Films & Shows to Stream This Holiday Season

The holiday season calls for some of the best films and shows. There are many Christmas films that I absolutely love from my childhood like The Santa Clause series, Christmas with the Kranks (I love Tim Allen in December), and everyone’s favourite, Home Alone. Each year, new holiday films and shows are released so I’ve made a list of some of the ones that I’ve loved or plan to watch throughout the month of December.

Christmas films to watch:

The Grinch - Netflix - November 2018

A modern-day retelling of Dr. Seuss’ children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1957). Like the classic, the Grinch, who hates Christmas, finally snaps at the constant Christmas cheer from the village of Whoville and sets off to ruin their celebrations. With the help of his dog, Max, the Grinch sets a plan in motion to make this Christmas one the people of Whoville will never forget.

I was so impressed with this retelling of the classic story. The writers made small tweaks to add their own twist on the story but kept the magic of the Grinch the same. I remember when I was a child, I was always scared of Jim Carrey’s interpretation of the Grinch so the 2018 film is my new favourite!

Last Christmas - YouTube ($4.99) & Crave - November 2019

Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop in Central London, Kate, a wanna-be singer is known for her bad decisions and overall self-deprecating personality. She meets Tom, who always seems to pop up whenever she needs him and together they try to turn Kate’s life around for the better. The movie is influenced by George Michael’s music and based on his hit, “Last Christmas”

I have yet to see this film but when I first saw the trailer while living in England last year, I couldn’t wait to watch it. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to watch it last Christmas so I’m very excited to watch it this Christmas season!

Operation Christmas Drop - Netflix - November 5, 2020

By the instruction of her boss, congressional aide Erica travels to a beachside Air Force base over Christmas to find reasons to defund the facility. Here she meets Capt. Andrew Jantz and they quickly clash over his pet project - Operation: Christmas Drop.

Happiest Season - Hulu - Released November 6, 2020

With the plans of proposing to her girlfriend, Harper at her family’s annual holiday party, Abby is surprised to discover that her partner hasn’t come out to her conservative parents. This holiday romantic comedy captures many emotions related to wanting acceptance from your family, accepting yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.

When I first watched the trailer, I knew I was going to love this film. It would pull on the heartstrings with bits of comic relief here and there!

The Princess Switch: Switched Again - Netflix - Released November 19, 2020

The second film in The Princess Switch series, Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with her boyfriend, Kevin. Stacy comes to the rescue to switch roles again to allow Margaret time to reignite her flame with Kevin. Everything is going to plan until a new lookalike, party girl, and money-hungry Fiona gets mixed up in the switch.

I’m not going to lie, there were many times throughout the film where I found myself cringing at Vanessa Hudgens’ attempt at a British accent but the film was so festive with a touch of royal drama, I couldn’t help but love it!

Christmas shows to watch:

Merry Happy Whatever - Netflix - 2019 - 1 season

Set over the Christmas period, strong-willed father Don Quinn struggles to manage the stress of the holidays when his family comes together. The holidays face further complications as Don’s youngest daughter, Emmy, brings home her boyfriend, Matt, for the first time.

The Holiday Movies That Made Us - Netflix - 2020 - 1 season

A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of two-holiday film favourites - “Elf” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”.

Non-Christmasy shows to watch:

The Crown - Netflix - 2016 - 4 seasons

Follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times including the many events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century.

I have watched each season as they were released and as I finished, I’ve always been left wanting more. The latest season largely focuses on the life of Princess Diana once she meets Prince Charles and their troubled relationship. This season in particular has received some pushback from the British royals regarding the truth throughout the season however, I have some thoughts. While we all know this series is a fictional drama, Peter Morgan and other producers would not create a show without doing research about some of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern history. I believe that while the stories told throughout the entire series are works of fiction, I truly believe that there’s more truth to what we’re seeing than the royals would like to admit.

Why Women Kill - CBS All Access - 2019 - 1 season

Set in multiple time periods but in the same house, the series follows the lives of three women whose husbands commit adultery and betray the vows of their marriages.

Bridgerton - Netflix - December 25, 2020 - 1 season

Based on the bestselling series written by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton is set during the Regency era in England, following the lives of eight siblings part of the powerful and respected Bridgerton family as they attempt to find love. Season 1, in particular, follows the love story between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.

When I first watched the trailer I squealed in excitement. Consider the worlds of Pride and Prejudice and Gossip Girl mashed together and you have Bridgerton. I've even gone as far as to add Julia Quinn's first novel in the series, The Duke and I: Bridgerton to my shopping cart!

I hope these films and shows get you in the festive spirit! I can’t believe there’s less than a week until Christmas day! Where has the time gone?

Speaking of the end of the year, I have my final blog post of 2020 going up on the 31st of December! It’s a reflection post about the past year, the highs, and the lows, and my hopes for 2021!

As this is my last post for the next little while, I wanted to wish you and your family a very happy and safe Christmas! I know this year's Christmas is going to look different for many families so I'm hoping you can make the most of this festive season with the people you live with and spread love and cheer virtually.

xx Lex