christmas - The Latremie Post

Why Southern Women Will Always Overdress During The Holidays

As long as I can remember, Christmas smelled like sugar cookies and Chanel No. 5. It looked like twinkling lights and bright red lipstick—specifically, the Revlon tube that resided full-time in my grandmother’s purse.

She was the most fashionable person I’d ever met. The opposite of subtle and demure, she dazzled with layers of jewelry and a loud personality, especially during the holidays. It wouldn’t have mattered if we went out on Christmas Eve to our favorite Chinese restaurant; she’d still have showed up with bells on and donning sparkly shoes. Peking Duck and Chanel No. 5 do make quite the Yuletide scent.

## Dressing To The Nines

Like many Southern women, my grandmother learned from her mother to always show up with her most confident foot forward. “Dress like your arch nemesis is going to be by the cocktail meatballs,” she once told me. I have a feeling that one came from personal experience.

I grew up wanting to be just like her, wearing the same shade of red lipstick (a dream I had to retire, as it looked terrible on me) and walking in the same cloud of perfume. And within that cloud, I knew that I should be wearing my best. Her message to me was clear: taking pride in one’s appearance is the mark of a true Southern woman.

## How Much Is Too Much?

Southern women often get thrown into a trope of being over-the-top to the point of ridiculousness, but if being bold enough to wear lipstick to lunch and keeping a miniature can of hairspray in your purse at all times gets you called “extra,” sign me up. Any Negative Nancies won’t be singing that tune when static cling has their dress suctioned to their behinds during church. (For the record, hairspray is great for solving that.)

One need only look as far as the film *Steel Magnolias* to witness this special brand of “extra” that exists among Southern women. From the quintessential salon that anchors the story to the wardrobe choices, it’s all about making a statement. If given a chance to consider it, would your statement include enough hairspray?

## Dress To Create Memories

Dressing up for Christmas dinner like you’re heading to a wedding—despite the fact that those in attendance are just your crazy family members and the Labrador retriever—isn’t silly. It’s just being prepared for all scenarios. It’s getting gussied up not because of who is going to be there, but because it makes the whole night feel more special. And if my grandmother taught me anything, it’s to make every holiday memorable.

When the images of your wardrobe choices are shared, feeling good comes with the territory. What was so special about the dress you wore on Easter? And don’t forget about the possibilities surrounding accessories. It’s a Southern woman’s right to choose what accentuates her beauty best.

## Embracing Well-Dressed Tradition

Having gone through these reasons why Southern women will always overdress during the holidays, I feel inspired to start cataloguing what I have worn as an ode to my grandmother’s philosophy. My closet is a joy of memories and inspiration thanks to her influence.
https://www.southernliving.com/southerners-overdress-for-the-holidays-11859823

