What Is This Christmas About?
The premise of This Christmas in 306 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the heart of a bustling city, the Whitfield family converges beneath the familiar roof of Ma’dere’s home, a warm yet crowded house that has long served as the anchor for generations of love, laughter, and lingering grievances. It’s Christmas—a time the family has promised to celebrate together after years of distance—and the season’s twinkling lights illuminate both cherished traditions and the unspoken weight each member brings. The setting feels intimate and lived‑in, a slice of middle‑class African‑American life where the smell of home‑cooked meals mingles with the faint echo of past arguments, creating a backdrop that is both comforting and charged with anticipation.
The gathering is a tapestry of contrasting personalities: the pragmatic sibling who sees the family’s dry‑cleaning business as a potential lifeline, the restless brother whose recent choices have led him into precarious financial waters, the daughter returning from military service carrying the quiet discipline of a Marine, and the youngest sister arriving with a college boyfriend who adds a fresh, hopeful viewpoint. Their interactions crackle with a blend of humor and raw honesty, each exchange hinting at deeper layers of pride, regret, and yearning. The tone walks a delicate line between heartfelt comedy and earnest drama, allowing moments of levity to coexist with the palpable undercurrents of unresolved tension.
As the holiday rituals unfold—decorating the tree, sharing stories, and passing the plate of food—so do the subtle confrontations that have long lingered beneath the surface. The Whitfields must navigate the delicate balance between preserving cherished memories and confronting the truths that have kept them apart. In this season of togetherness, the film offers a vivid portrait of a family that refuses to be idealised, inviting viewers to feel the pull of forgiveness, the sting of old wounds, and the resilient hope that perhaps, this Christmas, they will rediscover what truly binds them.
What Happens in This Christmas?
The complete story of This Christmas, from the first scene to the last, in 183 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
This film captures the dynamics of a middle-class African-American family as they gather for Christmas after several years apart. The heart of the story unfolds in Ma’dere’s home, played by Loretta Devine, showcasing the complexity and reality of familial ties.
As the family comes together, numerous sensitive topics arise, often leading to heated exchanges—verbal clashes and even a memorable sister-on-sister brawl. Tensions flare as one sister advocates for selling the family’s dry cleaning business to divide the proceeds, while another brother finds himself entangled with loan sharks. Complicating matters further, another sibling is AWOL from the Marine Corps, and one sister has brought along her boyfriend from a historically black college.
Despite the marketing attempts to label it a heartwarming comedy, this film does not shy away from presenting dramatic undertones marked by violence and strong language. It paints a raw and unfiltered portrait of family life, diverging from the typical Hollywood narrative. This is a genuine slice-of-life experience that thoughtfully examines themes pertinent to African-Americans and the broader American experience, illustrating that this family—imperfections included—does not conform to the usual cinematic ideal.
This Christmas Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Family Reunion” to “New Beginnings”. 14 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Family Reunion
The middle-class African-American family gathers at Ma'dere's home after several years apart. This reunion sets the stage for a deep exploration of their complex relationships and unresolved tensions.
When:Christmas Where:Ma'dere's home
- 2
Awkward Conversations Begin
As the family comes together, sensitive topics begin to surface, creating an atmosphere charged with emotional undercurrents. Initial conversations hint at deeper issues that will soon lead to conflict.
When:Christmas Eve Where:Ma'dere's living room
- 3
Heated Exchanges Arise
The family dynamic quickly escalates into verbal clashes as differing views on family matters come to light. These exchanges reveal the underlying resentments each family member carries.
When:Christmas Day Where:Kitchen
- 4
The Sisterly Brawl
In a surprising turn of events, a memorable sister-on-sister brawl erupts during the gathering. This confrontation symbolizes the deep-seated frustrations and unresolved issues that exist between them.
When:Christmas Day Where:Living room
- 5
The Business Dispute
One sister proposes selling the family's dry cleaning business to split the proceeds, sparking fierce disagreements. This proposition highlights the family's differing priorities and their struggle over financial security.
When:Christmas Day Where:Dining room
- 6
Brothers' Troubles
One brother reveals his entanglement with loan sharks, leading to concerns about his safety and financial situation. This revelation adds another layer of drama to the already tense family gathering.
When:Christmas Day Where:Backyard
- 7
AWOL Marine Sibling
The family's dilemma deepens as they come to grips with another sibling being AWOL from the Marine Corps. This issue raises questions about duty, honor, and family loyalty amid the challenges they face.
When:Christmas Day Where:Living room
- 8
Introducing the Boyfriend
A sister's introduction of her boyfriend from a historically black college adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics. His presence introduces new perspectives and challenges from outside the family circle.
