The Ultimate Christmas 2020 Watchlist!
- thebohemelifev
- Nov 19, 2020
- 5 min read
I know it's only the middle of November, but considering how 2020 has treated us thus far, I think we'd be forgiven for starting the Christmas binge already. And between you and me, I may have watched my first Christmas movie of 2020 on a particularly dreary September afternoon....but let's keep that a secret! Still, given how many seasonal offerings we're getting served with this year, even September may not have been early enough to get through them all by the 25th December. I have therefore compiled my ultimate Christmas 2020 watchlist, THE most comprehensive collection of cheesy, snow-topped, candycane filled, toothache inducing Christmas movies & shows, that are sure to make you forget the horror that has been 2020.
Yes! Yes I do! I like Christmas! I love Christmas! - Christmas Carol
Christmas on Netflix
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat, I have not always been the biggest Netflix fan...However, if I'm now being completely honest I don't know how I would've gotten through this year without it. Discovering new Netflix originals such as Virgin River, Emily in Paris, Never Have I Ever, Sex Education, Outer Banks and The Society (boo, to that being cancelled btw) to rewatching classics such as Gilmore Girls, Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, and discovering the magical binge-watching qualities of How To Get Away With Murder & Suits, it has genuinely been a beacon of light in an otherwise dark year. And, I'm so happy to discover that they're continuing to give this holiday season.
My Favourites So Far
Number one of my list of shows to watch this year was Dash + Lily. Essentially, it's the age-old tale of a Grumpy Christmas-hater who learns to believe in the magic of Christmas after he falls for the world's biggest Christmas fan (after me, of course!). Is it super cheesy and a tad saccharine at times? Sure! Is it also the wholesome, sweet & innocent Christmas show you need in your life right now? Absolutely!
The Holidate. Okay, so this was slightly over represented as a holiday movie, and in reality there's not all that much Christmas in it. Nevertheless, I loved it, and it definitely celebrated all the holidays in the year. Plus, a hot male lead with an Aussie accent? I'm definitely there for it!
Another favourite is actually from last year, Home For Christmas, which is said to be coming back for season 2 this year, but no news on a release date yet. This Norwegian romcom was so good though, so I am definitely going to have to watch it again. Who doesn't picture themselves trundling through thick layers of crystal white snow to get to a quaint little Scandi-town for a glass of Gluhwein. I know, I do!
The Ones I Can't Wait to See....
Sugar Rush Christmas (season 2) - I own a small baking business making custom cakes, so it kinda goes without saying that I love a baking show. This one combines Christmas with a fun host & judges, and all the weird over-the-top cake confections you could wish for. All the ingredients (pun intended!) for a perfect winters afternoon.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again - Can you even call Christmas Christmas, if there isn't a cheesy movie involving a Royal Romance? I know it's a totally outdated ideal/storyline, but sometimes I can't help but love a gorgeous palace, pretty ballgowns and a handsome prince. I'm fully aware these movies set totally unrealistic expectations, but at Christmas time it's exactly the kind of escapism you need when you're huddled up in a blanket hoping for snow...
Operation Christmas Drop - Christmas in a tropical destination?! Why not! We could all use a little sunshine on these grey days.
Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square - If you don't love a bit of Dolly Parton, I'm sorry but we can't be friends. I absolutely loved her anthology series: Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and her own original version of I Will Always Love You, is the only version you need to know in my opinion. So I'll definitely take a big dose of her loveable character over this holiday season!
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two - A big dollop of family fun! I might not have kids, but that's not gonna stop me form watching this heartwarming movie.
Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas - A show that's all about decorating for Christmas. This was made for me.
Home For Christmas (Season 2) - If you don't love all the cheese they like to serve over the holiday season, then this rom-com is definitely the one for you! Enough seasonal spirit to satisfy the biggest Christmas fan, but balanced out with humour and realism to make it it appealing to those who don't have a bauble shaped heart.
Hallmark Christmas Movie Countdown
Okay, so Hallmark movies are undoubtedly the cheesiest of cheesy, the Camembert of Christmas movies if you will. But, if you live for Christmas like I do, you probably look forward to their Countdown to Christmas movies all year long. I now consider myself to be a seasoned Hallmark Christmas movie expert, so when they release their movie list I do a quick browse to see which movies feature my fave Hallmark actors (if you're a One Tree Hill fan, you might recognise a few!)
This year my must-see Hallmark Christmas Movies are:
The Christmas House tells the story of a married couple who's grown-up sons come home for the holidays. It's the (one of the) first Hallmark movies to show a gay couple (better late than never) and it's all about a family reconnecting. Given that Christmas is all about family, I think this will be perfect Xmas viewing.
Five Star Christmas - Starring my fave Hallmark actress (ever since loving her as Haley in One Tree Hill) Bethany Joy Lenz. This movie looks to be the festive treat we all deserve. A family run inn welcomes a critic, and must try to win him over in the process. Needless to say, romance ensues....
Christmas Waltz - Christmas, snow, waltzing & Lacey Chabert aka Gretchen Wieners (Mean Girls). This should be cute!
On The Twelfth Date Of Christmas - When the description starts with 'two incompatible game designers' you know it's going to be full of Hallmark romance and hopefully lots of Christmas cheer.
These movies are simply good old-fashioned fun. Nothing too serious, not the best acting or sets, or anything really, but they truly are pure escapism. And you can't go wrong with some escapism at Christmas!
Christmas Classics
Despite all the new seasonal delights we're being treated to this year, there is also always something to say about going back to the classics. No one can deny the celebratory vibes of The Holiday, the seasonal cheer of Love Actually, or the child-like nostalgia of The Grinch!
Christmas Movies to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
So, that's my list of must-see Christmas movies. If you'll excuse me, I think I'm gonna make myself a hot choccie, light some seasonal candles and put on one of my faves, The Family Stone, for the 100th time. If you know of any more must-see Xmas movies, lemme know in the comments! x
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