A must-watch movie guide for the holidays

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Isabelle Pala, Style Editor

With Thanksgiving long gone, the holiday festivity is at its height, and that means binge-watching as many movies as you can with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Whether it’s spending snow days with friends, avoiding crazy family members during the break, or scrolling through the boring options on Netflix, this guide will be your best friend from now until February (the acceptable time to still be watching Christmas movies).

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

I think I’ve probably watched this movie every year at least three times since I was eight and I’m still not tired of it. Whether it’s the Christmas tree not fitting, the turkey turning out completely dry, or a squirrel running loose in the house, this movie has all the chaotic energy you need to make you feel better about your traditions.

“Elf”

Chances are you’ve already seen this a million times but it would be a crime to leave it off the list. From unforgettable scenes like Buddy’s interpretation of World’s Best Coffee and the awkward—but still cute—singing in the shower, it doesn’t get much better than this. Ten out of ten, would recommend.

“Let it Snow”

I didn’t love this Netflix Original, but if you’re looking for a cheesy rom-com, this is the one. The plot revolves around love stories of high schoolers, all taking place in a small town in Illinois on Christmas Eve. It teaches important lessons about friendship, family, and relationships, and makes you laugh in the process. Definitely not a five-star movie, as it lacks an interesting plot, but it’s a good watch.

“Frozen II”

This. Movie. Was. The. Bomb. With an intense plot and the introduction of a variety of new characters, “Frozen II” doesn’t stray far behind its predecessor, which is impressive considering the first was pretty amazing. Plus, it’s nice to watch a movie that isn’t centered around Christmas carols and red ribbons. If you get a chance, it’s definitely worth spending $10 on at the movie theaters (it’s not just for 5-year-olds, I swear).

“Love Actually”

This is a movie that people either love or hate… and I love love love it. Every single love story the plot follows is either heartwarming or heartbreaking. Either way, you instantly get attached to each character in this overly-romantic movie. My favorite story has to be between 12-year-olds Sam and Joanna, who perform “All I Want For Christmas Is You” in the pageant. Billy Mack, the singer of “Love is all around,” and Joe, his manager, are a close second.

“The Princess Switch”

This is yet another pretty bad Netflix movie, but it stars, not one, but two Vanessa Hudgens, which makes everything okay. Giving off major Parent Trap vibes, two girls who look exactly alike (they aren’t twins apparently) and are living in completely opposite worlds switch places, but things go wrong pretty quickly.

“Home Alone”

I had to include this gem. “Home Alone” is a classic and this guide would be empty without it. Full of laughs, suspense, and mischief, it follows 8-year-old Kevin who’s left behind by his family on their vacation to Paris for Christmas. He is unknowingly left with the responsibility of protecting himself and his home, managing to pull off a couple of tricks to outsmart a pair of robbers. Plus, after finishing this, you can watch the second, then the third, fourth, and fifth. Endless entertainment, I’m telling you.