Favorite Family Traditions: How Do You Celebrate?

These gentlemen share with us their favorite family traditions, the meaning of family and what traditions they want to carry on!

Brandon Severs

HBO Max’s Head of the Class

​​​​​​Photo Credit: JSquared Photography

What’s the meaning of family?

My concept of Family is definitely a unique one. I don’t believe that family is confined to bloodlines. I believe that family members are whomever you decide they are. Anyone whom you love, and anyone who loves you can be family. Chosen family is essential.

What is one family tradition you would like to carry on?

Every year, all of my cousins get together at my Aunt Ericka’s house and reminisce about the year we’ve had, and remind each other that we are all loved and cared about. That is definitely a tradition that I hope continues on forever.

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory would have to be spending Christmas in Hawaii with my parents. It was truly a magical time, and I think about it every year.

What’s one of your New Year’s resolution?

One thing that I want to accomplish in the New Year, albeit cliché, is to make more time for mindfulness. Meditation is a hugely important aspect of my life, so intentionally carving out more time for it is essential. The only way to do it is to do it!

Desean Black

neTFLIX’S love thAT foR uS

​​​​​​Photo Credit: Jaziel Torres

What’s the meaning of family?

Family is everything to me. I seriously wouldn’t know what I would do without them! They bring me comfort, joy and peace. There’s nothing like knowing they’ll always be there no matter what the world may throw in my direction.

What is one family tradition you would like to carry on?

Growing up, we didn’t practice any holiday traditions. But we all enjoyed the holidays. It was a time to get together and enjoy family and close friends. Secret Santa is one thing I’ve seen from other families that I would like to introduce and carry on. I loved how it would give people a reason to be in touch and in the same place, especially since family and friends live in different cities and states.

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

This takes me back to 1996. My dad had a household full of boys, and you know how that can be. We were always in trouble! Throwing the football in the house, breaking expensive TVs and vases. Wrestling in the house, putting holes in the drywall. We used to drive my dad crazy. He told us that we weren’t getting anything for Christmas. The night before, there were no gifts under the tree. Christmas day, we came downstairs, and the tree was full of presents. Not only did we receive a lot of presents but we got the Nintendo 64! A gift that we were begging him to get for us.

What’s one of your New Year’s resolution?

My New Year’s resolution is to continue looking forward, not looking back on the past, but realizing how I have progressed as a man. Capitalizing on every opportunity that comes my way. The way I’m going to do this is to never take anything for granted. Utilize every opportunity and skill, and drive to be the absolute best that I can be.

Philemon Chambers

Netflix‘s Single All the Way

Photo Credit: Cynthia Smalley

What’s the meaning of family?

The meaning of family isn’t just by birth. Family is when everything could be going wrong and you’re surrounded by the people that love you.

What is one family tradition you would like to carry on?

Sitting by the fireplace and watching the classics like Frosty The Snowman, Home Alone, and we cannot forget about Jim Carrey in The Grinch.

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

I’d have to say the ones when I was younger. Waking up and going to open up presents, and the excitement of Christmas morning. The smell of coffee in the air because nobody got any sleep last night. Memories.

What’s one of your New Year’s resolution?

They’ve changed throughout the years, but now, just being better than I was. I do also believe that you don’t have to wait until the end of a year to break a cycle.

Raheem DeVaughn

Multi-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter-Producer

​​​​​​Photo Credit: Jean Marc

What’s the meaning of family?

Family is everything to me. It’s the foundation and the security of my family that means everything to me.

What is one family tradition you would like to carry on?

The tradition of cooking and being the one meeting spot is definitely a goal. Instead of meeting at Big Mama’s house, they can come to Big Papa’s house, LOL.

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

Making the rounds going from house to house visiting loved ones that are no longer here now. Now that they aren’t here, I appreciate those priceless memories even more now.

What’s one of your New Year’s resolution?

For New Year’s, my resolution is to continue focusing on health being my greatest wealth. Exercising more patience and execution and getting to finish things that I set my mind to do. I plan to achieve these goals by holding myself accountable.

Samuel Arnold

Netflix‘s Emily in Paris

​​​​​​Photo Credit: Splendide visuel

What’s the meaning of family?

Family, it’s the people that are part of you, and you are part of them. It is the people that make you feel like you belong, like you feel at home when you are around them. It is the people you are ready to go to war for. Those people to me are my sisters, my cousins, childhood friends… a real army.

What is one family tradition you would like to carry on?

When we are all together, no matter the date, it’s always a big celebration. Good food, music and dance. I hope we can keep getting together and kill it on the dance floor as often as possible.

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

I have many memories that I love! When I was a kid, I used to live on the 6th floor of a tower. I woke up very early on December 25th, 199… something, and I could see for the first time through my window my entire city covered in snow. I felt on top of the world that day.

What’s one of your New Year’s resolution?

To make sure “2022 Samuel” is a better version than “2021 Samuel.” I’ll achieve that one day at a time.

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