The Daily of the University of Washington

What to watch and listen to this season


If you’re the type who throws every ounce of yourself into the holiday spirit, chances are you’ve already heard of, read, or watched some of these holiday favorites. Here’s a round-up of some of the best holiday movies and books, compiled by The Daily staff. Enjoy.

The top 10 holiday books/stories:

10. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry: This classic short story about a selfless married couple who sell their most valuable possessions in order to pay for gifts for one another was a staple read for many of us in junior high.

9. The Poky Little Puppy’s First Christmas by Justine Korman: It’s the poky little puppy’s first Christmas, and he’s not sure what to expect. This children’s book was a favorite of mine as a child and is worth a read this year for all those young at heart.

8. Jingle Bugs illustrated by David A. Carter: As a colleague of mine put it, Jingle Bugs is so much fun. I’ve never had the pleasure of perusing this tricked-out pop-up book — complete with music and lights — but I bet it would be a merry good time.

7. Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh: Everyone knows Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. But do they know Olive, the other reindeer? This story about a determined dog who makes his way to the North Pole has already been made into a TV special with Drew Barrymore.

6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: This Christmas story, my personal favorite, has been retold and reinvented so many times, from Disney to the Muppets. But the original still stands the test of time as an intriguing cautionary tale about selfishness.

5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: The Herdman family is a clan of no-good, misfit and trouble-making children. Their decision to partake in the annual nativity Christmas pageant sends their community into an uproar and is a hilarious story about tolerance and acceptance.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss: Before the 1966 animated film and the 2000 Jim Carrey adaptation, the miserly creature with a heart two sizes too small was popularized in the Seuss world.

3. The Mitten by Jan Brett: While not really a Christmas or holiday book, this heartwarming winter tale about a boy who loses his mitten is a must-read traditional Ukranian folk story. Be sure to check out the detailed illustrations in the borders.

2. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore: This poem, first published in 1823, is responsible for standardizing most of the world’s perception of Santa Claus, including his appearance and mode of transportation. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without it.

1. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: This 1985 award-winning children’s book has deservedly joined the ranks of Christmas classics. Hop on the polar express with the main character as he journeys to the North Pole to visit St. Nicholas.

The top ten holiday movies:

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1994, 1947): Whether it’s the 1994 version with that kid from Matilda or the classic 1947 version, Miracle on 34th Street will have you believing in Santa Claus all over again.

9. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This misfit reindeer has been around since 1939, but it wasn’t until someone decided to put clay to paper that we got this beloved TV special.

8. The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen’s legacy won’t be Home Improvement, but this film about a man who inadvertently becomes Santa Claus. Don’t forget to read the fine print.

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Who doesn’t feel like buying a Charlie Brown-esque Christmas tree after seeing this classic TV special that reminds us the holidays aren’t all about presents and commercialization.

6. Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992): In these holiday flicks, Macaulay Culkin shows us that family ultimately comes first — even when they repeatedly forget all about you.

5. A Christmas Story (1983): If you’re sitting at home this winter break, chances are you’ll find this movie on endless repeat on cable. Ralphie’s obsesssion with obtaining a Red Ryder BB gun has been ingrained in the fabric of Christmas Americana.

4. Elf (2003): Who knew Will Ferrell as an overgrown elf with daddy issues would translate into big blockbuster bucks and instant Christmas classic movie material?

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Mr. Scrooge, Bob and Mrs. Cratchit, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future have never felt more real than in this fantastic muppet adaptation.

2. Love, Actually (2003): What better time than the holidays to realize you’re in love with your best friend’s girl? Or that you don’t love your wife and would rather sleep with your secretary? Despite an awkward storyline, Love, Actually is quite the touching holiday movie about love in the unlikeliest of places.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” And every time I see this movie, it warms my heart, and I remember why I love the holiday season. ‘Tis the season to be grateful for all that you have. Happy holidays.


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