I will be the first to admit I had no idea what it was like as a college student in November. I was blissfully under the impression that after fall break, there would be maybe a test or project sprinkled in and then out of nowhere it would be holiday break. That is not at all the case. No one warned me I would have a midterm in every course, projects in more than half, and countless assignments to complete in the coming weeks. As I’m checking more and more off of my to-do list, I find myself starved for some good old holiday comfort movies. Whether you need a ‘pick me up’ after a difficult exam or you just can not do math any longer, here are my favorites to keep your spirits high.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000: available on Amazon Prime
Nothing is more comforting than hearing Jim Carrey’s snide comments at the Whos down in Whoville just trying to celebrate their own holidays. From a very young age, my mother instilled a love for this ultimate holiday classic and it is such a comfort. There is so much holiday cheer throughout the movie and it is my go-to with a nice cup of peppermint cocoa at my side.
Snow Buddies 2008: available on Disney+
In my opinion, this is the best ‘buddies’ movie in the franchise; definitely beating “Spooky Buddies” and even “Santa Buddies”. This movie is the sole reason I wanted a husky puppy when I was little and probably the reason I want to visit Alaska, especially during the holiday season. After the five puppies get accidentally air-dropped into Alaska, they meet a husky and his owner who dreams of racing in a dog-sled competition. This has been one of my favorite feel-good holiday films since my cousin first introduced the series to me at the young age of six.
Love Actually 2003: available on Netflix
The best way I can describe this movie is ‘classic’. I watched this film for the first time last year and I was just blown away that I hadn’t seen it earlier because it is the definition of a comfort holiday movie. I loved how the stories were intertwined and yet still stood all on their own. I will 100% be watching this movie after my next exam to feel the love and warmth I felt the first time I watched it!
Holidate 2020: available on Netflix
This is a great film to watch if you want a lighthearted rom-com after a long day of assignments. Holidate follows two single individuals who are tired of being single and agree to fake date during the various holidays over the year. While there are moments that are a little cringy or even predictable, it is such a cute film to pick up your spirits, and I do love a ‘fake-dating’ trope!
Nightmare Before Christmas 1993: available on Disney+
I won’t take any criticism, this is both a Halloween and Holidays movie. It is set in December around the holidays even though there are spooky elements. Most of my comfort movies have come from my mom’s love for films, especially Tim Burton’s stop-motion films. I often find myself watching this movie after a difficult assignment or exam just to see Jack Skellington run through Christmas-Town singing “What’s This?” or even Sally creating elaborate concoctions to keep Jack safe as he guides his own red sleigh through the night.