Nov 15, 2024

Books, Music, Movies, Podcasts and TV Shows for the holiday season

 


I hope you enjoy this carefully curated list of books, music, movies, podcasts, and TV shows to bring you joy, inspiration, and comfort throughout the holiday season—because you deserve to celebrate and unwind in style!

Music for December 2024

  1. Anita Baker – "Christmas Fantasy"
    A soulful Christmas album perfect for the holiday season.
  2. The Temptations – "Give Love at Christmas"
    Classic holiday favorites with timeless Motown vibes.
  3. India Arie – "Christmas with Friends"
    A mix of jazz, soul, and festive cheer.
  4. Patti LaBelle – "Miss Patti’s Christmas"
    Elegant and powerful holiday music for every celebration.
  5. Nat King Cole – "The Christmas Song"
    A seasonal classic for a nostalgic and warm atmosphere.
  6. Ledisi – "It’s Christmas"
    A jazzy and soulful take on Christmas music.
  7. Kirk Franklin & The Family – "Christmas"
    A gospel-infused Christmas album to lift spirits.
  8. Whitney Houston – "One Wish: The Holiday Album"
    Celebrate the season with Whitney’s angelic voice.
  9. Donny Hathaway – "This Christmas"
    A quintessential track for every holiday playlist.
  10. Boyz II Men – "Let It Snow"
    Smooth R&B melodies perfect for winter evenings.

Movies for December 2024

  1. "The Preacher’s Wife" (1996)
    A heartwarming holiday classic starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
  2. "This Christmas" (2007)
    A family drama filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer.
  3. "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" (2020)
    A visually stunning musical fantasy with a Black cast and uplifting themes.
  4. "Black Nativity" (2013)
    A modern reimagining of Langston Hughes' classic play.
  5. "A Holiday Chance" (2021)
    A family holiday movie focused on love, reconciliation, and faith.
  6. "A Madea Christmas" (2013)
    Tyler Perry’s iconic Madea brings humor and heart to the holidays.
  7. "Holiday Heart" (2000)
    A moving story about family, love, and holiday connections.
  8. "Last Holiday" (2006)
    Queen Latifah shines in this feel-good holiday movie.
  9. "The Christmas Chronicles" (Netflix)
    Family-friendly fun with magical adventures and holiday spirit.
  10. "Soul Santa" (2021)
    A heartfelt comedy with a unique twist on holiday traditions.

Podcasts for December 2024

  1. "The Black Girl Bravado"
    Celebrate the end of the year with episodes on self-care and goal-setting for the new year.
  2. "Jesus and Jollof" with Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Orji
    Hilarious takes on life, family, and faith during the holiday season.
  3. "Brown Girls Do It Too"
     Lighthearted and engaging conversations with a holiday twist.
  4. "Black Love Podcast"
     Stories of love and connection, perfect for cozy winter nights.
  5. "Self Care IRL" by Ty Alexander
    Episodes on surviving the holidays with grace and self-compassion.
  6. "Side Hustle Pro" with Nicaila Matthews Okome
    Year-end episodes on preparing for success in the upcoming year.
  7. "Therapy for Black Girls"
     Mental health advice to navigate holiday stress and seasonal changes.
  8. "Balanced Black Girl"
     Tips on maintaining wellness and balance during the holidays.
  9. "The Michelle Obama Podcast"
    Inspiring reflections to close out the year with purpose.
  10. "Gettin’ Grown"
     Fun, relatable discussions about adulthood and surviving the holiday madness.

TV Shows for December 2024

  1. "Queen Sugar" (OWN)
    Catch up on episodes of this family drama to reflect on themes of resilience and unity.
  2. "Living Single" (Hulu)
    Holiday-themed episodes for nostalgic laughs and relatable moments.
  3. "A Different World" (HBO Max)
    Feel-good episodes that explore growth, community, and love.
  4. "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" (Peacock)
    Revisit this reunion series to end the year with heartfelt drama and humor.
  5. "The Equalizer" (CBS)
    Queen Latifah as a strong, empowering lead in an action-packed series.
  6. "Greenleaf" (Netflix)
    A powerful story about family and faith, perfect for winter binge-watching.
  7. "Black-ish" (Hulu)
    Holiday-themed episodes with humor and heartfelt lessons.
  8. "Insecure" (HBO Max)
    A reflective and empowering comedy series to finish the year strong.
  9. "Girlfriends" (Netflix)
    Revisit classic episodes about friendship and support during the holidays.
  10. "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" (Disney+)
    Family-friendly fun with a modern twist on a beloved classic.