23 Ways To Earn Extra Cash For Christmas

Many or all of the products featured here may be from our partners who compensate us. This doesn’t influence our evaluations or reviews. Our opinions are our own. Investing information is for educational purposes only. Learn more here. Advertiser Disclosure There are thousands of financial products and services out there, and we believe in helping you understand which is best for you, how it works, and will it actually help you achieve your financial goals. We’re proud of our content and guidance, and the information we provide is objective, independent, and free. But we do have to make money to pay our team and keep this website running! Our partners compensate us. TheCollegeInvestor? You can still bring in extra cash quickly, even if you’re starting late in the season. This year is more challenging than ever and for many, earning a little extra money for Christmas can make a big difference. I don’t know about you, but time seems to go much faster for me once the holiday seasons hits. That means these ten weeks are going to be up before we know it. If you’ve yet to save anything for Christmas, you still have plenty of time to earn some Christmas spending money. Whether you’re trying to avoid more debt, save and earn to buy something bigger than usual, or do something unexpected for your family, now’s the time to get to work! Below are 23 practical, beginner-friendly ways to earn extra money before Christmas including difficulty ratings, pros and cons, and how fast each one can realistically start paying off. Pick one, take action today, and you’ll be surprised how much you can earn by the time the holidays arrive. How to Use This List To make things simple, every idea includes: Difficulty: Easy / Moderate / Skilled Time to Start: Same day / 1-3 days / 1 week Best For: Who benefits most Pros & Cons: Honest breakdown Quick Start Tip: Action step you can follow now Ways to Earn Extra Cash for Christmas Here’s the list. 1. Food Delivery Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1-3 days Best For: Anyone with a car, scooter, or bike Pros: High demand during evenings + weekends You choose your hours Instant payout options available Cons: Income varies by city / weather Peak hours can be competitive Quick Start Tip: Sign up with multiple apps so you can switch if one is slow. Get started with DoorDash here >> 2. Make Holiday Deliveries Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 3-5 days Pros: Holiday grocery demand spikes Tips often increase in December Cons: Requires carrying groceries Peak shopping times can be crowded Quick Start Tip: Accept orders near dense apartment buildings for faster batches. One of the most popular ways to deliver groceries is with Instacart. What’s great about Instacart is that you can see a list of all the orders and how much you can earn before you take any gigs on. This is really helpful to plan in advance. Check out Instacart here >> 3. Sell Unused Items On Facebook Marketplace Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: Same day Pros: Fastest way to get immediate cash No shipping required Cons: It can be challenging to find items to sell Flaky buyers Must meet in public places Quick Start Tip: Take photos in daylight with a neutral background to sell faster. 4. Resell Items For Profit Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: High profit margins on electronics, tools, and toys Flexible schedule Cons: Requires some product knowledge Inventory storage Quick Start Tip: Start with categories you personally understand (video games, sneakers, etc.). 5. Offer Gift-Wrapping Services Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: Same day Pros: High demand in December Low start-up cost Cons: Requires some creativity Seasonal Quick Start Tip: Promote on neighborhood groups and offer at-home pickup/dropoff. 6. Hang Christmas Lights Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: Very high demand Premium pricing Cons: Ladder required Weather-dependent Quick Start Tip: Offer a flat rate for “roofline only” to simplify pricing. 7. Pet Sit or Walk Dogs Use Rover, Wag!, or your own local network. Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: High holiday travel demand Great for animal lovers Cons: Time-dependent Must handle pet emergencies Quick Start Tip: Create a Rover profile with photos and detailed experience. Check out Rover or Wag and see if you can find people to dog walk on there. 8. House Sitting During The Holidays Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1 week Pros: Low labor Often includes additional “care tasks” that pay extra Cons: Requires reliability Can overlap with your holiday plans Quick Start Tip: Offer add-ons like mail pickup, plant watering, and snow shoveling. 9. Tutoring Before Finals Difficulty: Skilled Time to Start: 1 week Pros: High hourly pay Peak demand from Thanksgiving → Christmas Cons: Requires subject expertise Quick Start Tip: Offer bundled “final exam prep” packages to parents. 