Twelfth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

I warned you that the movie for the 12th day of Christmas would not be what you expected.

Today's movie is "Seven Pounds," which starred Will Smith and Rosario Dawson. In this film we watch Smith's character do some extraordinary things to help strangers he doesn't even know, including Dawson's character.

Ironically "Seven Pounds" debuted Christmas Day 2008 and here it is topping my the list on Christmas Day 2009.

I don't want to give the story away for those who have not seen this film yet but I think it embodies the essence of the holiday when examined through the lens by which the message of the holiday is love and goodwill to all mankind.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Peace and blessing to all.

Eleventh Day of Christmas

Self,

Yes I know I'm late, but I did make it before the end of the day!

Well I'm sure that the film I have chosen for both the Eleventh and Twelfth days of Christmas would not have been expected. Good. I'm keeping you on your toes.

The movie for today is "Last Holiday" Staring Queen Latifah, and LL Cool J.

The story is that the quiet and homely, Georgia Byrd (Latifah) is informed that she has less than a month to live. Byrd decides it's time to take action on all the dreams she had put on hold in her life.

I know this is not a traditional Christmas movie, but I still think it is fitting, aside from it being one of my favorite movies - that I watch repeatedly all year long. SO here it my reasons for including it on this list;

1. It is set in winter, around Christmas and New Years.

2. The word "holiday" is in the title and the paring of Christmas and New Years is the "last holiday" of the year.

3. The "miracle" of Christmas is slightly reflected in the story in so much as its seems like a miracle that she learns that the diagnosis was incorrect.

4. Byrd stops being overly practical and living in the mundane real world and starts living her lifer for herself which allows her to find and do the things that brings her joy and happiness. I personally feel that this coincides with the "spirit" of the holiday seasons in so much as people break from practicality and the "real world" buy gifts for others and prepare a meal that far exceeds the limits of their budget in addition to the body's need for sustenance. All of it done in the name of spreading joy and happiness to themselves and those they love. (Hmmm, maybe maybe that's why everyday should be Christmas?)

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

PS Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Tenth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

Well I'm at the last three movies of the season.

Today's film is "Santa Claus: the Movie." It stars Dudley Moore and John Lithgow. The story is the One of Santa's helpers, (Moore) has a falling-out with Santa and runs away from the North Pole to New York. In New York, the elf works with a toy manufacturing company owned by Lithgow, as a means to prove to worthiness to Santa.

My brother has dubbed this "the best Christmas movie ever." I don't know if I would go that far, but I do enjoy it.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Ninth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

As we come down to the wire of the Twelve Days of Christmas, it would be horrible not to include one of the classic stories of the season, Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol."

The story has appears on film numerous times with a variety of cast members. It's the story of a miserable person that is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who learns the meaning of Christmas and changes his ways to embrace the holiday.

As I said this story has come to us many times before but I think this is one of my favorite versions - A Diva's Christmas Carol and it stars Vanessa Williams.

Sadly this version was not give the opportunity to make a silverscreen debut, but I think it would have done well. It's the only "made-for-TV" movie on this list.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Eighth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

My movie for the Eighth day of Christmas is The Preacher's Wife. This film starred a younger and sexier Denzel Washington, and the once golden-voiced Whitney Houston.


The story is that a preacher is having a hard time with his congregation during around Christmas and an angel (Washington) is sent to help him. Through the course of the angel's visit, he becomes close with the preacher's wife (Houston.)


The soundtrack has some WONDERFUL Christmas gems from Whitney.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Seventh Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

The movie for the Seventh day of Christmas is both a classic and modern.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. It starred Jim Carrey, and may be his best work thus far. Obviously this story has entertained generations of youngsters during the holiday season, and doesn't need to be summarized. Carrey really brought my childhood imagination to life in this film and it evoked such....warm and fuzzy sentimental feelings.

In Fact I have to figure out how I can see it before Christmas.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Sixth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

Moving right along here;

On the Sixth day of Christmas, the movie I have for you is....This Christmas

This movie had a stellar cast: Loretta Divine, Delroy Lindo, Regina King, Idris Elba, Mekhi Phifer, and Chris Brown (Pre-domestic violence drama.)


This one keeps to the theme of family "crazies" that occur when everyone is all under one roof. I enjoyed it, makes you laugh, might even make you cry. but it will have you watching it year after year.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Fifth Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

Day 5...yes I know I'm late, but I've been busy. I'll share what's been going on AFTER the Twelve Days Of Christmas series.

Today's movie is "Christmas with the Kranks," which stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. The premise of the story is that the Kranks' only child informs her parents (Allen & Curtis) that she will not be home for Christmas. They are disappointed of course, so as a means to cheer themselves up, they decide to"skip" Christmas, to the dismay of the neighbors, in order to take a tropical cruise. Just when they are set to go, their beloved daughter calls to surprise them with with a last minute arrival and the Kranks go through numerous hoops to give their child the Christmas she's expecting.

