With the recent release of Gladys Knight’s Christmas TV movie I’m Glad It’s Christmas on November 26, Knight let outlets in on some of her fondest holiday memories with family and celebrations. 

“Because Mom and Dad were the way they were, they would just embrace all the kids in the neighborhood,” the seven-time Grammy award winner explained that it wasn’t just the gifts but all that she shared with her church choir in the early days of her singing experience.

“We were just so excited about the music.” 

The singer grew up in Atlanta, and there she recalled enjoying her favorite Christmas song, “O Holy Night,” and receiving her best childhood gift– a blue and silver bicycle that she described as “sharp.”

Knight went on to say that she and her husband, William McDowell, would be having a full house this year on December 25, saying their grandchildren and more would pack into their North Carolina home.

“Everybody’s invited to come in a good mood and share the joy,” she said. 

Knight’s holiday movie aired on the Great American Family channel and starred the iconic “Heard It Through The Grapevine” crooner. She portrayed a matchmaker who’s trying to pair up a singing saleswoman and a songwriter for a Christmas concert. The movie starred Gladys Knight, Jessica Lowndes, and Paul Greene in lead roles. The film was generally met with audience praise upon its release, with fans excited to see Knight on the screen.