10. Become A Virtual Assistant Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: 3-7 days Pros: Fully remote Flexible hours Cons: Requires organization + communication skills Quick Start Tip: Start with admin tasks (email sorting, scheduling) which have low learning curves. 11. Do Freelance Gigs On Fiverr or Upwork Difficulty: Skilled Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: Unlimited earning potential Seasonal demand: holiday cards, ads, editing, social posts Cons: Competitive marketplaces Quick Start Tip: Create “holiday-themed” gig packages for fast sales. 12. Do Paid Surveys Online Using popular platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie. Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: Same day Pros: Very low barrier to entry Can be done while watching TV Cons: Low hourly rate Quick Start Tip: Focus on high-value surveys; skip anything under $0. 50-$1. Check out the full list of the best paid survey sites here. 13. Test Websites And Apps Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: Higher pay than most surveys Interesting tasks Cons: Limited availability Quick Start Tip: Sign up for multiple platforms (UserTesting, UserFeel, TryMyUI). 14. Rent a Room or Space on Airbnb Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: 3-7 days Pros: High holiday travel demand Significant income potential Cons: Cleaning and guest management Quick Start Tip: Offer “winter stay discounts” to stand out. 15. Offer Snow Removal Services Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: Same day Pros: Essential service High demand after storms Cons: Physical labor Weather-dependent Quick Start Tip: Use a flat “per driveway” price for quick yes/no decisions. 16. Babysitting Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1-3 days Pros: Families need coverage for events Great hourly pay Cons: Requires patience / attention Quick Start Tip: Offer a “holiday party babysitting bundle.” See if you can coordinate for multiple families who may be attending the same event. 17. 18. Work Seasonal Retail or Warehouse Shifts Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: 1 week Pros: Guaranteed hours Employee discounts during peak season Cons: Fixed schedules Quick Start Tip: Check big-box retailers many hire urgently in November/December. 19. Sell Handmade Gifts Difficulty: Skilled Time to Start: 1-2 weeks Pros: High margins Creative work Cons: Requires production time Shipping deadlines Quick Start Tip: Sell digital items (holiday tags, printable gifts) for instant delivery. 20. Cash In Old Giftcards Use sites like Raise or CardCash. Difficulty: Easy Time to Start: Same day Pros: Immediate money Minimal effort Cons: Payout is less than face value Quick Start Tip: Compare offers across multiple platforms to maximize cash. 21. Participate In Research Studies Difficulty: Moderate Time to Start: 1 week Pros: High hourly pay Many can be done online Cons: Application process varies Quick Start Tip: Check local universities and online study boards. 22. Flip Furniture or Appliances Difficulty: Difficult Time to Start: 3-5 days Pros: Large profit margins High December demand Cons: Requires space + transport Quick Start Tip: Start with small items you can clean and resell quickly. You Still Have Time to Earn Cash for Christmas There are millions of way to earn extra income. If you took any some of these ideas and spend a few hours per week on them you should be able to earn enough cash to cover your Christmas expenses this year. If you’re looking for something a little longer term, check out this list of high paying side gigs that can earn you over $1, 000 per month! Also, remember, you can use a cashback credit card to earn extra cash on the gifts you’d normally be buying. I bring this up because some credit cards sweeten the deal right before the holiday season. Check out these top cashback credit cards to see if it makes sense. Do you actively earn extra cash for Christmas or save all year? Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Colin Graves Robert Farrington is the founder of The College Investor and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices on student loan debt and saving for college. He holds an MBA from UC San Diego Rady School of Management and has spent over 15 years researching, writing, and advising on student loans, 529 plans, financial aid programs, and saving and investing for young professionals. Robert has been featured in the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NBC News, and Forbes, where he has been a regular personal finance contributor for over a decade. His work combines both professional expertise and personal experience he successfully navigated his own student loan repayment journey and has helped thousands of readers do the same. He is committed to making the intersection of personal finance and education transparent and accessible. You can learn more about Robert on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington. com. Please Share And Support.
https://thecollegeinvestor.com/17164/23-ways-to-earn-extra-cash-for-christmas/

