a tradition of festive, multi generational storytelling. It helped bring Idris Elba and Chris Brown into wider households and contributed to the popularity of big cast holiday dramas in mid 2000s cinema.

Awards: The film did not receive major nominations at the Oscars Emmys or Golden Globes. It did, however, help launch a wave of ensemble holiday dramas and was appreciated by many viewers for its warm performances and festive atmosphere. Fans cited the film as an entry in 2000s family cinema.