Poster for The Holiday Calendar featuring a woman leaning her chin on a wooden advent calendar shaped like a house, looking up playfully. Beside her stands a smiling man with his arm resting on the calendar. The background is a teal-green color filled with softly blurred snowflakes, and the title appears above them in white lettering with a small holly graphic

It’s me, I’m back! And of course it’s with more seasonal movie suggestions. Ten to be exact, because if you’re anything like me, December demands a full watchlist. And then a little extra for rewatching… and rewatching again. Grab your blanket, pour something warm, or strong if you prefer, and let’s dive into the next round of holiday cinema magic.

A Madea Christmas

Say what you want about Tyler Perry, but A Madea Christmas is one of my faves, and mainly because I love some Madea craziness. In this film, Madea is her usual crazy self in a small Alabama town, dragged there by her niece’s meddling into her daughter’s life. And per usual, Madea doesn’t miss offering up her doses of raw, unfiltered comedic advice. With the blended family aspect that crosses racial lines, Tyler Perry gives us the true meaning of Christmas—unity, family, and miracles, sprinkled with some laughter.

Poster for Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas featuring Madea in a red Mrs. Claus–style dress, smiling at the center of the image. She is surrounded by several men dressed as Santa Claus, each with white beards, red suits, and different expressions. The title appears across the front in bold gold lettering.

The Preacher’s Wife

I’ll never let a holiday season pass without watching this. Why? It’s simple. I love Whitney Houston. Denzel, too. Oh, and let’s not forget Jenifer Lewis! But mainly because I miss the days when movies were accompanied by bomb soundtracks. Songs that enhanced the overall experience of the movie. And this movie has one of the best soundtracks ever! Part gospel. Part holiday songs. All Whitney Houston. It makes this an easy classic. Then you have the angels, the anticipation of a miracle, the reminder of what Christmas should really be about, and a little spark to reignite a love that began to dim. What else could you possibly need to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit?

Poster for The Preacher’s Wife featuring Denzel Washington smiling warmly with a halo drawn above his head. In front of him, Whitney Houston sits with a bright smile, leaning against Courtney B. Vance, who wears glasses and a flat cap with a serious expression. The title ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ appears in large yellow lettering at the bottom.

Dear Santa

What would Christmas really be like if you didn’t send your letter to Satan? I mean, Santa. This film was a new addition to my list, and I loved it! This twist of events shows us the meaning of Christmas in a very funny, yet upside-down way. Literally, upside-down…LOL! I loved everything about this gentle life lesson. The way it showed selflessness, giving, and unconventional love through a child’s eyes and heart. The way friendship and a crush were hilariously woven into the storyline. If you were ever the child who scribbled a letter to Santa, this is the film to indulge in. Just make sure you search for Dear Santa, and not Dear Satan.

Poster for Dear Santa featuring a mischievous-looking Santa Claus with wide, intense eyes framed inside a large Christmas wreath. The wreath includes devilish decorations like a tiny pitchfork and an ornament with horns. A letter addressed to ‘Satan, North Pole’ hangs at the bottom. On the left, the title ‘Dear Santa’ appears in bold letters with red devil horns on the ‘S.’ The Paramount+ logo is displayed below.

The Princess Switch

Whether it’s part one, two, or three, you’ll love this mischievous holiday rom-com. There’s love, magic, royalty, and of course—sweets! You can’t have Christmas without sweet treats, and this film definitely makes me want to grab something decadent, warm, and flavorfully moist that warms the soul and satisfies all of my dessert cravings. Oh, my bad, there’s also holiday stuff too. If you need a break from the usual holiday films and want to expand your watchlist, add this trilogy to the shuffle and enjoy some movies by the fire.

Poster for The Princess Switch featuring two identical women—both played by Vanessa Hudgens—standing side by side, one in a casual green T-shirt with her arms crossed, the other in an elegant red royal jacket. Behind them stand two men, one casually dressed and the other in a formal prince’s uniform. The backdrop includes holiday garlands and ornate décor, with the title ‘The Princess Switch’ displayed above.

Four Christmases

What do you get with two sets of parents who are divorced? Madness, that’s what you get. And what do you do when you don’t want to deal with your parents or their holiday expectations? You plan a tropical vacation and leave them to their own devices. Except, life and the magic of Christmas have a funny way of turning things on its head. These families put the “fun” in dysfunctional in a way that will have tears running down your cheeks. If you like your holiday films to mirror your own family crazy, Four Christmases will make you appreciate them even more.

Poster for Four Christmases featuring the cast sitting shoulder to shoulder on a long red couch. In the center sit Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, with various quirky family members of different ages and personalities seated on either side. Above them, the title ‘Four Christmases’ is displayed in large red and green lettering against a white background.

