Holiday movies are a bit like comfort food. You know exactly what you're getting before you even take the first bite, but that doesn't make the experience any less satisfying. When For the Love of Christmas hit the scene back in 2016, it brought a specific kind of warmth to the screen. Directed by Nicci Gilbert (who many of you might remember from the R&B group Brownstone), the film centers on a couple struggling to find their rhythm during the most chaotic time of year. But honestly, it’s the For the Love of Christmas cast that keeps people coming back to this one whenever the temperature drops and the lights go up.
The story follows Bryson and Sunday, a married couple who seem to have hit a wall. He’s obsessed with the holiday; she’s... well, not so much. It's a classic setup. However, the chemistry between the leads makes it feel a bit more grounded than your average cookie-cutter TV movie.
Meet the Leads: Jazsmin Lewis and Trae Ireland
At the heart of everything is Jazsmin Lewis, playing Sunday. Jazsmin is a veteran in the industry. If you grew up watching Black cinema in the early 2000s, you definitely recognize her as Jennifer Palmer from the Barbershop franchise. She brings a certain level of poise and "don't mess with me" energy to Sunday that makes her relatable. Sunday isn't just a "grinch" for the sake of the plot; she’s a woman dealing with the pressures of life, and Lewis plays that balance perfectly.
Then you have Trae Ireland as Bryson.
Ireland has this infectious energy. He’s been in a ton of projects, from 13th and Pine to Chocolate City, but in this film, he’s the ultimate Christmas enthusiast. The dynamic works because Ireland plays Bryson with a genuine sincerity. He’s not just annoying his wife; he’s trying to save the spark in their marriage through the magic of the season.
It’s actually kinda funny to watch them clash. Most holiday movies have the "meet-cute" where two strangers fall in love. Here, we’re watching two people who are already in the thick of it try to remember why they fell in love in the first place. That’s a much harder story to tell convincingly.
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The Supporting Players Who Steal the Show
You can’t have a holiday movie without the surrounding chaos of friends and family. This is where the For the Love of Christmas cast really fills out the world of the film.
Carl Anthony Payne II shows up as Ken. Look, if you’re a fan of Martin, you know Carl is a comedic legend. He played Cole Brown for years, and he brings that same "funny best friend" energy here. But he's also seasoned. He knows how to land a joke without overshadowing the emotional beats of the scene. His presence adds a layer of nostalgia for 90s TV fans that gives the movie an extra boost of "watchability."
Then there’s Nadine Ellis.
She plays Dr. Taylor, and she provides a different vibe altogether. Ellis has a long resume—you might have seen her in Our Kind of People or The Game. In this film, she’s a grounded force. While Bryson and Sunday are spiraling, the supporting characters like Taylor help anchor the narrative.
Other Notable Appearances
- Karon Riley: Known for The Quad and 35 & Ticking, Riley brings his usual charisma to the screen. He’s got that leading-man presence even in a supporting role.
- Julie Marie Berman: A three-time Emmy winner from her days on General Hospital, Berman adds some daytime drama weight to the production.
- Quinton Aaron: Yes, the guy from The Blind Side. Seeing him pop up is always a treat. He has this gentle-giant aura that fits the "spirit of Christmas" theme like a glove.
Why This Cast Worked Where Others Fail
Honestly? It's about the chemistry. A lot of these low-budget holiday films feel like the actors met five minutes before the cameras started rolling. You don't get that vibe here.
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Director Nicci Gilbert clearly leaned into the strengths of her actors. Since Gilbert comes from a performance background herself (seriously, go listen to "If You Love Me" by Brownstone if you need a reminder), she knows how to talk to actors. She allowed the For the Love of Christmas cast to feel like a real community.
There's a specific scene involving a dinner party that feels less like a scripted moment and more like a group of friends actually hanging out. The overlapping dialogue and the natural laughter make the stakes feel higher. When Sunday and Bryson argue, it feels uncomfortable—in a good way—because you actually want them to work it out.
Where Are They Now?
It's been years since the movie premiered, and the cast has stayed busy. Trae Ireland has moved into producing, carving out a niche for himself in independent cinema. Jazsmin Lewis continues to be a staple in romantic dramas and comedies, often appearing in projects that celebrate Black love and family dynamics.
Carl Anthony Payne II is basically everywhere. Between touring with his stand-up and appearing in various sitcoms, he remains one of the hardest-working men in Hollywood.
Final Take on the Casting Choices
When you look at the For the Love of Christmas cast, it's a mix of nostalgia and solid craft. You have the 90s sitcom stars, the soap opera vets, and the reliable character actors. This variety is what makes the movie stand out on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Tubi during the holidays.
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It’s not trying to win an Oscar. It’s trying to make you feel something.
Most people watch these movies while wrapping presents or drinking hot cocoa. You want faces you recognize. You want people who feel like they could be your cousins or your neighbors. This cast delivers exactly that. They don't overplay the "Christmas magic" trope too hard; they keep it rooted in the reality of marriage and friendship.
Tips for Watching (and Tracking Down) the Movie
If you're looking to dive into this one, keep a few things in mind. The film is often listed under its full title or occasionally mixed up with other "For the Love of..." titles, so look for the 2016 release date.
- Check the Free Services First: Because it’s a few years old, For the Love of Christmas frequently rotates through free-with-ads services like Tubi, Pluto TV, or Freevee.
- Look for Nicci Gilbert’s Other Work: If you like the vibe of this film, check out Gilbert’s production work. She has a knack for highlighting talented Black actors who don't always get the mainstream spotlight they deserve.
- Pay Attention to the Soundtrack: Given the director’s musical roots, the sound of the film is better than your average TV movie. It’s worth actually listening to the background tracks during the transition scenes.
- Host a 90s Throwback Night: Pair this with other films featuring the cast—like a Barbershop marathon for Jazsmin Lewis or old Martin episodes for Carl Anthony Payne II.
The movie serves as a reminder that the holidays aren't always perfect, but the people you spend them with—even the annoying ones—are what make the season worth the effort.