Windsor’s Fleur Sauvage Chocolates readies for holidays with advent calendar

For many who celebrate holidays at this time of year, the advent calendar is an exciting ritual to count down December days until Christmas. A Windsor chocolate shop has sweetened the tradition by making it all about bonbons. The shop, Fleur Sauvage Chocolates, has attracted a cult following over its Bonbon Advent Calendar, a box with 25 gourmet chocolates behind 25 little paper doors. More than 150 calendars sell for $89 apiece and are available through early December while supplies last. The bonbons are the work of chef and co-owner Robert “Buttercup” Nieto, a local chocolatier who won the Food Network’s “Holiday Wars” in 2019. And according to co-owner Tara Nieto, Robert’s wife, no two bonbons are alike in any given calendar, and several flavors change every year. “The calendar started as something small, and it has turned into something that people absolutely love,” she said. “It’s pretty special that we’ve been able to take it this far.” Origin of an idea For the uninitiated, advent calendars were originally a religious tradition for Christians to mark the coming of Jesus. Over time, however, modern versions have become more secularized and designed to appeal to people of all backgrounds. The idea behind the calendars is simple. Each calendar has 25 doors for the first 25 days of December, and participants open one door every day starting Dec. 1. Traditional advent calendars had toys, pictures, or other small trinkets behind each door. More modern versions reveal tiny nips of alcohol, jams, LEGO sets, even jewelry. The Fleur Sauvage calendar, of course, features bonbons. Robert and Tara Nieto debuted the concept for the holiday season in 2022, one year after Fleur Sauvage opened its storefront near the roundabout on Windsor River Road. At the time the duo was still in startup mode, and they were willing to try anything to generate revenue. For Tara, the calendar was a fond memory; she did an advent calendar as a child and every day revealed little pieces of chocolate shaped like Santa Claus. “I still remember it being a fun little treat the excitement of getting it every night,” she said. Robert, who came from a much larger family, didn’t have experience with advent calendars, so Tara took the lead. She researched and ordered boxes. She found special paper for the guide. She even sourced special cellophane bags in which to package and present the tasty treats. Next came the fun part: Making and organizing the chocolates. Anatomy of a calendar That, of course, was Robert’s job. The first year the Bonbon Advent Calendar had several duplicates. By Year No. 2, however, Robert was producing 25 different chocolates for each box. Some of the bonbons are the same flavors you’ll always find in the case at Fleur Sauvage: orange honey, maple caramel, lychee raspberry, and candy-cap mushroom. Nearly half of them, however, have a notable holiday flair. That means flavors such as eggnog, rosemary caramel, speculoos Belgian spice cookies, black forest (which is chocolate and cherry), gingerbread and honey, horchata and cinnamon caramel, Mexican chocolate, pecan praline, cookies and cream, and molasses and chicory. Because Fleur Sauvage makes roughly 150 advent calendars every year, Robert must make 150 bonbons in each flavor. Do that math and that comes out to a minimum of 3, 750 bonbons just for the calendars. “All the hard work is absolutely worth it once we get to see everyone enjoying their bonbon calendars throughout December,” Robert said. Packing the calendars takes time. Lots of time. As Tara explains it, the couple packages calendars each night after the shop closes. They cover all the tables in the shop with 11-inch-by-11-inch plastic tray inserts and fill the trays one flavor at a time. The couple then folds each of the advent calendar boxes, slides in each tray, and closes each box. Tara applies the finishing touches by packaging calendars in the cellophane bags and adding the flavor guide, which she prints on demand. Calendars in the wild Most of the Fleur Sauvage Bonbon Advent Calendars are ordered in advance; when customers order them, they schedule a pickup date so the Nietos don’t have to package all 150 of the calendars at once. Every year there are usually at least a few calendars that go unreserved these are available at the shop on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers who do reserve calendars in advance say the item is a highlight of the holidays. “We love the beautiful chocolates and we love an excuse to shop local,” said Claire Ernst, a 27-year-old resident of Windsor. Ernst has ordered the calendars for her mother and sisters for the last few years. “The presentation is almost as special as the flavors they come up with, and every chocolate looks like a little present,” she said. Michelle Rynn, who lives in Larkfield-Wikiup, agreed. This year is the second year Rynn has ordered two calendars one for each of her two daughters. Tradition in the Rynn house dictates that daughters can open the door for the day when they wake up, meaning the girls typically down their bonbons around 645 a. m. Last year Rynn expected she’d get at least a few discards, but she never did. This year, she made sure she could get in on the fun; she ordered a third calendar for herself. “Strangely enough around Christmas the girls are willing to experiment with different chocolate flavors, but they remain unwilling to experiment with different veggie flavors,” Rynn joked about her girls, ages 9 and 6. “The bonbons are so delicious, I guess I can’t really blame them.” Other holiday treats If you miss out on Fleur Sauvage’s Bonbon Advent Calendars this year, fear not: the Nietos have plenty of other goodies to keep sweet-tooths satisfied. For starters, the shop has its usual complement of bonbons in the case all the traditional flavors plus any extra holiday flavors that are left over from stuffing the advent calendar boxes. Fleur Sauvage also has a scaled-back, a la carte version of the tea service it offers in spring and summer. For those seeking holiday-oriented items stocking stuffers, perhaps? Robert makes his own hot chocolate and mocha mix, and the Nietos sell the mix in a reusable glass. According to Tara, one package makes about 10 cups of hot cocoa or mochas, offering several days of chocolatey bliss. Fleur Sauvage also makes and sells actual-size chocolate wine bottles; these are always fun presents for oenophiles or someone in the wine business who might not suspect a 750 ml dessert. Finally, the shop will be celebrating its 4-year anniversary Dec. 14 and will be giving away free hot chocolate all day long. “We are grateful to be a part of this community,” said Tara. “We’re delighted to give back.”.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/25/windsors-fleur-sauvage-chocolates-readies-for-holidays-with-advent-calendar/

15 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time, Ranked

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

—

There is no holiday quite like Christmas, and none that makes revelers want to sit on the couch and watch a movie more. The holiday is smack dab in the middle of winter, so getting cozy to watch a film under the glow of a Christmas tree with a piping hot cup of cocoa is a delight that can’t be replicated at any other time.

