Michael’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “A Christmas Story” (1983)
“’A Christmas Story’ follows the exploits of Ralphie as he dreams of the perfect Christmas present – the classic Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. Like Ralphie, I was a child in the 1950s, lived in an old house with a soot-belching coal-fired furnace and an antiquated electrical system where blown fuses were common and where Christmas was a magical time. And like Ralphie I tore out the ads from Boys Life magazine and begged for a Red Ryder BB gun – sadly to no avail.”
Favorite Holiday Drink: The festivities of Christmastime required egg nog, and I recommend a recipe my late aunts preferred: 6 oz. eggnog for nutrition, 1 oz. white rum for cheer; 1 tbsp. bourbon for courage (although I often substitute brandy, since it’s a shame to waste good bourbon by mixing it into eggnog).
Jim’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
“It embodies the whole “reason for the season.’”
Favorite Holiday Drink: Manhattan, because as Nick the bartender says in the movie, “Hey look, mister – we serve hard drinks in here for men who want to get drunk fast, and we don’t need any characters around to give the joint “atmosphere”. Is that clear, or do I have to slip you my left for a convincer?”
Lindsay’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “Love Actually” (2003)
“I can watch this movie over and over — it never gets old and always puts me in the holiday spirit. It has an awesome star-studded cast and infectious pop soundtrack (who can resist Mariah’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’).”
Favorite Holiday Drink: St. Germain-Champagne French Cocktail. A bubbly, festive cocktail lightly flavored with elderflower liqueur and traditional Champagne…Perfect for celebrating the holidays and toasting a new year!
Amanda’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
“Growing up, my brothers and I would always watch the claymation version of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ around the holidays. I loved Hermey the Elf and his Island of Misfit Toys, and my brothers would do great impressions of the Abominable Snomwan and Yukon Cornelius. It’s a classic that we still watch every year!”
Favorite Holiday Drink: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ashley’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
“It’s a classic! My sisters and I like to all snuggle up and watch it on Christmas Eve because it offers the perfect blend of humor and Christmas magic. (It also reminds us that Santa is totally real.)”
Favorite Holiday Drink: Coffee with a splash of Frangelico – keeps you warm and toasty!
Pat’s Favorite Holiday Movie: “Christmas Vacation” (1989)
“This is probably number one in my book because nothing brings my family closer than watching Chevy Chase mess up. And it takes place in Chicago.”
Favorite Holiday Drink: Egg nog