Some like it more cozy at Christmas, others romantic, still others enjoy fun entertainment. We asked the editorial team what kind of films and series our colleagues watch at Christmas.
Christmas looks different for everyone. But whether alone, with friends, your partner or with the family – it is a wonderful opportunity to snuggle up on the sofa and let the television set the mood for the festivities. That’s why we asked around a bit in our BOOKs editorial team what our colleagues like to watch on the holidays. Of course, there are many classics, but there were also a few not-so-obvious answers. If you still need a few streaming tips for Christmas, you can definitely find inspiration here.
“Family Heinz Becker”
For me, the Heinz Becker family is simply a part of it, because they keep the annual Christmas madness in mind – of course completely exaggerated. So much for “celebration of love” and contemplative time: father Heinz totally irritated because of the wobbly Christmas tree and missing “Christbaamspitz”, mother only thinks of sausages (controversial issue: warm or cold?) with potato salad and son Stefan gives in to his fate annoyed/bored and related orders. Splendid! It’s a good feeling knowing things aren’t going that badly for a long time.
Recommended by Alexandra, Editor-in-Chief FITBOOK
“Merry Christmas”
“Merry Christmas – the shithouse was full!” – “The package makes meow.” It’s quotes like these that make the Christmas classic “Happy Birthday” the best Christmas film of all time – in my opinion. The film is a prime example of an (im)perfect Christmas celebration that everyone actually has every year. From the wayward Christmas tree to jelly in a gift package, the “dear” relatives, the boss in his pajamas and the chain of lights that drives you mad because they don’t light up, everything that a good Christmas film needs is there.
Recommended by Franka, editor, myHOMEBOOK
“The Christmas Story” and fairy tales
The animated Christmas Carol is one of my favorite Christmas movies. And not only there! It’s also happened that on a sunny day in August I’ve pulled down all the blinds, turned on the lights and put on the film. What goes on all year round, but especially at Christmas time, are fairy tales. My mom has always had a soft spot for fairy tales. She must have passed that on to me. Whether remakes, very old films or cartoons – I love fairy tales! When I snuggle under a large blanket on the sofa next to my mum, provided with cookies and tea, all is right with the world again.
Recommended by Carmen, Editor STYLEBOOK
“Welcome to the Hoppenstedts”
“There used to be more tinsel!” – this sentence from Grandpa Hoppenstedt is an essential part of Christmas for me – in contrast to real tinsel. Sure, “Christmas at Hoppenstedt’s” by Loriot is now a really old ham, but I have to smile every year when Dicki recites his rude poem and cheekily sticks out his tongue. Surprisingly, this episode has aged well, which can’t be said for all comedy productions from the past. Be that as it may – no Christmas without the Hoppenstedts. And then it’s enough for another year.
Recommended by Felix, Editor-in-Chief myHOMEBOOK
“Home Alone” and “Kevin Alone in New York”
For me, “Home Alone” and the second part, “Kevin Alone in New York” are simply part of a contemplative Christmas season. I think that’s because my sister and I loved the films when we were kids and our parents always laughed along at the funny scenes. Film excerpts and the film music already put me in the Christmas mood immediately. That’s why it’s still a tradition in my family to this day to watch the two films together on or around Christmas – and to this day always laugh at the same scenes. A tradition that we will definitely continue with my little nephews!
Recommended by Melanie, Editor FITBOOK
“Christmas at Home”
Yes, I know: You can argue about the Netflix in-house productions at Christmas. But the same applies here: exceptions prove the rule. Netflix’s exception when it comes to Christmas series is the Norwegian production “Home from Christmas” (two seasons). The mini-series gives you the full load of Scandinavian hygge Christmas: pretty cuddly and of course also romantic. The fact that it is so good is also due to the fact that it takes up a topic that all of us probably know only too well during the festive season: single shaming. Nurse Johanne is annoyed that her family keeps asking who she’s coming to Christmas dinner with or whether she’s already met someone. Without further ado, she feeds her parents with the lie that she has a new boyfriend who the family will meet on Christmas Eve. The problem: Johanne has no new boyfriend. And only 24 days to change that! A fantastic fun series that sweetens the waiting time for Christmas Eve. By the way: If you like it, you can get a new series from the creators of “Christmas at Home” on Netflix this year with “A Storm at Christmas”.
Recommended by Sabine Winkler, freelance editor at the BOOKS Family
“Indeed… Love”
Hardly any other film has as much Christmas spirit as “Indeed … Love”. The stories about the different lives and loves at Christmas are always refreshing and entertaining. Whether it’s the dupe guy finding a new love, the shy co-worker trying to figure out how to approach her crush, the man secretly in love with his best friend’s wife and giving her a heartwarming, platonic Christmas surprise, or even the Prime Minister dancing through 10 Downing Street in a legendary scene – for me the film is simply part of Christmas.
Recommended by Larissa, Editor-in-Chief TRAVELBOOK
“Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella” and “The Keepers of Light”
Even if “Three Nuts for Cinderella” is probably the most predictable answer to the question of which film is the ultimate Christmas film for me, I still have to give it. The Czech Cinderella fairy tale has everything that a good Christmas film needs. Wintry mood in a beautiful landscape, a likeable main character, funny and sad moments and just that certain something. And last but not least: a great soundtrack! To be honest, I also really enjoy watching the animated film “The Guardians of Light”. The film about an unlikely yet fitting group consisting of Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and of course Santa Claus, who fight nightmares together, fits just as well with Christmas and is also a streaming tip for the whole family.
Recommended by Marlene, Editor TECHBOOK
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