I’m dreaming of a sustainable Christmas.

I said during a Black Joy TikTok last year that if Mr. and Mrs. Claus had a daughter, it would be me. I’m here for the caroling, the decorating, the get-togethers, the food.

But I ain’t here for the over consumerism.

Real talk though. Our landfills are filling up with holiday waste and the lack of diversity in Christmas films can irk my soul. Luckily, there are some Black geniuses out there tackling these problems. Slip this newsletter to your friends and fam so we can support the barrier-breakers this season. Also, stay till the end to take our new Christmas quiz by moi!

– Starr

Dashing through diversity with an Afro-Latino Christmas movie

Binge watching holiday flicks is one of my favorite seasonal activities. But the cast for a lot of these Hallmark and Lifetime films looking a little too white for me. Afro-Latina filmmaker and actress Isadora Ortega fixes this with “Hope Street Holiday,” which celebrates the diversity of the African diaspora with Christmas flare. It’s the first American holiday film featuring a cast of Afro-Latino actors.

Slay sustainably with Lavāda Handbags

Got something special for all of my Earth-friendly baddies. Especially for those who like them a good purse. No, I ain’t talking about Telfar or Brahmin. Introducing Lavāda Handbags: a vegan purse line with a patented interchangeable design offering four looks in one bag. California girlie Anita Thomas created the brand to help fashionistas become good stewards of the Earth.

What’s the jingle in your jangle this holiday season?

It’s been three years since Netflix released “Jingle Jangle” and that movie still has me in a chokehold. The storyline of a grumpy toymaker finding healing thanks to his curious and determined granddaughter is heartwarming. The cinematography glistens with holiday magic. And then there’s the Black AF cast! Phylicia Rashad. Forest Whitaker. Madelen Mills. Just wow!

The soundtrack is full of bops. Find out which Jingle Jangle song is your Christmas anthem by completing our new quiz!

Stay merry and bright by spreading Black joy!