Christmas Essentials
Movies, music, food, and much more
It’s officially Christmas season! Hooray! I love this time of year for so many reasons, but mainly because it often feels so magical. No matter what is happening in my life, Christmas is always there with open arms, sparkling and glittering with light and cheer. There’s so much to do during Christmas, whether that’s watch your favorite movies in Christmas pjs or bake your favorite treats with loved ones. Here’s a list of things I consider essential to my Christmas season that hopefully you can draw inspiration from.
Reads
What better way to enjoy the season than curl up by the fire with a good book? Whether it’s reading about witches around Halloween or women-centric narratives in the month of March, I love reading books that coincide with the season or month I’m in. That being said, these are some of my favorite things to read at Christmastime.
Novels
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Do yourself a favor and read this one right around Christmas. I purposefully started this book so that I would finish it on Christmas Day and it was an absolute delight! Dickens’s charming writing allows us to embody Scrooge for a few moments and remind ourselves what’s most important during this season: goodwill, family, and love.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Not entirely about Christmas, but starts with one of the last Christmases that the March sisters are together. There’s a reason Alcott’s book has been adapted time and time again; at its center, it is warm, full of heart, and focuses on the bonds between loved ones, specifically sisters.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Again, nothing to do with Christmas itself, but perfect around Christmas time. I grew up reading these books and find myself returning to the first book often around the holidays due to its overall coziness.
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden
One of my favorite books as a child! This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about a doll in a toy shop wishing to be a little girl’s toy, an orphan girl wanting to find a family, and a couple wishing to have a little girl of their own. All the warm, fuzzy feelings can be found in this book.
Short Stories and Poetry
“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
An incredibly touching short story about the companionship between a young boy and his older relative. The descriptions are so rich and engaging, and the nostalgic, heart-wrenching ending makes me shed a few tears.
“Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem” by Maya Angelou
Read by Angelou at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House in 2005, this poem is a call to love thy neighbor. It’s a really great message that at its heart asks us all to foster peace.
Watches
I initially thought of putting some TV episodes here too, but I’m much more of a movie person this time of year (plus, the movie list just kept growing and growing!). Although I love the episode where Matthew and Mary get together while snow falls around them in Downton Abbey or laugh while Michael dresses as Jesus because Phyllis is Santa in The Office, nothing can compare to the classic Christmas movies I make a point in watching every year.
Movies
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
This movie shows all four seasons, but is most famous for Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I grew up loving this movie, but the Christmas/winter scenes were always my favorite. And, I honestly can’t help but tear up with I hear Judy Garland’s voice this time of year.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Would this list be a real Christmas movie essentials list without It’s a Wonderful Life? That ending scene, even just thinking about it, makes me misty! Everything about this movie makes me want to call all my friends and family to remind them that I love them. <3
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The original version of this movie will always be superior. Something about that scene where Kris speaks in Dutch to that little girl makes me feel real Christmas magic. This movie makes me feel like a little kid again!
White Christmas (1954)
I am a movie musical person, and Bing Crosby is one of my favorite artists ever, so this movie is always so comforting during the holiday season. Ah, the days of technicolor, how I miss them! This movie is just so incredibly beautiful.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This list would be incomplete without Charlie Brown. Charles Schulz’s cartoons always give me that warm, fuzzy feeling, not to mention the soundtrack by the Vince Guaraldi Trio is quintessential Christmas music. And that scene near the end where Linus tells the Nativity Story never fails to make me smile!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
This is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. Number one on the list! Granted, I didn’t see this movie until I was in high school, but after my first viewing I just knew that it was my favorite. It’s just so funny. I can’t even count the amount of times my family and I have quoted, “THE BLESSINGGGG.”
Elf (2003)
Do I even have to explain this one? C’mon. It’s a classic.
The Polar Express (2004)
I don’t care what people say about the animation, I love this movie. The story is so magical, the music is so good, and Tom Hanks being practically every character is soooo camp. And seeing it in IMAX? A spiritual high, I tell you.
Tunes
One of the best parts about Christmas is the music! We have a few staple vinyl and CDs in my house, so I thought I’d share them with you. All are must listens in my opinion, and a few are really great because of how different they are in style from traditional Christmas music:
Albums
A Charlie Brown Christmas by The Vince Guaraldi Trio
James Taylor at Christmas by James Taylor
When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr.
Ray Charles - Christmas by Ray Charles
Through the Many Winters by Michael McDonald
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker by Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker
Happy Holiday by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé
As far as particular songs, these ones never fail to make me sing with fervor or dance like crazy.
Individual Tracks
“Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson
Doesn’t matter where, doesn’t matter when: when the orchestral version of “Sleigh Ride” plays, I’m getting into it. That whip crack? The horse whinny from the trumpet? CAMP. I will always be obsessed with this song.
“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
I grew up going to dance classes, and you better believe that when this song came out, every competition team was dancing to it and ending in a kick line. I might get hate for this but…I think this is even better than the Mariah Carey song! No offense to that song, but this track just gives me so much joy.
