I am generally a year-round rom-com fanatic, so my all-time favorite holiday film is far out of left field – but Rare Exports is just amazing. Wikipedia describes its genre as “fantasy action horror comedy,” but this Finnish film is filled with charm, humor, originality, and incredible performances (the young lead is particularly amazing). It is my absolute favorite thing to watch every holiday break – usually bringing unsuspecting family and friends along for the ride.

Song Select: The music for Rare Exports is not available on Spotify, so for the playlist, I will submit a song from my other annual holiday-break watch: When Harry Met Sally. (Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off; Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong)

Anastasia has been one of my favorite holiday movies since I was a child. There’s something about the snow in St. Petersburg, the lights, and the magic of “Once Upon a December” just feels right for this time of year. Plus, it’s got everything I want in a story: romance, adventure, fantasy, and a great villain.

Song Select: Once Upon a December

When I was a kid, I used to read the Peanuts Comics treasury collections at our public library. I remember feeling excited when I learned about Peanuts films, and I have been watching A Charlie Brown Christmas ever since!

Song Select: Linus and Lucy

The Polar Express has been a favorite of mine since my family took me to its midnight premiere in 2004—my very first! I was captivated by its magical storyline and soundtrack. That love carried over to my fifth-grade holiday concert, where I sang a solo of Josh Groban’s “Believe.” I still remember my squeaky, innocent voice singing, “Believe in what you feel inside, and give your dreams the wings to fly.

Song Select: Believe

Marie Antoinette is such a visually gorgeous film full of decadent imagery and sounds, so I love watching it around any holiday or celebration.

Song Select: Hong Kong Garden

Paul: For me, this film and A Charlie Brown Christmas are short, almost like the cartoon before the feature presentation, and essential for the holidays since the 1960s. I remember growing up watching these two to kick off the holiday season.

Song Select: You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

In this 1994 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, the March sisters confront growing pains, financial shortages, family tragedies, and romantic rivalries in mid-19th-century Massachusetts. I always watch this film every Christmas.

Song Select: Orchard House

Frozen is a must-watch for me during the holidays. The snowy landscapes, catchy songs from all the characters, and Elsa’s empowering ice castle scene make it the perfect pick—fit for any queen!

Song Select: Do You Want to Build a Snowman

This original Grinch special was a staple of my childhood but my love of the story started early as parents read to me from a four volume set of Dr. Seuss stories.  Fortunately, they kept these books in various attics so I could give them to my child, which I did. Mt kiddo loved reading all the stories and hearing them read outloud *except* for How The Grinch Stole Christmas. They loved to look at the story’s original illustrations but insisted the best person to narrate the story was Boris Karloff, based on the TV special. Smart kid!

When Spongebob first learns of Christmas and Santa from Sandy, he wastes no time to notify everyone in Bakini Bottom. Before long, everyone in town is exited and stays up all night on Christmas Eve to see Santa.

Song Select: Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas)