The holidays are a time for warmth, tradition, and togetherness—but in Queen of Christmas, the spirit of the season is put to the test when two lifelong friends-turned-rivals, Doris and Julia, compete for the annual title of “Queen of Christmas.” At the heart of this hilarious, heartfelt film is Julia Mason, played by the talented Vanessa Bell Calloway, a woman who not only finds herself in the middle of a festive feud but also on the brink of losing her beloved family bakery.
Interview & Words Angel Neal
Photography Credits: Courtesy of QQueens of Christmas
The film, which features an ensemble cast including Essence Atkins as the self-assured Nancy and Terri J. Vaughn as the ever-aspiring Doris, is a delightful blend of holiday cheer, family dynamics, and the universal struggle to balance personal and professional responsibilities. However, it’s Calloway’s portrayal of Julia, a woman balancing family, faith, and a floundering business, that anchors the film’s central themes of resilience, hope, and the true meaning of sisterhood.
Julia Mason’s loyalty to her family’s Christmas traditions and her determination to keep her bakery running are at the core of her character. As a devoted wife, mother, and business owner, Julia embodies the perseverance many women know all too well. With the bakery in financial peril and the pressure of family expectations mounting, Julia's journey becomes one of faith and resilience. She is determined to preserve her family’s legacy even as the weight of the situation threatens to overwhelm her.
In our conversation with Vanessa Bell Calloway, she shared her thoughts on Julia’s strength and the balance she must strike between the many facets of her life. Calloway describes Julia as a reflection of every woman—especially Black women—who is tasked with juggling a business, family, and community.
“Julia is every Black woman in America who has a business, a family, children, a husband, a community. We just do. We learn how to balance everything and keep all our balls in the air,” Calloway said, highlighting the universal experience of women trying to meet everyone’s needs—often at the expense of their own self-care.
Despite the mounting challenges, Julia maintains a powerful belief in the importance of hope and faith. “You’ve got to have faith and hope that God has you, even when things seem bleak,” Calloway explains. Julia’s faith is a beacon of light during dark times, and it’s through this belief that she finds the strength to press on. The film’s portrayal of the power of prayer underscores the idea that even when life seems at its lowest point, miracles can happen.
Julia’s faith in the power of prayer is also a reminder that we don't have to navigate life’s struggles alone. As Calloway observes, “If you go into that, then you're helping to create that narrative. And I think miracles do happen. Prayer does change things.” Julia's belief in the possibility of change—despite the odds—forms the backbone of her character’s resilience.
One of the most profound lessons Julia learns throughout Queen of Christmas is the importance of accepting help. For many women, the desire to handle everything themselves is both a strength and a burden. Julia, like so many women, initially resists assistance, wanting to shoulder the responsibility alone. But when her daughter, Angela, steps in with a solution to save the bakery, Julia learns the invaluable lesson of allowing others to help.
“I tell my girlfriends, 'Take the cape off,’” Calloway says. “We do all this stuff on our own, but sometimes you’ve got to take the cape off. If somebody offers help, you’ve got to say yes and accept it. It’s okay. You don’t have to do everything.”
Julia’s willingness to open her heart and accept the support of her daughter becomes a turning point in the story. It is through this act of vulnerability that Julia not only saves her business but also strengthens her bond with her daughter. The theme of sisterhood, whether familial or through friendship, is central to the film’s message that Christmas is about coming together and embracing those who offer support.
The rivalry between Julia and her neighbor Doris is at the heart of the film’s drama and humor. Doris, played by Terri J. Vaughn, is equally determined to win the title of “Queen of Christmas” and often butts heads with Julia. The two women have a long-standing, sometimes friendly, feud that adds a competitive edge to the festivities. However, beneath the rivalry is a deep history and a shared understanding of what it means to uphold tradition and family values. As Calloway reflects on the dynamics between Julia and Doris, she points out that the film ultimately explores the importance of sisterhood. "Even when you're feuding, even when you're competing, it's still about finding ways to reconcile, grow, and understand each other better. It's about putting aside differences and realizing that there’s more to life than just the competition."
Indeed, Julia and Doris’ relationship exemplifies the broader theme of the film—that Christmas is not just about winning or outshining others, but about understanding what really matters: connection, community, and support. In the end, Julia and Doris both learn the value of these deeper ties, and the title of “Queen of Christmas” takes on a new meaning.
At its core, Queen of Christmas is a story about family—whether it’s the biological kind or the chosen kind. Julia’s journey is shaped not only by her role as a business owner but also by her relationships with her husband, daughter, and mother. Each character, from Julia’s supportive but concerned husband Roosevelt (played by Carl Gilliard) to her daughter Angela (played by Hannah Whitley), plays an important role in Julia’s journey of self-discovery and growth. Together, they remind us that family is not just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you through thick and thin.
Through Julia’s relationship with her daughter, the film explores generational differences and the importance of learning from one another. Angela, a modern, socially conscious young woman, helps Julia see the futility of holding onto an outdated family feud with Doris. This moment of generational understanding encapsulates the larger message of Queen of Christmas: that reconciliation and progress often come from understanding, open-mindedness, and a willingness to let go of past grudges.
Queen of Christmas is a delightful, heartwarming film that captures the chaos, humor, and tenderness of the holiday season. At its heart is Julia, a woman whose journey toward finding balance, accepting help, and rediscovering the importance of sisterhood offers valuable lessons for us all. Vanessa Bell Calloway’s portrayal of Julia is both empowering and relatable, embodying the resilience of women everywhere who strive to keep their families and businesses afloat while staying true to their values.
Ultimately, Queen of Christmas reminds us that Christmas is not just about titles or decorations—it’s about the love we share, the traditions we honor, and the ways in which we support each other through life’s challenges. Julia’s journey teaches us that even in the darkest times, with faith, hope, and the strength of community, miracles—and joy—are always within reach.
See the trailer here: Queens Of Christmas and catch the film streaming now on BET+.
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