Thanks to Hollywood magic, audiences have their pick of hundreds of titles come Christmas time. From lighthearted comedies to romantic dramas, beloved TV Christmas specials to darker stories that capture the Christmas spirit, there’s no shortage of movies to choose from to watch on December 25. But whether a perennial classic or modern masterpiece, we’ve found the best of the bunch and put together a ranked list for those unsure where to start.

No matter what genre you like, and no matter what kind of movie you’re in the mood for, this list has it all. So grab a fleece throw, put on your slippers, and warm up by the fire in front of the television, because this is a list of the 15 best Christmas movies, ranked.

—

15. Home Alone (1990)

We’re sure we’ll catch heat for ranking this 1990s classic at the bottom of the list, but that it even made the cut is a huge honor. And it definitely earns its place on a ranking of best Christmas movies, mostly thanks to its uncanny ability to channel the yuletide spirit in a story where comical violence is the order of the day.

The 1990 classic took child actor Macaulay Culkin and turned him into a child superstar, changing his life forever. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, “Home Alone” is a slapstick caper about 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Culkin), who is mistakenly left behind when his family takes a flight to Paris for the holidays.

If that wasn’t implausible enough, what happens to Kevin while home alone for Christmas is even more bonkers: Two bumbling criminals attempt to rob the McCallister home, and Kevin fights back with a series of over-the-top, homemade traps that turn him into a child version of McGyver and Batman rolled into one.

As timeless a Christmas classic as there is, “Home Alone” is the favorite holiday movie of any kid who has ever seen it.

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara
Director: Chris Columbus
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1hr 43min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 66%
Where to Watch: Disney+

—

14. Scrooged (1988)

1988’s “Scrooged” might be the most underrated Bill Murray comedy. It’s the first of three adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” on our list, taking the legendary Charles Dickens story and reimagining it for modern audiences.

“Scrooged” casts Bill Murray as media mogul Frank Cross, once a lovable, humble young TV man who has since gotten rich and become an arrogant, self-absorbed egotist. When Cross bumps into an old flame, he begins rethinking his choices, and visits from three terrifying ghosts help him realize that he can still change his ways. The question is, will he?

In some ways, “Scrooged” is Bill Murray’s practice run for “Groundhog Day” where he also plays an egotistical TV reporter trying to win over a skeptical woman, but with a Christmas setting and a darker streak of humor. “Scrooged” might be even better.

Cast: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe
Director: Richard Donner
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1hr 41min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 71%
Where to Watch: Pluto TV

—

13. Elf (2003)

There aren’t many modern Christmas comedies to make it into the hall of all-time holiday classics, but of those few, “Elf” is the best—a goofball adventure (that almost never happened) starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a man who was raised by elves at the North Pole.

As he grows, Buddy slowly realizes that he’s not like the other elves—evident by his human size and normal ears—and decides to seek out his biological father (James Caan) in New York City.

A farce the likes of which only Will Ferrell could pull off, the “Saturday Night Live” alum channels icons like Dick Van Dyke and Gene Wilder in a performance that is nothing short of a comedic tour de force. It’s not just one of the best Christmas movies of all time, but also one of Will Ferrell’s best movies, period.

Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner
Director: Jon Favreau
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1hr 37min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 86%
Where to Watch: HBO Max

—

12. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Despite being populated by cartoonish Muppets like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Fozzy Bear, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is as much a solid drama as it is a family movie. It’s easily one of the best adaptations of “A Christmas Carol.”

