CHRISTMAS COOKIE ‘E
Taraji P. Henson rings in the holiday season
TARAJI’S WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS Thursday, 9 p.m., Fox
MPIRE” star Taraji P. Henson, who plays Cookie Lyon on the Fox drama, is bringing joy to the world again this Christmas. Her annual variety special, “Taraji’s White Hot Holidays,” will feature seasonal songs and skits with guests including “Claws” star Niecy Nash, Chaka Khan, “Hamilton” alum Leslie Odom Jr. and Tituss Burgess. Highlights on the show, filmed last month at LA’s Saban Theatre, include a hip-hop Christmas carol mashup with Ciara, Salt-N-Pepa and the Ying Yang Twins, and a lively “Hamilton” spoof called “Prancerton,” with Henson as headstrong reindeer Prancer challenging red-nosed Rudolph (Burgess) for the lead spot guiding Santa’s sleigh. Henson recently spoke by phone with The Post from the Chicago set of “Empire,” which airs its fall finale on Wednesday (8 p.m., Fox).
Why do you like doing the specials?
When I grew up, there was a plethora of variety shows: Sonny and Cher, “Solid Gold,” “Donny & Marie” [Osmond], Carol Burnett, Flip Wilson. We really don’t have family television anymore; reality TV took over. I don’t want to see people’s problems; I want to forget problems and laugh at dumb stuff.
Why is comedy so important?
I’ve seen a lot of Christmas shows, but they were mainly about music. I always wanted more skits; we don’t want it to look like a music awards show. And people think I’m just Cookie. That’s all they wanna see: Cookie, Cookie, Cookie. I’m a trained character actress. I want to be silly and goofy and nutty.
Taye Diggs and DJ Khaled each play Santa Claus in separate skits. Who’s the better Santa?
DJ Khaled, because you want your Santa to have a little weight eight on him. That’s how you’re used to seeing him. Taye looks a little like he’s struggling, like Santa was a little hungry, you know? w? (laughs) But he made it funny, ny, so that was the whole point.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” Michael Jackson andnd the Jackson Five sang that whenen I was a kid and I had a huge crush on them.
Do you exchange “secret Santa” gifts with your “Empire” cast?
It’s not really about that for me. I love playing Santa at Christmas! I just give out gifts.
Your Prancer outfit is cute. Did you keep it?
I didn’t keep it. I have props. I have deer antlers. I have elf slippers with bells on them. Any time I walk — ding, ding! It drives everybody crazy. When you come up to my house, you have to put on a Christmas sweater, you have to put on a red Rudolph nose.
How would Santa rate you on being naughty or nice this year?
Well, I’m human, but whatever Santa doesn’t buy me, I’ll buy myself (laughs).