Podcast Summary: Are You A Charlotte? – “Merry Merry!” (December 24, 2025)
Episode Overview
In this special holiday edition, Kristin Davis, famed for her role as Charlotte York on "Sex and the City," sits down with her producer Easton to look back at her career in Christmas movies. With warmth and humor, Kristin shares behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, and the unique experiences of creating festive films — from rescuing elephants in Africa to navigating the quirky world of made-for-TV holiday classics. The episode balances nostalgia, entertainment industry insights, and heartfelt holiday advice for listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Holiday Spirit and Christmas Movies
- Kickoff (02:48): Kristin Davis describes her surprise at how many Christmas movies she’s done, dubbing the holiday film genre a “cottage industry.”
- The hosts note that Kristin’s films have become traditional holiday viewing for many, something Kristin appreciates seeing on social media.
Deep Dive: “Holiday in the Wild” (Netflix)
- Story Inspiration (04:17): Kristin shares how her own experience rescuing a baby elephant in Kenya inspired the movie’s story.
- “It’s basically my story with some embellishments.” (Kristin, 04:32)
- Filming Experience: Shot in South Africa and Zambia with Rob Lowe. Netflix translated the film into many languages, underlining its global reach.
- Conservation Impact (07:34): Kristin explains how anyone can “adopt” an elephant through the Sheldrick Trust—a cause dear to her since 2009.
- “They send you monthly updates on how your elephant is doing… It’s magical and unbelievable.” (Kristin, 07:47)
- Memorable Fashion: The co-host compliments a leopard print Dolce & Gabbana dress Kristin wears in the film.
- Meta Moments: The hosts laugh about how Kristin unintentionally says “And just like that…” in the film—a phrase that’s become signature from “Sex and the City.” (09:01)
Fun Behind-the-Scenes Stories
- Elephant Painting Prop (09:36): Kristin admits she didn’t keep the on-screen portrait of her with elephants—“I had to look so moved… that took some acting, you guys.” (Kristin, 09:50)
Streaming Guide: Where to Watch
- “Holiday in the Wild” is available on Netflix.
- The hosts mention that every year, fans tell Kristin on social media that they've rewatched it (10:15).
“A Heavenly Christmas” (Hallmark, 2016)
- Plot Recap (12:02): Kristin stars alongside Shirley MacLaine (as an angel) and Eric McCormack—the story features afterlife themes and a “career woman” trope.
- Shirley MacLaine’s excellent on-set demeanor and challenging logistics filming in Vancouver are highlighted.
- “It’s like, hard to even focus… she was incredible and fascinating.” (Kristin, 12:05)
- Afterlife Fascination: Kristin discusses her belief in some version of the afterlife, connecting it to both this movie and Instagram accounts where people share near-death experiences (13:12).
Revisiting “Will & Grace”
- Kristin and Eric’s long working relationship and sitcom-era connections are revisited, including fun crossover details about Bobby Cannavale (14:21).
Hallmark vs. Lifetime vs. Netflix: The Holiday Movie Boom
- The hosts discuss how Hallmark started the trend, with others (e.g., Lifetime, Netflix) now making lots of Christmas movies (15:27).
- Kristin self-describes as “scoring good guys” in these films and jokes that she’d be open to another future Christmas movie.
“Deck the Halls” (2006, Release: Theatrical)
- Filming Stories (19:38): Kristin played Matthew Broderick’s wife—and notably called Sarah Jessica Parker to check if it was “okay.”
- “It is weird to lock lips with your friend’s husband, even if it’s brief. Okay, it’s strange.” (Kristin, 20:02)
- Hilarious behind-the-scenes details: 100-degree heat in Vancouver, fake snow melting, kissing scenes with Broderick.
- Scenes were edited for being “too steamy for PG.” (21:03)
- Where to Watch: Hulu, AMC+, Netflix (21:47).
- Kristin jokes about residuals: “I never get any of these residuals… Never seen any residuals from Deck the Halls.” (21:55)
“Three Days” (ABC Family / Amazon Prime)
- Plot (22:12): Kristin’s character dies before Christmas; her husband gets three days to do better, featuring themes of regret and second chances.
- Kristin recounts filming in bitterly cold Nova Scotia, ensuring the safety of a dog during a night shoot (24:00).
- Personal Trivia: Reveals she was dating co-star Reed Diamond at the time.
- “That’s my specialty: Christmas movies where I die.” (Kristin, 25:29)
- The hosts reflect on recurring holiday movie tropes and the gendered nature of who gets redemption arcs in these stories.
- Kristin: “I don’t feel like it’s all about him…” (26:49)
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, listed under Wondery (22:36).
Recurring Themes in Kristin’s Christmas Movies
- Death, Afterlife, & Redemption: Many of her holiday films explore mortality, second chances, and finding the true spirit of Christmas, often inverting or expanding on typical “career woman returns home” plots.
- “I didn’t really realize until… today that I had two movies involving death and Christmas and trying to do it better in a short period of time…” (Kristin, 25:40)
- Career vs. Relationships: Female characters often grapple with work-life balance—a topic the hosts compare across the films and reflect upon.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s basically my story with some embellishments.” – Kristin Davis on “Holiday in the Wild” (04:32)
- “I had to look so moved… that took some acting, you guys.” – Kristin on fake painting scene (09:50)
- “Isn’t it weird how often people say, ‘And just like that…’” – Kristin, reflecting on pop culture catchphrases (09:08)
- “It is weird to lock lips with your friend’s husband, even if it’s brief. Okay, it’s strange.” – Kristin on kissing Matthew Broderick (20:02)
- “That’s my specialty: Christmas movies where I die.” – Kristin Davis (25:29)
- “Try to enjoy [the holidays]. Don’t stress out. That’s what I tell myself. Important advice.” – Kristin’s holiday message (27:15)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 02:48 – Holiday episode intro & theme
- 04:17 – “Holiday in the Wild”: Inspiration & conservation work
- 07:34 – How to adopt an elephant, Sheldrick Trust details
- 09:01 – “And just like that...” meta catchphrase moment
- 10:15 – Viewer feedback & movie’s place in holiday traditions
- 12:02 – “A Heavenly Christmas” with Shirley MacLaine & Eric McCormack
- 13:12 – Afterlife beliefs, Instagram near-death communities
- 19:38 – "Deck the Halls": Behind-the-scenes with Matthew Broderick
- 21:55 – Where to stream “Deck the Halls” & residuals joke
- 22:12 – “Three Days”: Plot recap, Nova Scotia shoot, dog safety stories
- 25:40 – Realization about recurring "death and Christmas" themes
- 27:15 – Kristin’s closing holiday advice
Tone & Language
The episode's tone is warm, candid, and lightly humorous—balancing Kristin’s signature optimism with self-deprecating jokes and affectionate retrospectives. Both hosts banter easily, periodically poking fun at Hollywood tropes, and Kristin’s personal reflections connect sincerely with listeners and fans.
Conclusion
“Merry Merry!” is an engaging, heartfelt look at Kristin Davis’s contributions to the modern holiday movie canon. Listeners receive unique Hollywood stories, worthwhile streaming recommendations, and a comforting dose of holiday spirit.