Christmas All Over Again

Plus last minute gift ideas and another surprisingly good Christmas movie.

A close-up of my main Christmas tree, with a second in the background

Well, this is what it looks like: the last Christmas Cache newsletter of the year (and the season).

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey as I dissected, examined, and explored modern Christmas culture. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about the trends, traditions, and weirdness that makes Christmas today. But I’ve also learned some key lessons for making Christmas better and more heartfelt as I move into the future. Some of those lessons are listed below.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season and a beautiful new year!

Six Christmas Lessons

1. Nostalgia keeps us sane.

The world is cruel and weird and changing. Healthy nostalgia keeps us sane while the incomprehensible becomes reality.

2. Intentionality is key to joy.

Joy doesn’t just happen. It requires thought, care, and purpose to truly come alive and be a part of our day-to-day, especially during this time of year.

3. There is still new good Christmas music being made.

The oldies are definitely goodies, but new Christmas music fuels the spirit of the season. It reminds us that even our most raunchy, silly, and outlandish musicians are still kids at heart.

4. A Christmas tree is the most personal thing of all.

Taste is subjective. A Christmas tree is as personal and unique as the person who decorates it. None are bad (even if some make us cringe).

5. Corny is not just good, but great.

Christmas is not a time to be cool. Classic? Sure. Wholesome? Why not. Cheesy? Absolutely. Corniness elicits joy and good cheer, two necessary ingredients for the season.

6. Christmas is what you make of it.

A Christmas can only be as grand and memorable and special as the effort you put into it. Find the traditions, ceremonies, and things that make Christmas work for you. Be the Christmas you want to see in the world.

ICYMI: As a thank you for reading this newsletter, I’d like to share a new playlist I’ve created of my current favorite Christmas songs. It’s got some classics, like Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” along with controversial choices (“Wonderful Christmas Time,” a song I only recently learned a majority of people hate) and even a new song or two, like Robert Glasper’s “December.” I hope you enjoy it.

DOWNLOAD: Apple Music I Spotify

Tracklist:

• “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” - Darlene Love

• “This Christmas” - Donny Hathaway

• “Sleigh Ride” - The Ronettes

• “Merry Christmas Baby” - Otis Redding

• “Christmas All Over Again” - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

• “Purple Snowflakes” - Marvin Gaye

• “What Christmas Means to Me” - Stevie Wonder

• “Merry Christmas All” - The Salsoul Orchestra

• “Wonderful Christmastime” - Paul McCartney

• “O Christmas Tree” - Aretha Franklin

• “Christmas Time Again” - EXTREME

• “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” - Brenda Lee

• “The Christmas Waltz” - Jose James

• “Underneath the Tree” - Kelly Clarkson

• “Give Love on Christmas Day” - The Temptations

• “December” - Robert Glasper ft. Andra Day

• “The Christmas Song” - Nat “King” Cole

• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Jackson 5

• “Christmas Wrapping” - The Waitresses

• “My Favorite Things” - The Supremes

• “Christmas Time is Here” - Khruangbin

• “Soul Holidays” - Sounds of Blackness

• “Christmas Love” - Rotary Connection

• “Ave Maria” - Stevie Wonder

See

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story - I don’t know what came over me, but on Sunday, after I completed the last of my shopping, I did the unthinkable. I watched the Kansas City Chiefs Hallmark Christmas movie.

And reader, I liked it. Like, really.

I was surprised as you might be. A few days earlier, I saw a post on Bluesky from a Christmas connoisseur who said she loved it. I kept that piece of info in the back of my mind. And after another unsuccessful bout of trying to find Home Alone streaming for free, I just did the damn thing and watched.

I think part of the appeal stems from the chemistry between the movie’s lead characters, played by Hunter King and Tyler Downs. King, in particular, is especially charming. I loved her in last year’s The Santa Summit. And Downs, who has a particularly rabid fanbase, was also great. I can see why so many women like him. The supporting cast helped round off the film’s delights. So, here I am: recommending the Chiefs Christmas movie.

• All of Hallmark’s 2022, 2023 and 2024 holiday movies are streaming on Hallmark+. Among those, I’d definitely recommend Round and Round, Ghosts of Christmas Always, and Holiday Road.

• Speaking of Christmas films, People rounded up the best Christmas films for grown ups.

• The first Christmas film ever made is 126 years old, and it’s now available on YouTube.

• Meet Santa Larry, a South Side Santa bringing Christmas cheer for Black Chicagoans.

Gifts of the Week

It’s a little too late to recommend gifts that would be sent through the mail, so I’m sharing some unconventional gift ideas for last minute shoppers.

• A museum membership: Consider this the gift that keeps on giving. Many museum memberships are surprisingly affordable, like the MCA Chicago’s, which begins at $70 per person for an individual and $85 for a household. Most memberships include free admission, access to special events and talks, and discounts at the museum’s stores. Research the museums in your areas and purchase a sustainable gift for the art-loving friend in your life.

• A future spa day: You’ll never know when a day at the spa will come in handy for the loved one in your life. Research options based on your budget and what your friend will most likely love. Know someone who hates massages but likes to keep their nails sharp? Consider a mani-pedi combo. Thinking of someone who has trouble practicing self-care? Consider going all in, with a full-day package.

• A restaurant gift card: This may seem cheap, but in my mind, this is the perfect practical gift. Instead of just straight-up giving cash, you’re letting your loved one know how much you’re thinking of them by focusing on a place (or places) that they outwardly love. Alternatives to this option include gift cards to their favorite bakeries, cheese shops, or coffee houses. You know they’ll use it and appreciate it.

• An elevated movie-going experience: If you’re lucky enough to live near an Alamo Drafthouse, I recommend indulging in their season pass at $29.99 per month. The film buff in your life will love the kitschy, throwback vibes of the theater chain, which combines a waited-table restaurant experience with their movie theaters’ old school video store aesthetic.

• A Bookshop.org gift card: I attended a Christmas party earlier this month that included a white elephant exchange. The most coveted prize? A book reading light and a gift card to Bookshop.org. The gift was stolen twice (and I was the last person to steal it). At Bookshop.org, you can order all of the latest and greatest books through your local, independent bookstores. Cut out Amazon and shop small through Bookshop.org.

And one final thought … until next year!