The holiday season is upon us, and the spirit of joy and togetherness is in the air! ESSENCE is bringing back its beloved ‘Celebration of Joy’ event, and this year, we’re thrilled to feature insights from film producer, actor, author, and speaker DeVon Franklin. Fresh off a year of major projects and a new chapter as a newlywed, Franklin shares what makes the holidays truly special for him.
The Heart of the Holidays: Food and Family
When asked what brings him the most joy during the holidays, Franklin’s answer is simple yet profound: food and family. He cherishes the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones he may not see throughout the year. For him, the holidays are a perfect time to gather, indulge in delicious meals (yams and mac and cheese are favorites!), and simply enjoy each other’s company.
He also shared a heartwarming childhood memory: his mother and great-aunt taking turns playing Santa Claus, complete with a helper aunt, showering him and his brothers with toys, clothes, and shoes. This tradition, born out of love and support after his father’s passing, highlights the deep sense of family that shapes his holiday perspective.
A Guilty Pleasure and a Special Performance
When it comes to holiday tunes, Franklin admits to a guilty pleasure: Snoop Dogg’s rendition of ‘Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto.’ While he appreciates traditional carols like ‘This Christmas’ and ‘Silent Night,’ Snoop’s smooth, soulful take holds a special place in his heart.
Reflecting on the ESSENCE ‘Celebration of Joy’ event, Franklin highlighted the special moment of introducing his ‘sister,’ Kierra Sheard, and hearing her perform ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful.’ He emphasized the importance of ESSENCE’s role in bringing communities and families together during this festive time.
First Holidays as a Newlywed
This year marks DeVon Franklin’s first holiday season as a husband to Maria Castillo. He believes traditions often form organically, and he’s excited to see what unfolds as they celebrate together. A significant part of this new chapter involves meeting his wife’s family in the Dominican Republic for the first time, adding an exciting cultural dimension to their Christmas.
When asked about an ideal day off, Franklin envisions a cozy scenario: staying home with the heater on, watching movies, baking cookies, and simply enjoying downtime with his wife after a busy year of making three films. He also has exciting projects on the horizon, including the romantic comedy ‘Relationship Goals’ and the tearjerker ‘Tis So Sweet,’ plus his raw and truthful Audible audiobook, ‘Be True.’
The Enduring Gift of Hope
For those who might be struggling to find the holiday spirit, Franklin offers a powerful message of hope. He reminds us that hope is the greatest gift, encouraging everyone to trust that things will get better, even if the path isn’t clear. Embracing the present moment while holding onto hope for a brighter future is, for him, the essence of the holiday season.
What are your favorite holiday traditions or songs? Share your joy and what gives you hope this season in the comments below!
Leave a Reply