By Lucy Domingo ’26
As the holiday season continues in full force, the allure of classic holiday movies becomes irresistible, casting a magical spell on individuals eager to indulge in nostalgic films. For many, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of holiday classics is not just an entertaining pastime, but an essential part of their festive traditions.
Alison Giebler ’24 cherishes the memory of her earliest encounter with her favorite holiday flick, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000), dating back to an age too early to recall. Since that first viewing, she estimated that she has “watched it over a hundred times because it’s [her] favorite movie.” This annual tradition in the Giebler household has evolved into a source of comfort. She particularly revels in the scene where the Grinch descends from his cliff to receive awards from the Whos. “Since this movie has always been a Christmas tradition for me, it always gets me in a Christmas mood,” Giebler said.
Liya Nichols ’26, on the other hand, professed her love for the 2018 rendition of The Grinch. Having immersed herself in the comedic film over 30 times, Nichols appreciates not only the joy it brings her but also the unifying effect it has on her entire family. When asked about her favorite character from the movie, Nichols insisted that the only correct answer was the Grinch himself. To her, the film is not merely a source of entertainment; it’s synonymous with silliness and unbridled happiness.
For Jill Capasso ’27, Matt Pain ’26, and Michael Papaspyros ’25, their holiday staple is Elf (2003). Capasso, who was introduced to the film at the tender age of five, associates it with an overwhelming “happiness for Christmas.” The iconic breakfast moment where Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, drenches his spaghetti in maple syrup, remains etched in her memory as her favorite scene. Pain, who first watched Elf when he was six years old, finds joy in its lighthearted comedy and particularly enjoys the scene where Buddy wrestles with a raccoon. Papaspyros resonated with the “good Christmas vibes” and the whimsical character of the elf, finding both joy and a touch of sadness in the humorous Buddy and Miles altercation.
While classic family films continue to dominate the preferences of many, some students, such as Chloe Crowell ’25, deviate towards edgier holiday movies like Die Hard (1988). Describing it as “really intense but really funny,” Crowell discovered it only last year. She appreciated how the movie provides a refreshing and different perspective on the Christmas genre.
“It’s honestly nicer to be able to do these things with my family [several years] later because we can all understand it better,” she said. Crowell’s experience highlights how holiday movie choices can transform over time to align more closely with a family’s collective understanding and evolving tastes.
As students embrace the festive season, it becomes clear that holiday movies hold a cherished and unique place in their hearts. From timeless classics like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas to action films like Die Hard, each movie creates enduring memories and evokes a diverse spectrum of emotions. Ultimately, these holiday films are not just entertainment; they are essential in capturing the essence of the holiday spirit.