When:Christmas Day Where:Dining room
- 9
Moments of Reflection
Amidst the chaos, characters take moments to reflect on their lives, revealing their personal struggles and aspirations. These reflections serve as poignant reminders of their individual journeys and the family's collective history.
When:Later in the evening Where:Porch
- 10
Violent Climax
As tensions reach a breaking point, the family experiences a violent confrontation that shatters any illusions of a harmonious Christmas. This pivotal moment encapsulates the film's raw portrayal of family dynamics.
When:Christmas night Where:Living room
Show the other 4 events of This Christmas Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Aftermath of Conflict
Following the violent clash, family members grapple with the fallout of their actions. This moment becomes a catalyst for them to confront their underlying issues head-on.
When:Late Christmas night Where:Ma'dere's home
- 12
Path to Reconciliation
In the wake of the chaos, the family begins to engage in conversations aimed at understanding one another. This path towards reconciliation is filled with vulnerability, allowing for healing to occur.
When:Post-Christmas Where:Living room
- 13
Embracing Imperfections
The family acknowledges their flaws and imperfections, realizing the importance of accepting one another as they truly are. This acceptance marks a significant step in their relationship, showcasing growth.
When:Post-Christmas Where:Ma'dere's home
- 14
New Beginnings
As the Christmas gathering comes to a close, the family members consider the lessons learned from their tumultuous experience. They look towards new beginnings, united by the bonds of family despite their differences.
When:New Year's Eve Where:Ma'dere's home
Who Are the Main Characters in This Christmas?
3 characters, among them Ma'dere, Sister and Brother: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- M
Ma'dere
Ma'dere is the matriarch of the family, embodying strength and resilience amidst the chaos of family dynamics. She serves as the glue that holds the family together, even as tensions rise during their holiday gathering. Through her character, we see the struggles of managing familial expectations and the burden of unspoken issues.
- 👩👧👦 Matriarch
- 💪 Strength
- S
Sister
One of the sisters serves as a voice for change, advocating for the sale of the family business to redistribute wealth among siblings. Her character adds a layer of complexity, showcasing how business and family can conflict. She's determined, but her actions also spark significant family disputes.
- 💼 Business
- 🔥 Advocate
- B
Brother
The brother entangled with loan sharks represents the struggles many face in trying to balance familial responsibilities with personal challenges. His character arc highlights the effects of financial pressure on family relationships, showcasing his vulnerability beneath a tough exterior.
- 💸 Financial Struggles
- 😟 Vulnerability
Where and When Is This Christmas Set?
This Christmas is set in Ma'dere's home (Christmas Season). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Christmas Season
The story unfolds during the Christmas season, a time known for family reunions and celebrations. However, this particular Christmas is tinged with tension and unresolved conflicts, as the characters confront their pasts and present issues. The festive period serves as a backdrop for both reconciliation and conflict.
Where
Ma'dere's home
Ma'dere's home serves as the central gathering place for the family, symbolizing their roots and shared history. It is traditionally a space filled with warmth and memories but also becomes a battleground for unresolved issues and familial disputes. This location encapsulates the complexity of relationships within a middle-class African-American setting.
- 🏠 Family Home
- 🎄 Christmas
What Are the Themes of This Christmas?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Dynamics, Conflict and Cultural Identity.
-
01
Family Dynamics
The film explores intricate family dynamics, showcasing the love, tension, and conflicts that can arise when family members reunite. It highlights the challenges of communication and the latent issues that emerge when long-separated family members come together. The authenticity of these relationships reflects real-life experiences many can relate to.
-
02
Conflict
Conflict serves as a central theme, with family members engaging in heated discussions and confrontations. The physical and verbal altercations illustrate the emotional stakes involved in their relationships. This theme underscores the reality that family gatherings are not always harmonious and can often lead to chaos.
-
03
Cultural Identity
The film delves into the cultural identity of African-American families, showcasing their unique experiences and challenges. It presents a narrative that strays from typical Hollywood portrayals, offering a raw snapshot of life that resonates with the audience. This theme emphasizes the richness of their cultural background and the complexities of their lives.
What Kind of Film Is This Christmas?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A raw and unfiltered family drama set during Christmas, blending heated confrontations and serious secrets with a heartwarming journey towards forgiveness and togetherness.
- dramatic
- heartwarming
- turbulent
- familial
- raw
- confrontational
- dysfunctional family
- family reunion
- sibling rivalry
- buried secrets
Content notes: domestic violence, strong language.
Quiz
How well do you remember This Christmas? Test yourself on the story.
