Sonja Flemming/CBS
You’re big in the fitness world and have a following on social media. What made you want to play Big Brother?
Are you kidding me?! Who doesn’t want to do Big Brother? That is the super challenge.
Did you apply?
I did a couple of interviews and they called me so here I am! I was in disbelief when I found out. Out of all the people they interviewed they chose me. I couldn’t believe it. I was feeling pretty special that day. (Laughs.)
Do you think America will have an influence this season and how may your following help you in the game?
Vote for me! (Laughs.) I think my fans like me because I’m authentic and a little bit different than what they expect. I’m hoping America takes me the same way that my fans have taken me.
What if America doesn’t like you?
Maybe they misunderstood me! (Laughs.)
Where does your name Christmas come from?
My mom had a really hard pregnancy with me. She almost miscarried me a couple of times and when I was born she had a different name picked out. But I was born on December 20th so she said, “This is my Christmas joy. She’s a miracle baby.” So she named me Christmas Joy. Thanks Momma!
What has been the most challenging part about being away from your family so far?
When you’re in jail, which it seems like and you’re staring at walls it’s really going against what I do every day.
Which former houseguest is your favorite?
I can’t remember his name.
I thought you watched the show!
Yeah, but I don’t remember all of their names! I got a lot of information in my head!
Are you watching previous seasons in sequester?
No! You had to do your homework before you came. If you didn’t catch up than you don’t get to know! (Laughs!)
How will you handle confrontation in the house?
I’m thick skinned.
You’re not going to fight back?
No! If they’re attacking me and I keep my cool than they’re the target. I am a problem solver not a problem creator. If that person keeps coming at me than the one who barks the loudest is the one causing the problem. Let them put themselves in the target zone.
What entertainment will you bring to this season?
I call myself creepy Christmas. I’m a little weird. I’m eccentric, but I’ve always embraced it. Fans aren’t going to need that aggressive drama from me. I’m not that type of person. They’re probably going to be more entertained by my weirdness than by the people getting all up in your face.
Which types of players are you wary of playing the game with?
Drama creators. I’m a huge communicator and that’s one of my strengths. I have a deep level of empathy for people. I’m staying away from the dramas. The two-faced dramas, take it home! They usually take themselves out pretty early we don’t have to worry about them. (Laughs!) I love girl power, but women especially always say, “I need this! Help me!” And I’m like, “No, bitch you can do it yourself.” I like strong personalities that are also empathetic and compassionate.
Are you looking for a showmance?
I’m single and I’m looking for whatever helps my game. If there is a showmance I have to authentically like that person. I like people who make me laugh and that are not intimidated by me. I do not want to coddle you. I have very little tolerance for that.
Which players from season 18 were your least favorite?
Was that the one where he was like, “I’m the messiah!”
Yeah, Jozea Flores.
Oh, God! Please don’t let him be a repeat this season. I would cry tears of pain because I’m going to have to tolerate his diva ass. And I’m a diva so I’m not diva hating, but you are not a messiah!
Would you have aligned with season 18’s winner Nicole Franzel?
Yeah! She coasted, but she played it smart. I definitely would have aligned with her. She had her good values and was honest as she could be to as many people as she could be. I appreciate that.
What’s your goal besides winning the money?
The challenge. My career path hasn’t been dictated by my interest in fame. I would have accepted a whole bunch of things before this and Big Brother is the first show I accepted because it is a super challenge with a super prize. My goal is to win. I’m in it to win it. Even with what I do now it’s not to be famous. It’s to help people understand a healthier way of living.