This one is definitely good for a few good laughs.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Fourth Day of Christmas

Self,

Well this is a relatively new movie. In fact I just saw it for the first time last night. and I think the fact that I just saw it is the main reason it is appearing on this list. Not to say that I didn't like it, but I don't know if it will be one I will watch repeatedly.

it's a sentially a latino version of the Family Stone. John Leguzamo takes his Caucasian wife, Debra Messing (Will & Grace) home to Chicago for the holiday to see his Puerto Rican family. It wasn't hilarious, but it was entertaining.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Third Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

Well today is the third day of Christmas, and from the photo you can see the third movie I have chosen. "Surviving Christmas"

This is another whacky kind of story. Affleck is a milionaire who gets nostalgic for his youth and wants to visit his childhood home for the holidays (I think Partially because he has no place else to spend the holidays.) The catch: his family doesn't live in the house anymore. SO he rents the family and the house to spend Christmas with them. Obviously this creates drama in that he paying this family and feels they should do everything, "just so."

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

Second Day of Christmas 2009

Self,

Time for the next movie for this season is The Family Stone.

It starred Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

As I remember it the story is that SJP goes with her boyfriend to see his parent (Keaton, Nelson) and syblings for their annual holiday celebration (for the first time.) She sees a slightly different side of him than she is not use to normally. If that's not enough to send a girlfriend in to a hizzy-fit, there's some family issue that flare up during the visit that also makes SJP feel out of place. lol It was fun.

For some folks it has an added special treat due to a minor role played by Brian J. White.

He plays the gay lover to one of the Stone offsprings that happen to be deaf.

Although family dram isn't a new idea, I thought this was and enjoyable film.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The First Day of Christmas - 2009

Self,

Well it's that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us. It took me a while to figure out what I was going to use in my Twelve days of Christmas series this year, considering I used my favorite carols last time. I just decided to go with Christmas movies....so here I go.

The movie reflects my...twisted mind and this movie is twisted in its own way.

The Nightmare Before Christmas.




The story of the King of Halloween Town who kidnaps Santa in order to take over Christmas. LOL yeah I'm crazy, but it's fun.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

Twelfth Day of Christmas

Self,

I knew that I wanted this song to be featured on Christmas Day as the twelfth and final day of the series.
Today's song is: This Christmas....Donny Hathaway's version!


As much as I spoke of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" being a carol of love and devotion. That's the endearing and enduring kind of love. This song to me is about new love....and maybe more accurately the Rebirth of love. I imagine the song to be a couple doing the thing they need to fan the flames of their love. Like hanging mistletoe, not just to snatch kisses in passing but because it makes them remember their first kiss rather under misteltoe or in general. Or they sit by a fire on Christmas, because they sat near the fire at the ski lodge where they first met.
Continuing the theme of rebirth, that's kinda how I look at the holiday. I think no mater how good or bad last Christmas was for someone, "THIS" Christmas should be something we all should be 'tiny tots with our eyes aglow" with anticipation. Awaiting the wonders and blessing that are coming our way

LOL I know this all sounds a bit overly romantic if not a bit idealistic, but hey...that's me.

Merry Christmas to all.

Sincerely, & Love,
Pharaoh Ryan

Eleventh Day of Christmas

Self,
It's Christmas Eve - the Eleventh Day of Christmas, it's only fitting that today's song would be "Silent Night."
I'm not so in love with Christina Aguilera as the person who made this video, but I am enough of a fan to appreciate her voice singing this song.
I looked for a live performance of her and the only one I found was of her and Brian McKnight doing it as a duet. I like the duet, but I didn't care for the crowd cheering and hollering over the vocalists.

For me the significance of the song is about honoring the sacred. As I said on "The Eighth Day" entry, I know that December 25 was chosen to gain converts from those who were honoring the sanctity of the Winter Solstice.
Now there is SOOOO little that the world holds sacred anymore.
Sacred sites are now just land to simply buy or to fight over. Look at Walmart wanting to build a store in Mexico city near the ancient Aztec complex of the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon a few years back. Look at how Jews and Palastinians fight over who has the right to occupy Jerusalum. If it is so sacred to them both, why can't the live in peace on the land. (Politics aside.)

Despite recent statements of "perserving the sanctity of marriage" as opposition to same-sex unions, marriage is now basically become a matter of politics. Requiring a piece of paper as an acknowledgment of an union, or another to end one.

How often do many of us forget to bow our heads in gratitude for the food we eat before a meal except at holidays and special events? (- myself included.) We take for granted that it's a blessing for the food to be sitting infront of us while MANY the world over goes hungry.

Not even Life and Love consistently hold the mantle of sacred anymore. How quick people are to take a life (or lives) over land, or possessions, money, and the true stupidity of colors (national flags as well as those of street gangs). If God is Love, why is there SO much hate and cruelty in the world. Parents neglect their children, couples abuse and torment each other. People so fearful of being hurt that they play games with other people's heart and emotions to increase the cycle of bitterness, sorrow and suffering.