Best Christmas Ever

Who would ever think that a film with an odd angle would exemplify magic in this way? I’ll admit, the only reason I tuned in was because I wanted to hear Brandy sing. Don’t get me wrong, she can act, too, but there’s something about watching a film with one of your musical faves that leaves you waiting in anticipation to hear a holiday melody (see number two above). Old friends who weren’t really old friends but somehow end up becoming friends in a way they never imagined grants this Netflix film a place in my holiday rotation. And Brandy, too!

Poster for Best. Christmas. Ever! showing two couples standing on opposite sides of a giant gold ribbon and bow, as if they’re wrapped like a holiday gift. On the left, the background is green with a couple dressed in cozy winter outfits; on the right, the background is red with another couple in festive clothing. The title appears across the bottom in bold white letters.

The Holiday Calendar

A magical calendar. A best friend. A gentle reminder of purpose. A coincidental stumble into love, and you have every component of finding love at Christmas. There’s just something about finding romance at Christmas time: the idyllic weather, the family and friends already gathered, and hope rejuvenated amplify it even more. This fun Netflix movie was adorable and a beautiful reminder that love lies in places we least expect. All you have to do is believe it’s possible.

Poster for The Holiday Calendar featuring a woman leaning her chin on a wooden advent calendar shaped like a house, looking up playfully. Beside her stands a smiling man with his arm resting on the calendar. The background is a teal-green color filled with softly blurred snowflakes, and the title appears above them in white lettering with a small holly graphic

Candy Cane Lane

This film was Christmas with a tinge of some Halloween spirit mixed in. There was a little darkness to it, which I liked. You throw in some neighborhood competition with some desperation to win, a spin on the twelve days of Christmas, along with a wish or two that you might regret, and voilà… you have Candy Cane Lane. Of course, there’s lots of Eddie Murphy comedy thrown into the mix. But I loved how this movie brought things in full circle and back to the meaning of Christmas—sharing, caring, family sticking together, and yes, beautiful decorations.

Poster for Candy Cane Lane featuring Eddie Murphy standing at the center in a black Christmas sweater decorated with Santa riding a unicorn. Beside him are four family members in festive outfits, including a girl in a white dress, a young woman in green, a woman in red, and a boy in a blue marching-band uniform. They are walking down a brightly lit, over-the-top Christmas neighborhood filled with decorations. The title ‘Candy Cane Lane’ appears across the bottom

Holiday Rush

Listen, the moment I saw this film has Deon Cole in it, I clicked… added to watchlist! There was no way I was going to see this trailer and not. Deon has a way of making anything funny, and when paired with the right cast, he shines. But don’t be fooled. This new addition to the Netflix holiday catalog doesn’t just include him. There are quite a few people who round this fun, family film out. Now, I haven’t slid in front of the television to watch this one yet, but I’m giving it my stamp of approval on the cast alone. Tune into it and laugh along with me, then come back and tell me what you think!

Poster for Holiday Rush featuring a joyful family huddled together in a warm group hug outside a festively decorated house. The father stands in the center smiling widely, surrounded by his children bundled in winter coats, and two women embracing them. Christmas lights glow in the background. The Netflix logo appears at the top left, with the title ‘Holiday Rush’ at the bottom.

Jingle Jangle

It’s no coincidence I’m ending my list with another kid-friendly, family film. Anything with Phylicia Rashad and Forest Whitaker in it, I’m watching. However, even if they weren’t, I would still end my watchlist with this film because if you haven’t noticed—I love magic. Normally, I’m not a fan of musicals. I don’t really care to watch films that have tons of singing parts in them, but this film swayed me a bit. And like I said, I love magic. I love the feeling it gives. The hope it allows you to look forward to. It’s like internal sparkles bubbling up inside of you.

This movie was magic, hope, miracles, wishes, and everything in between. The joy it brings. The nostalgic trip it takes you on. I enjoy anything that makes me feel like a kid again—anything that reminds me of what it felt like to be a kid at Christmastime. Jingle Jangle is all those things and more, so grab your family and your snacks, and enjoy this film together.

Poster for Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey featuring a young girl in a bright red Victorian-style outfit, arms outstretched and looking upward with joy. Beside her floats a small golden robot with glowing blue eyes. The background shows a magical workshop filled with warm lights and holiday decorations. The title appears at the bottom in ornate gold lettering.

Well, that’s it. There’s some comedy. There’s some romance. And I’ve even made sure there’s plenty of space left for some holiday magic. This officially completes my holiday watchlist, and hopefully, I’ve given you a few new ones to add to yours. I’m always open to adding new films to binge and enjoy—so, if you don’t see any of your favorites here, drop them in the comments. I’ll be sure to check them out!

Shadress B.
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