Donny Hathaway wrote the definitive Black Christmas song, which is to say he wrote a Christmas song that has nothing to do with snow. 'This Christmas' is about the particular warmth of being Black and in love during December ... the way soul food and slow jams and the specific amber light of a room with the tree lit can make any winter night feel like a secret. become a standard because it understands that Christmas is not a season but a feeling.