“Too Many Christmases” is a delightful holiday comedy that explores the complexities of blended families and the importance of embracing diversity during the holiday season. Directed by Jamaal Finkley, the film takes the audience on a hilarious journey as a new couple navigates the challenges of splitting their time between two households on Christmas Day.

 

The movie kicks off in a bustling barbershop where Jerome (Denzel Whitaker) shares his unique plans for the holidays with his new wife, Kayla (Porsche Coleman). They’ve figured out a way to make their relationship work while living in separate homes—to maintain their respective family traditions. However, their plan is thrown off when her brother LeeLee (DeShawn Bowens) surprises everyone by showing up and insisting on the family tradition of spending Christmas at their mom Regina’s (Valerie Pettiford) house. Faced with this dilemma, Kayla sets out to find a solution that will keep everyone happy.

 

Jerome isn’t thrilled about this change, but Kayla creates a plan to split their Christmas between both families, thinking it’s a genius solution. Her brilliant idea sets the stage for a series of comedic misadventures, as the couple frantically attempts to execute their meticulously planned schedule without raising suspicion. This is a true test of their communication and problem-solving skills as a new couple trying to balance the expectations and traditions of their families.

Things get complicated when her grandfather, Davis (Willie C. Carpenter), refuses to accept LeeLee because of his sexuality, creating tension that adds to the chaos of the day.

 

As the couple tries to juggle visits to both families, their carefully laid plans quickly unravel. They first head to Jerome’s family, where his mom Darlene (Adele Givens), dad Louis (Russell G. Jones), and sister Gwen (Ratoya Banks) are waiting. The film delivers plenty of laughs, especially with moments like Jerome’s cousin Lavar (Juhahn Jones) sneaking biscuits and the awkwardness that arises when Bryson (Jonath Davis) shows up with a new girlfriend who complicates the family dynamics. The humor escalates as Kayla and Jerome make up ridiculous excuses to leave one gathering for the other. Their siblings start to catch on, creating even more hilarious misunderstandings.

 

The film’s ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, with standout moments from Jackee Harry as Kayla’s outspoken Aunt Harriet and Michael Colyar as Uncle Myron. The family dynamics are portrayed with a perfect balance of humor and heart, making the characters feel relatable and authentic.

 

One of the most touching moments in the film comes when Regina pleads with her father, Kayla’s grandfather Davis (Willie C. Carpenter), to accept Leelee for who he is, regardless of his sexuality. This emotional scene serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and understanding, even in the face of differing beliefs and perspectives. She recalls his own struggles and emphasizes the need for unconditional love, no matter what.

Overall, “Too Many Christmases” is a fun blend of comedy and heartfelt family moments, making it a great pick for the holiday season. It captures the chaos and joy of family gatherings while reminding us how important it is to accept and love each other for who we are. As we navigate our own holiday traditions, this film encourages us to appreciate our differences and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of family life.