Shannon Thornton’s Holiday Joy Secrets

The holiday season is a time for warmth, connection, and a little bit of magic. For actress Shannon Thornton, star of ‘Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy,’ the holidays are all about embracing simple traditions and finding joy in the everyday moments. She recently shared her favorite holiday rituals and the importance of staying optimistic, especially during this special time of year.

Embracing Family and New Traditions

Shannon loves spending holidays with her family, but she’s also embraced the idea of chosen family, especially while living in L.A. She’s been revisiting childhood traditions, like making gingerbread houses, and even experienced a new joy: taking a photo with Santa Claus for the first time as an adult with friends!

While she grew up in New England, where driving around to see Christmas lights was a cherished activity, Shannon is looking forward to experiencing the holiday lights and celebrations unique to Los Angeles. She wants to immerse herself in how L.A. truly celebrates the season.

The Magic of the ESSENCE Holiday Celebration of Joy

Shannon was a participant in the ESSENCE Holiday Celebration of Joy event, and she found the experience deeply moving. She particularly loved that a portion of the event was filmed in a church, appreciating the blend of musical performances and the sense of community it fostered. Hearing the stunning voices of artists like Chance the Rapper and Amber Riley live in L.A. was a delightful surprise.

She believes the event offers a wonderful dose of nostalgia, reminding viewers of cherished childhood holiday specials. It’s an experience designed to be shared with loved ones, bringing people together through Black excellence, culture, and hope.

Finding Inspiration in Optimism

Shannon draws inspiration from her role in ‘Finding Joy,’ particularly the character’s unwavering optimism about love and her career. Even when her vision wasn’t clear, Joy remained open and hopeful. Shannon aims to apply this same spirit to her own life, especially during uncertain times.

She emphasizes the importance of remaining optimistic, even when the path forward isn’t fully visible. This hopeful outlook is a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges.

Self-Care and Favorite Holiday Flavors

Prioritizing self-care during the holidays is key for Shannon. She finds peace and joy in simple pleasures like spa days, lighting scented candles (especially festive holiday scents like pine or pumpkin spice), enjoying eggnog or wine, and cozying up with a holiday movie. These are the moments she cherishes when she can finally slow down.

And when it comes to holiday meals, nothing beats her mom’s cooking. Shannon looks forward to those home-cooked feasts every year, describing every visit home as feeling like Thanksgiving. Her favorite holiday song? It has to be ‘Let It Snow’ by Boyz II Men, a classic that has held a special place in her heart since childhood.