 

Books for December 2024

Fiction

  1. "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie" by Ayana Mathis
    A powerful multigenerational story of resilience, family, and identity.
  2. "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson
    A beautifully written historical narrative about the Great Migration and its impact on African-American lives.
  3. "Before I Let Go" by Kennedy Ryan
    A poignant story of love, loss, and second chances, perfect for reflecting on life’s transitions.
  4. "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson
    A captivating family drama with themes of heritage and secrets across generations.
  5. "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi
    A sweeping saga that traces the legacy of slavery through two branches of a family.

Nonfiction

  1. "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
    A deeply inspiring memoir about life, leadership, and self-discovery.
  2. "You Are Your Best Thing" by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
    A collection of essays on vulnerability, resilience, and healing in the Black experience.
  3. "My Grandmother’s Hands" by Resmaa Menakem
    A guide to racialized trauma and healing, offering practical techniques for self-care and growth.
  4. "Feeding the Soul" by Tabitha Brown
    Uplifting and heartwarming reflections on embracing joy and authenticity.
  5. "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
    A groundbreaking exploration of systemic inequality and its effects on our lives.

Self-Care & Wellness

  1. "Radiant: The Journey to Healthy, Vibrant Skin at Any Age" by Dr. Whitney Bowe
    Practical tips for maintaining melanin-rich skin during and beyond the winter months.
  2. "The Menopause Manifesto" by Dr. Jen Gunter
    A comprehensive guide to understanding and thriving during menopause.
  3. "Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit" by Queen Afua
    A timeless book on holistic wellness rooted in African traditions.
  4. "Mindfulness for Beginners" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
    A gentle introduction to mindfulness practices, perfect for the holiday season.
  5. "Body Kindness" by Rebecca Scritchfield
    A compassionate approach to wellness and self-care through every stage of life.

Inspiration & Spirituality

  1. "Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America" by Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden
    Insightful reflections on navigating life as a Black woman.
  2. "Acts of Faith: Meditations for People of Color" by Iyanla Vanzant
    Daily affirmations and meditations to uplift your spirit.
  3. "Every Day I’m Hustling" by Vivica A. Fox
    Lessons on confidence, reinvention, and living your best life.
  4. "Stand Your Ground" by Victoria Christopher Murray
    A gripping novel with themes of justice, faith, and family resilience.
  5. "All About Love" by bell hooks
    A transformative exploration of love in its many forms.

Cookbooks & Food

  1. "Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking" by Toni Tipton-Martin
    Celebrate the holidays with traditional recipes reimagined for modern kitchens.
  2. "The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes" by Fabiola Gaines and Roniece Weaver
    Delicious, health-conscious recipes perfect for managing blood sugar during festive meals.
  3. "Gullah Geechee Home Cooking" by Emily Meggett
    A heartwarming journey into traditional Gullah cuisine.
  4. "Soul Food Love" by Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams
    A modern take on classic soul food recipes with a focus on health.
  5. "Vegetable Kingdom" by Bryant Terry
    Creative and flavorful plant-based recipes to inspire holiday cooking.

Poetry & Reflection

  1. "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou
    A timeless collection of empowering poetry.
  2. "Call Us What We Carry" by Amanda Gorman
    Thought-provoking poems that reflect on resilience and hope.
  3. "The Hill We Climb and Other Poems" by Amanda Gorman
    An inspiring collection for closing out the year with positivity.
  4. "Wild Beauty: New and Selected Poems" by Ntozake Shange
    A celebration of the beauty and complexities of Black womanhood.
  5. "Salt." by Nayyirah Waheed
    A deeply reflective and empowering poetry collection.

Happy Holidays!

 Trina

 

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