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head2toemagLifetime Presents: Christmas Everyday
More than a movie
Article by Lyric Elise
The air in Atlanta crackled with a special kind of magic. An autumn chill hung over the city, but inside the exquisite Tara Theater, the air was warm with the sparkle of Christmas. This wasn’t just any premiere; it was the debut of Lifetime’s Christmas Everyday, and it felt like a heartfelt homecoming.
Stepping onto the red carpet, the energy was instantly infectious. This was a celebration of community, a gathering of Atlanta’s creative heart. The style was a love letter to the city itself—”elevated Atlanta” in all its glory. Think deep emerald knits, stunning crimson dresses, and rich leather accents. It was chic, it was comfortable, and it was filled with the genuine smiles of a community thrilled to be together.
The vibe wasn’t competitive; it was connective. This was a family affair, and you could feel it. While there was a palpable, collective wish to see the film’s luminous star, Brandy Norwood, and her on-screen (and real-life) daughter Sy’rai Smith, their spirit was undeniably present. The film we were about to see is, at its core, a story about the powerful bonds between mothers and daughters, and that theme echoed through the room even in their absence.
A Feast for the Senses
Before finding my seat, I was drawn to a simple pleasure: a warm box of popcorn, dripping with real butter. It was a small, perfect detail that set the tone for the night—this was an experience meant to be felt. The real magic, however, was in the buzz of conversation. The room hummed with the energy of storytellers. I was swept into a conversation with the film’s Assistant Director, whose face lit up as she described the set. She shared her enthusiasm and love for filmmaking.
Then, a friendly tap on my shoulder. I turned to find the ever-dapper Veon Selman and Kelvin Hair, both heating up the screen and rising stars in Atlanta. We shared a quick, warm chat before a hush fell over the crowd.
The film’s director and producer, Roger Bob and Kathleen Bertrand, took the stage. Kathleen, CEO of Bronze Lens, acknowledged and thanked Fulton Films for making the night possible. She also gave a heartfelt shout-out to the community, who had donated canned goods at the premiere for Hosea Feed the Hungry—a beautiful touch that grounded the glittering night in true holiday spirit.
- Actor Bill Duke
- Actor Robert C. Riley
- Actor Veon Spelman, Lyric Elise and Actor Kelvin Hair
- Dwayne Boyd and Lyric Elise
- Actors Veon Selman and Kelvin Hair
A Story That Captivates the Heart
Then, the lights dimmed, and we were transported.
Christmas Everyday is so much more than a holiday romance. It’s a moving, authentic portrait of a family navigating love, loss, and legacy. Brandy Norwood is brilliantly relatable as Francine “Fancy” Ballantine, a fashion designer clinging to the Christmas traditions of her late father. Her performance is layered with vulnerability and strength.
She’s balancing a demanding career, planning her sister Belle’s (a delightful Sy’rai Smith) wedding, and supporting her mother, Evelyn, played by the legendary Debbi Morgan. Morgan delivers a masterclass in subtlety, portraying a woman facing the gradual loss of her eyesight with heartbreaking grace. You feel her every emotion.
Just as the pressure mounts, a burst pipe floods Fancy’s world—literally and figuratively. Enter Jaylen, the contractor, brought to life with grounded charm by Robert C. Riley. He’s the steady hand Fancy didn’t know she needed, and their chemistry is immediate and electric. This isn’t a fairytale romance; it feels real, earned, and deeply satisfying.
The film’s most powerful moment comes from Debbi Morgan’s character, who, in a scene of stunning quietness, reminds her daughter that faith—in God, in each other, in love—is the guiding star through any storm. The screening room fell into a profound, shared silence. We were witnessing something special.
The Verdict: A Future Classic
When the credits rolled, the applause was evident that the film was enjoyed by everyone. People were dabbing their eyes, turning to neighbors with smiles, and sharing in the joy.
We had just seen a future classic. The post-screening Q&A felt like an extension of the film’s final, joyful scene. The cast and director spoke not just about making a movie, but about forging a family on set, creating lasting relationships that shone through in every frame.
Leaving the theater, gourmet popcorn box in hand, I felt a genuine sense of hope. In a chaotic world, Christmas Every day is a two-hour sanctuary. It reminds us that the greatest gifts aren’t found under a tree, but in the hearts of those we call family.
Lifetime doesn’t just have a hit on its hands; it has a new tradition. And I have a feeling I’ll be watching Christmas Everyday… well, every day this holiday season.
Lyric Elise is the CEO of Watch ME Collabb and C.R.E.E.D, and Media Director for Head2Toe. She attended the premiere as a guest of Bronze Lens and Fulton Film.
Lyric Elise#atlanta #brandy #christmasEveryday #lifetime #moviePremiere
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