Home Alone
By Brooke Ellis
The greatest Christmas movie of all time? “Home Alone,” hands down. This holiday classic has somehow managed to stay just as beloved and relevant for over 30 years — and let’s be honest, it’s been a holiday tradition in my house for as long as I can remember. Every year, after surviving the two-week, caffeine-fueled marathon of finals — which always feels like a semester’s worth of stress packed into a few days — and enduring a soul-crushing 4-hour drive home, I know exactly what awaits me when I get home: a Christmas movie marathon, including all of my favorite holiday movies, and “Home Alone?” It’s at the top of our list.
I’ll never forget those cozy Christmas nights spent curled up on the couch with my mom, snuggled under one of the millions of tie blankets she’s made over the years — she’s secretly running a blanket sweat factory out of our dining room. Hot chocolate in hand, her freshly popped popcorn filling the room with that perfect buttery scent, this is when the holidays officially begin. And no Christmas movie marathon would be complete without “Home Alone” — it’s been our holiday ritual for as long as I can remember.
“Home Alone” has a special place in so many hearts, including mine, because it taps into that nostalgia for a time when Christmas felt like pure magic. Whether it’s the fun of decorating the house, the excitement of holiday traditions, or the drama of family dynamics, the movie captures the very essence of Christmas. Not to mention, the candy closet in the second movie and the triple-stacked ice cream sundae? Who didn’t dream of having that spread as a kid?
Sure, “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” “Happiest Season,” and “The Holiday” all have their charm, but they are nothing compared to this holiday classic. So when it comes to Christmas movie royalty, we all know who’s sitting on the throne. Keep the change, ya filthy animals — Home Alone is in a league of its own.
The Happiest Season
By Eliana Idzikowski
“Happiest Season,” starring Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, and Aubrey Plaza is my all-time favorite Christmas movie.
It’s rare to see a mainstream holiday film centered around a queer couple, and also not be super weird or just not well written. “Happiest Season” is literally the most perfect queer holiday rom com to exist. The main relationship is between two women who love each other, and their relationship isn’t reduced to a subplot like most gay relationships are. Basically, if you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s finally a movie where you can see your own experiences represented in a genre that’s almost utterly dominated by heteronormative narratives. As a lesbian, I do have to say that it might be more enjoyable for us to watch it because of its women-loving-women (WLW) representation. Granted, if you are in the market for a nice men-loving-men (MLM) holiday movie, “Single All the Way” is also a gem.
“Happiest Season” sheds a light on love, acceptance, and the complexities of family dynamics — especially during the holidays. These themes are universal and timeless, making the film resonate with viewers from all walks of life. It’s a great reminder that the holidays aren’t just about the perfect decorations or grand gestures; they’re about embracing and celebrating who we are and the people we care about.
Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a good cry, or just a cute rom com to feel warm and fuzzy to, “Happiest Season” can do it all. So this year, when you’re deciding which film to watch, consider giving “Happiest Season” the love it deserves.
The Holiday
By Cydne Lloyd
“The Holiday” is a heartwarming romantic comedy that brings together two women — played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet — who swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected love. What truly elevates the film is Jude Law’s portrayal of the charming and lovable Harry. As the brother of Kate Winslet’s character, Iris, Graham is a widowed single father who surprises both Iris and the audience with his sensitivity and wit. Jude Law’s performance is a perfect balance of warmth and vulnerability, making his character irresistibly endearing.
What stands out is how effortlessly Law embodies a man who, despite his heartbreak, is open to new possibilities. He is not just the dashing love interest; there is a depth to him that adds genuine emotion to the film’s lighter moments. His chemistry with Cameron Diaz is palpable, and together, they create one of the most memorable pairings in romantic comedies. Jude Law’s natural charisma makes his character’s evolution from a grieving widower to a hopeful romantic feel organic and believable. His portrayal adds an extra layer of tenderness to the movie.
On another note, this film captures the essence of the frazzled English woman, with Kate Winslet’s character having a difficult work life in London, but going home to a lovely cottage in the countryside. When she and Cameron Diaz’s character, Amanda, swap houses, Amanda almost immediately takes on the frazzled traits.
“The Holiday” is not just a feel-good festive movie, but also a film with real emotional depth.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
By Juliet Stouffer
There are many Christmas movies out there, but no movie is as good as “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Now I could argue for days why “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is the best movie of all time, but right now all I have to argue is that it is the best Christmas movie and boy, oh boy, do I have a lot to say.
First of all, the soundtrack? Impeccable. I hear the overture and I know it’s Christmas. “One More Sleep ’til Christmas” is like a soothing hug, and don’t even get me started on how “It Feels Like Christmas” will always be the most comforting song to exist. The whole soundtrack is not only made up of the most comforting songs to experience, but also very breathtaking. Through the use of a whole orchestra, you can hear the time and dedication that was put into the understanding of each character. From the darker notes for Scrooge to the lighter wood instruments that apply themself to Tiny Tim. Apart from the soundtrack though, there is even more to find exceptional about this film. One of these is the comedy aspect. For a film made in 1992, the jokes are still on point and keep me laughing every time. I especially love the interactions between Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. The puppeteers who played them were very expressive and did their job very well. When I was little and used to watch this film everyday, rain or shine — it made me feel like I was safe, and I hope it does the same for others. The dedication that is involved in The Muppets films really inspires me as an aspiring filmmaker, and if I could make something as important to another kid as this film is to me, then I’d know I did a good job. Regardless of if this movie has the same personal connection to someone, I think it is safe to say that anyone can see the joy and time that went into this film.
The Perfect Stationary Set Up
By Madeline Altman
I am a self-proclaimed stationery aficionado. I first began my stationery journey in 2020, where amidst the pandemic lockdown, creating fun journal layouts became a favorite pastime of mine. Four years later, after many episodes of trial and error, I have arrived at the perfect stationery setup, which I would recommend to anyone looking to take up journaling.
Firstly, and arguably most importantly, is the notebook. Like I said, I have dabbled in a variety of different notebooks and notebook brands over the years. The Decomposition Notebooks are a fun and environmentally-conscious option, with many cute designs to choose from, but are arguably too large for day-to-day journaling practices. I have also tried out the popular Moleskine brand, which makes notebooks in a nice variety of shapes and sizes, but whose notebooks I ultimately found to be too flimsy for my liking. In the end, I arrived at the German brand Leuchtturm 1917. These notebooks come in a variety of colors and, conveniently, can be found in downtown Northfield at both Content and The Sketchy Artist. Plus, if, like me, you have already covered every nook and cranny on your laptop and water bottle with stickers, the blank covers of the Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks make a fantastic canvas on which to display additions to your sticker collection.
Now to the writing utensil. As with notebooks, I have tried many a different pen variety in my day. In the end, I have arrived at the conclusion that Muji makes the best pen around. While known for selling a wide variety of items, from clothing to homegoods, the store also has a fantastic selection of stationary items. My go-to journaling pen is the “Smooth Gel Ink Knock Type Ballpoint Pen 0.3mm.” It comes in a variety of colors — though my go-to is black — and is a relatively affordable option at $1.90 per pen.
There you have it: the perfect stationery set-up. When it comes to curating the ultimate journaling experience, the Leuchtturm 1917 notebook and a 0.38 Muji pen combination simply cannot be beat.
