christmas requisites
hello.
happiest holiday season to you, reader. the nostalgia of the holidays, baking gingerbread cookies, decorating the christmas tree while sipping hot cocoa and listening to jazzy christmas music are amongst us.
we only have a few weeks of the year where we can celebrate this special holiday and i want to make sure you’re well equipped with art, music, literature, cinema, and everything in between to make this season perfect for you.
christmas master list:
films:
a charlie brown christmas (1965)
charlie brown’s christmas tales (2002)
christmas in connecticut (1944)
a tale of winter conte d’hiver (1993)
metropolitan (1990)
little women (2019)
eloise at christmastime (2003)
phantom thread (2017)
elf (2003)
home alone (1990)
home alone 2 (1992)
harry potter (2001)
the shop around the corner (1940)
a christmas story (1983)
the apartment (1960)
charlie and the chocolate factory (2005)
rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (1964)
frosty the snowman (1969)
it’s a wonderful life (1946)
the holiday (2006)
carol (2015)
mickey’s magical christmas: snowed in at the house of mouse (2001)
how the grinch stole christmas (1966)
miracle on 34th street (1947)
noelle (2019)
the nightmare before christmas (1993)
christmas in connecticut (1945)
beauty and the beast: the enchanted christmas (1997)
barbie: a christmas carol (2008)
mickey’s once upon a christmas (1999)
tv shows:
dash and lily
the great holiday british bakeoff
christmas books: (winter recommendations are coming soon)
merry christmas, strega nona by tomie de paola
this charming tale of strega nona brings warmth and simplicity to the holiday season. its whimsical illustrations and heartfelt message about generosity and community remind us of the quieter, more meaningful side of christmas, making it perfect for cozy winter nights.
christmas days by jeanette winterson
winterson’s collection of twelve stories and recipes is an ode to the magic and mysticism of christmas. with her characteristic blend of wit and tenderness, she captures the bittersweet and enchanting essence of the season, making it a perfect companion for reflective holiday evenings.
christmas at the new yorker
this anthology of new yorker pieces is a celebration of wit, humor, and nostalgia. spanning decades, it offers sharp observations and warm reflections on christmas in all its forms, making it a sophisticated yet cozy winter read.
a christmas pageant by donna tartt
a short, evocative piece by tartt that captures the darker, more enigmatic side of christmas. her prose, as always, is layered and precise, making this a brief but unforgettable glimpse into the season’s complexities.
a christmas carol by charles dickens
the quintessential christmas story, dickens’ tale of scrooge’s transformation remains timeless. its gothic atmosphere and enduring message about redemption and kindness make it essential winter reading.
the nutcracker and the mouse king by e.t.a. hoffmann
hoffmann’s original tale is darker and more whimsical than the ballet it inspired. its magical winter setting and themes of transformation and imagination make it a perfect christmas escape.
little women by louisa may alcott
alcott’s portrayal of family life, love, and resilience centers around christmas in pivotal moments. its warmth, charm, and celebration of togetherness make it a perennial holiday favorite.
the snow queen by hans christian andersen
this classic fairy tale is steeped in icy landscapes and moral allegory. andersen’s story of love, courage, and redemption feels timelessly wintery and richly evocative.
drive your plow over the bones of the dead by olga tokarczuk
okay, i know this is not christmas, but it’s very wintery and dark. this dark, atmospheric novel takes place in a snowy, isolated setting and explores themed of morality and the natural world. it offer a stark beauty that mirrors the season’s starkness.
jane eyre by charlotte brontë
brontë’s gothic masterpiece is perfect for winter with its windswept moors, cold stone halls, and fiery emotional intensity. it’s a tale of resilience, passion, and finding light in the darkness.
babel by r.f. kuang
while not explicitly a christmas story, the snow-covered streets of oxford and the novel’s examination of power, language, and belonging evoke a reflective and wintry atmosphere.
the velveteen rabbit by margery williams
a tender, timeless story about love and becoming “real.” its themes of transformation and enduring affection make it a gentle and nostalgic read for the holiday season.
charlie and the chocolate factory by roald dahl
dahl’s whimsical, slightly dark tale feels like a festive treat with its magical factory, impossible sweets, and underlying message about kindness and humility. it’s perfect for cozying up by the fire with something sweet.
music:
modern(ish) christmas classics
candles:
-the new savant: only in new york (almond extract, caramel macchiato, cashmere musk, frosted fir) — okay, the other day i went into co bigelow and stumbled upon this candle. i’m pretty skeptical with candle brands i’ve never heard of because they’re either the best candle i’ve ever had (or the worst). this is one of the best candles i’ve bought this year. it’s not too sweet, it’s unique and had that special something that i can’t quite put my finger on, and it projects perfectly (not too much, but just enough). highly, highly recommend. i ordered library in a forest (pine needles, crisp book pages, spruce bark, leather, red cedar), and cloud gazer (lavender sprigs, earl grey tea, misted freesia, steamed milk vanilla, and warm tonka) during their Black Friday sale.