The film stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly old factory owner who despises anyone in a good mood. So Christmas is obviously a trying time for him, made worse when Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) asks for the holiday off. Scrooge is soon visited by a series of ghosts who show him versions of the past, present, and future, helping him learn a valuable lesson.

Thanks to the combination of classic Muppet fun and an Oscar-worthy performance from Michael Caine, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is an instant holiday favorite and a worthy retelling of Dickens, while remaining a true Muppet movie through and through.

Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire
Director: Brian Henson
Rating: G
Runtime: 1hr 25min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 78%
Where to Watch: Disney+

—

11. A Christmas Story (1983)

Every generation has their Christmas movie staple, usually owed to TV networks playing them on repeat year after year. For many in the ’80s, that holiday favorite is “A Christmas Story.” But it didn’t just endure because it was shown over and over, but also because of its perfect mix of holiday spirit and wry humor.

Released in 1983, “A Christmas Story” follows Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), a precocious young boy who wants nothing more than a BB gun for Christmas. The film recounts Ralphie and his family’s wild antics as they prepare for a yuletide extravaganza.

Filled with quirky characters always getting into messy trouble, it’s the perfect movie for those with eccentric families. The film was eventually followed by a pair of sequels, with Billingsley returning to play an older Ralphie Parker in 2022’s “A Christmas Story Christmas” (although only true fans know that the original film was the character’s third on-screen appearance).

Cast: Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon
Director: Bob Clark
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1hr 33min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 89%
Where to Watch: HBO Max

—

10. Tangerine (2015)

Called “the best Christmas movie that’s not about Christmas” by Entertainment Weekly, “Tangerine” isn’t your typical holiday fare. It’s definitely not for kids, doesn’t feature an ounce of snow, and at times is anything but an upbeat spirit-lifter.

What it is, however, is an adult drama with themes of faith, found family, and togetherness—and when it comes right down to it, that’s what Christmas is all about. “Tangerine” centers on Los Angeles transgender sex worker Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), who at Christmastime has just been released after a month behind bars. When she gets home, she learns that her pimp and boyfriend, Chester (James Ransone), cheated on her while she was in lock-up, resulting in madcap chaos.

Shot entirely on iPhones and directed by newcomer Sean Baker—years before his best picture winner “Anora”—”Tangerine” has a lot to say about the struggles of those from a different walk of life. It’s a powerful film that puts a spotlight on the support that we all need from friends and family, especially around the holidays.

Cast: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian
Director: Sean Baker
Rating: R
Runtime: 1hr 28min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 96%
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Netflix

—

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Who would have guessed that a Halloween movie would become an instant Christmas classic? Well, fans of Tim Burton may have seen it coming, as the filmmaker’s love for both holidays is evident in his best work. Though it’s Henry Selick who deserves credit for his impeccable work behind the camera, there’s no doubt that “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has Burton’s fingerprints all over it.

The film revolves around the creepy Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the king of Halloweentown who is looking for a change in his annual routine. The discovery of nearby Christmastown gives him the chance to spread his wings, as he plots to kidnap Santa Claus and take the job for himself.

Delighting in its weirdness and mixing elements of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is for anyone looking for a different kind of holiday magic.

Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
Director: Henry Selick
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1hr 15min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 95%
Where to Watch: Disney+

—

8. Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) (1951)

There are many adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” worth watching, from the 1938 MGM version to Patrick Stewart’s 1999 TV movie. But the crème de la crème is the 1951 edition “Scrooge” (often simply titled “A Christmas Carol”) starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Though not the first adaptation, it’s easily the most famous and arguably the best, influencing just about every on-screen version that followed. A faithful translation of the Dickens classic, the film is presented with the grim and downbeat nature of many of the author’s works, eschewing the happy-go-lucky tone of later adaptations.

Buoyed by Sim’s iconic performance, 1951’s “Scrooge” is a serious look at greed, power, and how the spirit of Christmas can soften even the hardest of hearts.