Find what is sacred to you. Cherish it. Share it with others. What you hold sacred may also be treasured by others and MAYBE the sharing of this with stregnthen the bonds of our hearts with each other. That was my intentions with this series. Not to say that I necessarily hold these songs as sacred, what is sacred to me is JOY, LOVE, HAPPINESS and these songs to me represent and encourage these intangible gems in their multi-faceted slendor. They bring me joy and I hope they did the same for you.
Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The Tenth Day of Christmas

Self,
I present to you on the this Tenth day of Christmas no other than "The Christmas Song."

Lord have mercy, this song causes my eyes to well up with tears everytime I hear it....particularly whenI hear this man sing it.


This is just the ultimate Christmas song. In a way it offers a piece of what all the songs offer individually. I know with a statement like that you wonder why isn't it the twelfth day selection. Well you have to come back and see which song did take that spot.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The Ninth Day of Christmas

Self,
Today I give you:
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

I think this version of the song by Luther Vandross is my favoite. I just wish I could have found a clip of him actually performing.



The sentiment of this song for me is, simply be yourself and do the things that will make you enjoy your Christmas (and all year long.) This should atleast involve a few of your favorite things. I will probably go buy my box of See's Candy today or tomorrow. Oh my mom and I made fudge and cookies so I have to wait on my See's Candy. (I'm sorry East coast folks yall don't have them there, it a California exclusive lol so I'm told. And yall's Russel Stovers got nothing on Miss See.) Maybe if you're good over the next year, I might have Santa bring you some.
Speaking of doing your favorite things to make your Christmas merry. Sunday, I hosted a brunch for a few friends for whom I cooked. I enjoy cooking and folks the enjoy my cooking as much as I do!
Expect pictures and details after the Twelve Days of Christmas series.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The Eighth Day of Christmas

Self,
Song number eight: "What Child Is This?"
So far my favorite version of this one is by Vanessa Williams.


I know the religious scholars place the true birth of the man that was crucified as Christ to be in August or September and that the Catholic Church chose December 25th to celebrate that birth merely to gain converts from the "pagans" who were and would continue to celebrate the winter Solstice. That said what I think touches me most about this song is that it speaks to the miracle of children all over the world.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The Seventh Day of Christmas

Self,

Time to announce today's song selsction: Drum roll please. Little Drummer Boy.

I had NO intention to allow an artist(s) in this series be seen performing more than one song...but that's what is happening here. I looked at several clips. And of the ones I've seen this one had the most appeal for me. So I'm not apologizing for the repeat performance, I just want to let you know I am aware of it. This is that production/group Celtic Woman (also seen on the Third day with the "Carol of the Bells.") I don't know when it was done or where but it's nice.

I really enjoyed the added element of the chanting (I think it's Latin.) Like I said I'm a sucker for a good string solo which was also included.

The lesson in this song is two fold. First is the main less and that is simply don't be selfish. Give what you can. Rather it be your time, money, support, your talents or whatever else the case may be at that time. The second lesson is just as simple. You don't have to have a lot for what you give to mean a lot. I mean we don't know if this little boy was the greast drummer in the land or had just found this drum on his trek into town. Either way he didnt have a lot, but he gave freely of what he had of his talent and it was a gift of abundance for all those who were there with him. If we all did this not only now during the holiday season, but all year long, then we can uplift the world.

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

The Sixth Day of Christmas

Self,

On this day we have Winter Wonderland.

I live in Southern California. Here the holiday season consist of Christmas lights strung on palm trees in folks yard, unless you have the resources to go up to the mountains. So a winter wonderland sound so fantastic. Building a snowman, making snow angels, having snowball fights, and trying to catch a snowflake on my tongue are all things I haven't experience. I won't say that I never will because who really knows the future but through this song I feel like I live the experience every year!

I'm not trying to advertise for Gap but I'm pleased that they hired a new artist for this advertising spot. Heaven knows that they could have tried to go with Beyonce or Britney Spears. This is Janelle Monae with "Winter Wonderland."

This clip is cool because it kind of creates a circle. I had recently featured Janelle Monae in my Spotlight Series and here basically a major retail chain is doing the same. They could have done without the crazy white boy dancing!


Sincerely,
Pharaoh

PS My favorite version of this song is by Ella Fitzgerald.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

Self,
I wonder if the five golden rings would be the most valuable of the 12 gifts. I mean can you imagine paying the salaries of 12 drummers, it had to be costly....but then again they may have been paid mere pennies or even for free because they loved their craft and artistry so much.
Musically of course the five ring are seperated from the song, which could mean that it is suppose to be understood as special.

SO keeping with that idea I feel this is a special gift of song too.
On the fifth day of Christmas I give to you;
Joy to the World.

This is classic Whitney Houston (classic meaning before Bobby Brown and the crack addiction.) I must admit that this is my ABSOLUTE favorite version of this song. Simply stated it brings me joy to hear it. I selected it here because if the five golden rings were intended to be a very special gift, then the gift of joy to you individually and to the world in generally is a very special gift indeed.
For thouse of you who haven't gotten the Christmas spirit yet, I hope this helped.
ENJOY!




Sincerely,
Pharaoh