-anthropologie: secret santa (saffron, ginger zest, turmeric, frankincense, tobacco, vanilla, liquid amber, golden sandalwood), last minute gift (cranberry, clementine, pine needles, clove bud, aromatic greens, sandalwood, sweet balsam, warm amber), winter woods (vanilla marshmallow, brown sugar, warm amber), holiday smells (boy smells)
-bath and body works: hot cocoa & cream (the best of the best of the best), cookie butter truffle, sugared snickerdoodle, peppermint bark
-nest: new york city christmas (crystalized ginger and vanilla bean), holiday (smells just like christmas)
fragrance:
-musc ravageur by frederic malle: notes: mandarin, amber, vanilla, musk, sandalwood. the hair mist for this one is so beautiful as well.
-tahota by indult: notes: vanilla, musk (this is the best vanilla fragrance to ever exist)
-bois corse by diptyque: i was generously gifted this fragrance and it did not disappoint. perfect for autumn, here are the notes: black coffee, tonka bean, sandalwood.
-althair by parfums de marly: a stunning vanilla. notes: orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, bourbon vanilla, guaiac wood, ambrox, praline, musk.
-orpheon by diptyque: notes: juniper, jasmine, cedar, tonka (highly recommend the body wash- the best diptyque fragrance in my opinion)
-portrait of a lady by frederic malle*: notes: rose, clove, raspberry, sandalwood, musk, benzoin, amber, cedar, vanilla, ambergris
-the noir 29 by le labo*: notes: fig, bay leaf, bergamot, cedar, vetiver, musk, tobacco, hay
-falling trees by regime des fleurs: notes: oak, juniper, benzoin, myrrh, incense, moss
-bibliotque by byredo: notes: plum, peach, violet, leather, vanilla. patchouli, musk
-molecule 01 by escentric molecules*: notes: iso e super (all time favorite fragrance- it’s a “your skin but better” scent. very warm and woody)
things to buy:
again, emphasizing consuming more art, less things. but it’s fun to window shop, so here are some things i thought were cute.
-advent calendars: the new yorker, snoopy, peppermint bark, tea, cookies. you could also opt to make your own.
-christmas snacks and treats: goodies from target
-niche holiday decor: i made a little list for target and anthropologie favorites
-christmas pajamas: gap makes cozy flannel pj’s, the polo bear ralph lauren ones are so cute, grinch flannels,
activities:
-tickets to the nutcracker ballet: every year, i put this activity to the top of my holiday wish list and it never comes to fruition. i’m hoping this year it will happen.
-host a sugar cookie decorating party with your close friends: invite a few of your close friends over, put on a holiday movie in the background or a jazzy christmas playlist and decorate your cookies. i recommend baking them before hand.
-make ornaments with your best friends: look at all the diy ideas on pinterest- the options are endless. i like the cinnamon ornaments. the smell reminds me of preschool (in a good way).
-drink hot cocoa with extra marshmallows: and watch your favorite holiday film. or… elevate your morning commute and grab a hot cocoa on your way to work.
-partake in the advent calendar countdown: you don’t need to buy an expensive advent calendar- there are lots of ways to make a homemade one. you can fill each day with a sweet treat or a love note- perhaps a combination of the two?
-make a wreath for your door: i love the idea of making your own holiday wreath. also- trader joe’s makes fairly inexpensive holiday foliage for you to adorn your home with.
-baking gingerbread cookies: there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies.
-building a gingerbread house: use hot glue! (unless you’re going to eat it) everything will stick better.
-holiday simmer pot: simmer together orange peels, cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and clove. your whole home will smell like christmas.
-going to the tree farm to pick out a small tree: if you’re near a local farm, consider picking up a real tree. in nyc, they have little tree stands all over the city. you can buy red or black velvet ribbon and tie bows around the tree for decor. or you can do it charlie brown style with a singular red ornament.
-decorating your tree with velvet ribbons: see above ^ i love the look of velvet ribbons on christmas trees- feels reminiscent of yule.
-watching christmas movies: pick something from the list above if you don’t know where to start.
-wear festive cozy pajamas: find a pair of old christmas pajamas and wear those around the house to get extra cozy. if you don’t have any from years prior, look at places like gap that are fairly priced.
-make snow angels: i hope it snows where you live.
-take long walks in the snow: again, i hope it snows where you live. if not, consider taking a trip up to the snow.
-wear thrifted ugly christmas sweater: i don’t think they’re ugly.
-drive through festive neighborhoods to see the christmas lights: listen to jazzy christmas music, bring your hot cocoa and do a drive (or walk) though the most festive streets in your neighborhood.
-decorate your home for the holidays: you can also forage for some of your decorations and make your own wreaths and garlands.
recipes to make:
-baked brie with cranberry jam
-savory shortbread cookies with olives and rosemary
okay, that’s all i have for you today.
if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated.
i love you.
bye.
There is nothing more comforting than rewatching all of the Christmas movies from my childhood
Metropolitan is the best Christmas in nyc dream!! Freezing on Park Ave.