Cast: Alastair Sim, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns
Director: Brian Desmond Hurst
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 1hr 26min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 86%
Where to Watch: Tubi

—

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

When it comes to movies to watch around Christmas, some of the best are made for television with holiday specials that are often aired once a year. And many are based on classic comic strips like “A Garfield Christmas” or “Ziggy’s Gift.” But the best of this batch is undoubtedly the 1965 favorite, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

This holiday special is a landmark in animation—the first time the cast of Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” ever made it to the screen. The story sees Charlie Brown (Peter Robbins) growing weary of the holiday, and at the advice of Lucy (Tracy Stratford), agrees to direct a Christmas play which he hopes will bring the true spirit of Christmas back to town.

Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford, Sally Dryer
Directors: Bill Melendez, Phil Roman
Rating: TV-G
Runtime: 25min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 86%
Where to Watch: Apple TV+

—

6. The Holdovers (2023)

A more recent entry in the pantheon of Christmas “best-of” lists, the 2023 Alexander Payne film “The Holdovers” wowed critics and audiences with its heartfelt tale about a boarding school teacher (Paul Giamatti) who is begrudgingly forced to remain on school grounds during their Christmas break.

Heartfelt and tender, it’s both soulful and funny at the same time, making it a new modern-day Christmas classic. Set in the 1970s, “The Holdovers” reunites Payne with his “Sideways” star Paul Giamatti, who plays the uptight and tyrannical teacher Paul Hunham. Tasked with keeping an eye on one lonely student (Dominic Sessa), Hunham is joined by the school’s downtrodden head cook, Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Paul is bitter at first, but soon finds he’s about to learn a thing or two about kindness, generosity, and found family.

Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Director: Alexander Payne
Rating: R
Runtime: 2hr 13min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 97%
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon

—

5. Die Hard (1988)

Yes, we are firmly in the “‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie” camp. Let’s face it: The holiday is about faith, love, and the power of togetherness, and at the end of the day, isn’t that what “Die Hard” is really about?

The film follows beleaguered New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis), who attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) on Christmas Eve. But while visiting his wife’s office building during a Christmas party, he unwittingly stumbles upon a diabolical terrorist (Alan Rickman) holding all the holiday revelers hostage—including McClane’s wife.

The movie that made Bruce Willis an action hero, “Die Hard” is certainly one of the best action movies of the ’80s, and arguably among the best ever made. If you want a Christmas flick to get you up off the couch and pumping your fist in festive joy, this is the one to watch. It might not be what you expect from a Christmas movie, but that’s what makes it a holly jolly standout.

Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Director: John McTiernan
Rating: R
Runtime: 2hr 12min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
Where to Watch: Hulu

—

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Christmas isn’t just about gifts and holiday cheer, it’s also a time to embrace the childlike happiness that lives in us all. And if you want a movie that will unleash the youthful spirit, then the clear choice is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the 1964 TV special chronicling the glowing-nosed protagonist who leads Santa’s sleigh to save Christmas.

The first in a series of over a dozen stop-motion holiday specials produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” adapts the classic 1939 poem into a film that became a classic for generations, remaining the longest-running holiday special of all time. Along with introducing iconic characters like Sam the Snowman, Yukon Cornelius, and Hermey the elf, the special taught us all lessons about friendship and acceptance.

Cast: Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Larry D. Mann
Directors: Larry Roemer
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 47min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 95%
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon

—

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Christmas movies featuring the real Santa Claus have been done over and over again, from family comedies like “The Santa Clause” to action capers like “Violent Night.” But the most famous is “Miracle on 34th Street,” the 1947 film written and directed by George Seaton, and starring the legendary Maureen O’Hara.

In the film, we meet a department store Santa (Edmund Gwenn) who just so happens to be named Kris Kringle—and claims to be the real Santa Claus. Nobody takes him very seriously, though, except for one little girl named Susan Walker (played by a young Natalie Wood), who wants to believe.

More than just a great Christmas movie, “Miracle on 34th Street” is one of the era’s best films period, earning three Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Gwenn.

Cast: Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, John Payne
Director: George Seaton
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 1hr 36min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 96%
Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime

—

2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Directed by Oscar-winner Frank Capra, “It’s a Wonderful Life” might be the perfect Christmas movie, if not the best of all time. It’s an inspiring story that anyone can relate to, following an ordinary man named George Bailey (James Stewart), who loses everything and is at the end of his rope when he’s visited by guardian angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers).

