Today, Celebrity Christmas shines the spotlight on our very own award-winning R&B singer and actress, Heather Headley.Born in Barataria, the Trinidadian-American entertainer encompasses the word superstar.In 2000, her name was on the tip of many tongues for her critically-acclaimed performance in the Broadway adaptation of Aida, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress.Two years later, Headley released her debut album, This Is Who I Am, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artiste.The I Wish I Wasn't singer's second offering, In My Mind, released in 2006, brought her more success, with the title track reaching number one on the US Hot Dance Music/ Club Play chart.And in 2010, Headley's hard work paid off when she won her first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for Audience of One on the EMI Gospel label.
What do you think of when you hear the word Christmas?
I think of Jesus' birth and how that has enhanced my life. Then I think of the day and spending time with the family. Then I get stressed out because I'm always behind on my Christmas shopping and setup around the house.
How early do you start your Christmas preparations?
I'm not good about that. And for the past few years, because of the Christmas tour, I don't really start shopping or decorating the house until a few days before. I will say that I try to get our Christmas cards ordered right at the beginning of December. I think about it once or twice in November...Does that count?
Do you have a family Christmas tradition?
Well, we spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas with my husband's. We spend a few hours in the morning opening gifts and spending time together and then around 9.30 am we head over to my in-loves. Some gifts are opened and then there's a huge breakfast...More gifts, a nap, and then there's a huge dinner.A few years ago, my father-in-love started a little tradition where he said we had to run a mile before breakfast. So we all, children included, give the times we want to hit and we head outside (yes, in the cold) and run The Mile. Why you ask? The reward for beating your time is a good stash of money-so we do it! Even my mother has run the mile and has not stopped talking about it since. As much as I hate it, it's fun and I get to burn a few calories before dinner.
Have your views on Christmas changed from when you were a child?
A little. When I was a child it was about the gifts and "what I was getting." As an adult, it's about the birth of Christ, the spirit of the season and what I can give.
Who does the Christmas cooking in your family?
My mother-in-love, and she should because she's so good at it.
What is your "must have" Christmas dish?
Macaroni and cheese (for Americans)/macaroni pie (for Trinidadians).
What would be your ideal 2011 Christmas present?
I know it sounds cliché, but I just want our family to be healthy and happy. I can't tell you that there's something material I want. Whatever I get, I'm fine with it. And I love being surprised by that. They always seem to get me something that I wouldn't have thought about getting myself.
What is your Christmas wish for T&T?
God has already blessed our little island with beauty and I would ask that He bless us, the sons and daughters of the island, with love, protection and harmony.