The holiday season is here, which means several things — 1) Mariah Carey is about to get a very substantial paycheck for “All I Want for Christmas is You” and 2) Elementary school teachers across America are dusting off their old “Elf” DVDs to play for their students on the last day of class before winter break — for the twentieth year in a row. Some holiday songs and movies, like these, become nothing short of grating as a result of pure overexposure. But, there are a few hidden gems among those corny movies and grating tunes that define the holiday season. Here are The Badger Herald’s staff’s favorites.
Clare Cowan, ArtsEtc. Editor
Holiday song: “Wintering” by The 1975
In “Wintering,” The 1975 captures the warm — and sometimes awkward — feeling of going home for the holidays. No, it’s not an official holiday song, but it’s still one of the best in my book. A plus? You can listen to it year-round without being judged for listening to holiday music too early.
Holiday movie: “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” (2000)
If you haven’t seen this PBS classic, you’re missing out. “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” may be created for kids, but it still stands as my favorite holiday movie. I rewatch it every December, and it never loses its magic. Light a candle, bake some cookies and embrace your inner child this holiday season!
Elsa Englebert, ArtsEtc. Associate Editor
Holiday song: Last Christmas by Wham!
“Last Christmas,” and it’s not even close. It truly transcends the holiday. (Yes, I’ve been known to listen to it year-round.)
Holiday movie: “The Family Stone” (2005)
“The Family Stone” is probably the most realistic holiday film ever in that it captures the general awfulness that often ensues when dysfunctional families reunite to celebrate Christmas. It stars Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith (a character somehow more insufferable than Carrie Bradshaw but with none of her relatability), an uptight, politically incorrect career woman who unwillingly spends Christmas with her boyfriend’s bohemian family in New England.
It’s a movie completely devoid of comfort and joy, with hardly any likable characters to root for, an unhinged plot and moments of secondhand embarrassment that are nearly impossible to watch. And on top of all that sweet, sweet drama, “The Family Stone” stars Diane Keaton (R.I.P.) and Rachel McAdams in roles that truly made zero impact on their careers (but should have). That’s pure perfection.
Addalie Viscarra, ArtsEtc. Associate Editor
Holiday song: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
My favorite Christmas song is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” because I feel like it perfectly captures the nostalgia of Christmas — it instantly takes me back to cozy, fun moments of Christmas past!
Holiday movie: “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004)
My favorite holiday movie is “Christmas with the Kranks,” because it’s full of hilarious, funny scenes and watching it with my family growing up created so many inside jokes that still make us laugh today.
Julia Vetsch, ArtsEtc. Editor
Holiday song: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Surprise, surprise, my favorite Christmas song is “Last Christmas” by Wham! — but whose isn’t? A more niche staple in my holiday playlist is “buy me presents” by Sabrina Carpenter. This upbeat pop hit, which is on her Christmas EP “fruitcake,” has no shortage of the signature cheekiness present in every Sabrina song, and never fails to put me in the holiday spirit.
Holiday movie: “The Holiday” (2006)
An underrated classic that I can’t wait to watch every holiday season is the 2006 feel-good masterpiece, “The Holiday.” This seasonal rom-com is quite possibly the coziest film ever made, and even teaches you some valuable life lessons along the way. Kate Winslet is adorably charming as her character befriends and helps her sweet elderly neighbor, and Jude Law looks the hottest anyone has ever looked as he falls in love with Cameron Diaz in a quaint English cottage.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave with an unexpected crush on Jack Black.
Sophie Wooldridge, ArtsEtc. Associate Editor
Holiday song: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
My favorite holiday song, as overplayed as it may be, is the timeless, quintessential “Last Christmas” by Wham! It’s the only Christmas song I simply never get tired of, no matter how department stores I hear it in during the holiday season.
Holiday movie(s): “Love Actually” (2003), “The Holiday” (2006) and “The Holdovers” (2023)
As for my favorite holiday movie — or shall I say movies — I refuse to pick just one, so here’s my elevator pitch for each of my favorites. For a timeless classic, silly early 2000s British humor and Hugh Grant at his best — “Love Actually.” If you’re looking for something cozy and gut-wrenchingly romantic — “The Holiday.” Finally, if you don’t actually want any romance and just a delightful, carefully crafted “film,” then go for “The Holdovers.”
Anna Kristoff, Managing Editor
Holiday movie: “A Christmas Story” (1983)
This classic showcases the reality of spending Christmas as a family. Its funny and sweet plot never gets old, and it’s a film that grows up with its audience. Watch it once as a kid and again as an adult, and you’ll be surprised by all the jokes you never understood.