Shown a vision of what the world would be like without him, Bailey realizes just how wonderful life really is, with or without money. Like a modern-day “A Christmas Carol,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a perennial Christmas watch for scores of holiday revelers. It’s even been adapted and retold in other venues, with radio plays and theatrical musical adaptations being made the world over.

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Director: Frank Capra
Rating: PG
Runtime: 2hr 10min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

—

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

The classic TV special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is arguably the most iconic Dr. Seuss adaptation ever made. No insult to the other Dr. Seuss movies out there, but if one were to read one of his classic stories and reimagine it for the screen, it’s hard to envision a better result than this 1966 favorite.

Like the book, the film follows the yuletide menace Grinch (Boris Karloff), a hairy green villain who despises Whoville’s holiday cheer and becomes determined to ruin it for everyone by dressing as Santa and stealing their presents.

An all-time classic for a reason, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” takes the beloved storybook and brings it to life under the impeccable direction of “Looney Tunes” legend Chuck Jones. Adding to its perfection is none other than Boris Karloff—well-known as Frankenstein’s monster in the Universal classics—voicing the Grinch with a playful nastiness that belies the kind man underneath.

Cast: Boris Karloff, June Foray, Thurl Ravencroft
Director: Chuck Jones
Rating: G
Runtime: 26min
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 100%
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

—

Which of these Christmas classics is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
https://www.looper.com/2019008/best-christmas-movies-all-time-ranked/

Best Buy makes the powerful Motorola Razr+ (2024) an unbeatable value king at $500 off

What could possibly be better than a half-off Motorola Razr (2024) Black Friday deal—with several weeks to go until Thanksgiving and almost two whole months before Christmas? Well, how about a 50 percent discount on the evidently superior Razr Plus (2024)?

That may sound like the same thing, but it’s most definitely not. One of these two handsets is a lot pricier than the other, and it’s not hard to guess which one. Yes, the Motorola Razr+ (2024) normally costs $999.99, which means you can currently save a whopping $500 at Best Buy with no special requirements and no strings attached.

At a new record low price of $499.99, last year’s Razr Plus powerhouse—with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor under the hood—arguably trumps the value of not just the aforementioned $350 non-Plus Razr (2024), but also this year’s Razr and Razr Plus foldables at their latest and greatest discounts.

Curiously enough, this absolutely outstanding new Razr Plus (2024) Best Buy deal is not explicitly advertised as a Black Friday 2025 offer, unlike the 50 percent price cut on the 2024 Razr. So, at least in theory, it’s possible the device could drop even lower than $499.99 by the end of November.

For the record, I highly doubt that will actually happen, but hey, anything is possible with Motorola’s ultra-affordable phones.

In addition to a still-snappy Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, the deeply discounted Motorola Razr+ (2024) boasts a massive 6.9-inch primary display, as well as an equally impressive (especially for $499.99) 4-inch cover screen. It also features two 50MP rear-facing cameras, a reasonably hefty 4,000mAh battery equipped with blazing fast 45W charging technology, and an almost surprisingly robust build.

If you’ve been waiting for a killer deal on a premium foldable, this Razr Plus offer at Best Buy is definitely one to consider.
https://www.phonearena.com/news/motorola-razr-plus-2024-new-best-buy-deal-huge-discount-before-black-friday_id175365

Johnny Depp regresará a Hollywood con “Un cuento de Navidad”

Johnny Depp está en negociaciones finales para protagonizar una nueva versión del clásico de Charles Dickens, **Un cuento de Navidad**.

El renombrado actor se une así a la lista de talentos que han dado vida a esta emblemática historia, que continúa emocionando a generaciones alrededor del mundo. Esta nueva adaptación promete ofrecer una visión fresca y contemporánea, manteniendo la esencia que ha hecho perdurar el relato a lo largo del tiempo.

Los detalles sobre el equipo creativo y la fecha de estreno aún no han sido revelados, pero se espera que en las próximas semanas se anuncien más novedades. Sin duda, la participación de Depp genera gran expectativa entre los fanáticos del cine y la literatura clásica.
https://eldiariony.com/2025/10/24/johnny-depp-regresara-a-hollywood-con-un-cuento-de-navidad/