There are so many different ways that people celebrate the holiday season, but one widely loved activity is watching movies. Spending time with family and friends while watching a movie can be a great way to celebrate, no matter what holidays people observe. Both teachers and students enjoy taking a break from all of the second quarter stress, so many people are looking forward to unwinding with a festive movie.
“I start watching holiday movies after Thanksgiving. My favorite is the classic ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ because it puts me in the Christmas spirit,” said freshman Nicole Pappageorge.
Holiday movies blend nostalgia, cultural traditions, and universal themes in a unique, seasonal genre. Many teachers recall the joy of watching holiday movies as children, especially with how popular some of the movies of their childhood have become in the modern day.From classic movies in black-and-white to modern color films, holiday movies have continued to evolve while still holding onto the nostalgic storytelling that people love.
“I enjoy both [classic and modern] holiday movies. There are a lot of things among the classics that I like,” English and Film Studies teacher William Hughes said. “This really old [movie] ‘The Miracle on 34th Street’ still holds up, even though it’s 80 years old at this point,”
Some people enjoy watching movies that challenge typical holiday expectations. Genre-combining films like holiday comedies, romances, or thrillers have gained popularity in recent years. These films give people who might not enjoy the typical slower-paced, sentimental holiday movies, a chance to still feel festive while staying true to their personal taste. Whether it’s laughter, suspense, or drama, these modern takes on the holiday genre offer something fresh and exciting for every type of viewer.
“My family, every year, will watch ‘Elf’, ‘Christmas Vacation’, and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’” Hughes said. “[The Nightmare before Christmas] kind of straddles the line between Christmas and Halloween. I think it goes both ways. It’s very charming,”
Some teachers have also noticed that holiday movies can spark meaningful classroom conversations. Students might discuss character choices, themes of generosity or empathy, and even the film techniques used in older movies compared to newer ones. The Film Studies class watches one holiday movie before Winter Break. The movie explores the importance of family, community, and sacrifice.
“We watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in Film Studies Class before Winter Break,” Film studies and English teacher Scott Barycki said. “It has a really great history in terms of how it became a holiday favorite, and its message about what matters most in life [family and friends rather than money] still rings true today,”
In the end, holiday movies offer more than just entertainment. They create moments of connection and provide opportunities to spend time with the people who matter most. Whether shared with family or friends, they help make the season feel special. Their stories remind us of the values that bring people together during this time of year.
“I love watching festive movies with my family. It’s a cozy and fun holiday tradition,” Pappageorge said.