Now that Thanksgiving break has ended and finals are becoming more and more imminent, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit. In a few weeks the semester will be over, and everyone will be at home sipping hot cocoa, buying gifts, and decorating. In the meantime, take a study break and listen to some Christmas carols or watch your favorite holiday movie. Here are my favorite holiday movies, music, and television specials:
1. Love Actually
This is my absolute favorite holiday movie, and it’s not too Christmassy, so it’s a great way to kick off the season. If you are one of the few people who haven’t seen it, Love Actually stars Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, and a bunch of other famous Brits. The romantic comedy tells intertwining love stories and takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Love Actually will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, something we don’t normally feel during finals week.
2. R&B and Pop Holiday Radio on Pandora
We all know that Pandora is a great way to listen to music all year, but it’s especially great during the holidays. Odds are, your iTunes library isn’t fully stocked with Christmas carols, so let Pandora do the work for you. This station plays holiday music from popular artists mixed in with the classics, depending on your taste. Listen to it while you study for those dreaded finals, sip a little hot cocoa, and dream of winter break.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas
“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” This line says everything about this charming Christmas special in which Charlie Brown becomes the director of the school Christmas pageant. It might seem a little silly to be watching cartoons in college, but A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday classic, and you may be surprised to find that you aren’t the only one watching it during a study break in Hunt Library.
4. Elf
This holiday comedy starring Will Farrell is the epitome of Christmas cheer. When Buddy the Elf doesn’t fit in at the North Pole, he decides to give New York City a try. It’s hard not to laugh when Buddy experiences the city for the first time, figuring out how revolving doors work and getting drunk when he thinks that whiskey is syrup. If Elf doesn’t put you in a good mood, then you just might be the Grinch.
5. White Christmas App for iPhone
This app lets you take pictures with falling snow and other fun holiday details like Santa, snowmen, and reindeer. It’s like Instagram for the holidays. The app lets you share the photos on Facebook and Twitter, so you friends can see your festive selfies, too. Plus, its super easy-to-use, so you can even keep your little cousins occupied at that family gathering.