“Believe” by Josh Groban from The Polar Express
You already know my love for the movie, so this should come as no surprise that I love this song. It’s just so Christmas-y and magical, and Josh Groban’s voice is amazing (as always).
Bites
Cookies and Desserts
Grandma’s homemade cookies
I know that this sounds the most cliche out of all of them, but nothing can beat homemade cookies at Christmas, especially if they are made with love from Grandma. A few of my favorites from her were walnut balls, jam thumbprints, buckeye balls, and lemon bars. I still have yet to learn all the recipes, but hope to someday! (Love you, Grandma!)
Crostoli
Half of my family comes from Northern Italy, and a tradition that my Nonna and I started doing was making crostoli (angel wings). They are essentially fried pastries with sugar on top. They have a hint of an orange flavor to them and are light and airy. I hope to continue the tradition of making them every year!
Panettone
Another Italian staple! Pronounced “pan-eh-tone-eh” (not “pan-a-tone”), it is a sweet bread with raisins and fruit. Kind of like a fruitcake, but more like a bread. We can never have Christmas in my house without grabbing a Panettone from the store.
Date pudding
Another staple from my grandma and a favorite of my dad’s. Essentially, this is a sticky pudding of sorts that has half and half poured on top. The warmth from the pudding with the cool from the half and half is the perfect combo.
Dishes
Honey baked ham
Is it really Christmas without a ham? It’s like turkey and Thanksgiving; ham and Christmas are a package deal in my mind. Plus, the leftover ham after Christmas is always delicious and can be used for sandwiches!
Cheesy potatoes
My aunt always brings these and they are devilishly good. Often served in a casserole dish, these potatoes are cubed and covered in cheesy goodness. I’m hoping to learn the recipe so I can make it for future holidays.
Frittata
Like mentioned previously, half my family is from Northern Italy, and somehow I remember frittatas being present at many holidays (often made by my great aunt). Essentially, it is a quiche without a crust and even though it feels like breakfast, was sometimes present at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners at our house.
Drinks
Cocoa (with peppermint)
There’s nothing more Christmas-y to me than a hot chocolate. I’m not a coffee person, so I love a good cocoa during winter, especially with peppermint flavor or peppermint sticks. And of course, there absolutely must be whipped cream on top to give you foamy mustaches.
Eggnog with sprinkled nutmeg
I’ve had several variations of eggnog (traditional, almond nog, oat eggnog, etc.) and all are perfect during Christmas. My family puts sprinkled nutmeg on top (and somehow over the years, have accumulated like four different nutmegs on our spice rack because of buying them during Christmas and forgetting we already have it…)
Verdi Spumante
We aren’t big drinkers in my family, but if there’s one drink showing up at holiday dinners it’s Verdi. It is a sparkling white wine that goes down easily and often is a little fruity in flavor. It’s sparkling nature adds to the glittering atmosphere at Christmas.
Looks
One of my favorite parts about winter? Winter fashion! Time to pull out all the cute hats, coats, scarves, and other winter accessories to stay warm and stylish. These are a few of my favorites that for me are specific to this season.
What to Wear
White sweaters or turtlenecks (think Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally…)
Sparkles! Everywhere!
Ankle boots and colored tights
Ugly Christmas sweaters (you’ve got to own at least one)
Makeup and Accessories
A red lip
Bows (in your hair, on your tree, bow patterned things, go crazy with bows!)
Fur trimmed gloves
Vintage brooches (especially when pinned on your coat!)
Trench coats
Handmade scarves
Details
It really is all in the details. I love the aesthetic of vintage Christmas, and I’m particularly drawn to things that remind me of the 40’s or 50’s. Here’s some things that I consider chic during the holiday season.
Decor
Soft yellow tree lights
Not white, not multicolored. I love a gentle yellow glow from a Christmas tree. Plus, I think it goes well with red and green.
Candles galore
I’m a big fan of not just scented candles but also red and green candles for decoration. Fire, whether that be from candles or even a fireplace, are so cozy to me!
Red ribbon
We always had ribbons on our tree, and I’ve often thought that if I were to decorate my own tree I would choose red ribbon to wrap around it. Keep it classic.
Snow globes
I feel like I don’t have to explain this one, they are just so pretty! I love the little worlds built inside of snow globes and think they look lovely sitting on mantles.
Scents
Balsam
I’m not a big sugary sweet scent person, and love more natural smelling scents. So when it comes to air fresheners, soaps, or candles at Christmas, I love ones that smell like Christmas trees, especially pine or cedar balsam.
Pipe tobacco
I once got a candle from Bath and Body Works that was tobacco smell and…let me just say: that is one my favorite candles I’ve ever gotten. Not even sure why, it just smells so good.
Firewood
I love the smell of campfire, and often when outside during the Christmas season I get a whiff of a burning fire. It’s one of my favorite fall/winter scents, if not just one of my favorite scents, period.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
- Lillian