Yesterday on the blog, we let you know our thoughts on the popular Christmas film Love, Actually. Enjoy this updated post from our Archives on our top five holiday romance movie picks!
By: Deirdre & Katie
The holiday season is in full swing and we at SYTYCW couldn’t be more pleased. December brings with it the chance to trim Christmas trees, listen to well-loved carols, bake sugar cookies and hunker down with hot chocolate (or mulled wine, if you’re our kinda gal!).
But most importantly, this time of year allows us to relax and get comfy watching our favourite Christmas movies. For the romance lover in all of us, holiday movies don’t disappoint in bringing the magic and wonder of love straight to us.
If you’re feeling unfocused, or guilty taking time off, when it comes to your writing–the best part? It’s technically research. 🙂 We at SYTYCW encourage you to take in a love flick (or ten) this month. If you’re feeling really studious, you might consider how these well-loved films approach plot, conflict and characterization. But we’ll the look the other way if you don’t.
Here’s our top five holiday romance films:
The Shop Around the Corner
If you enjoyed You’ve Got Mail, you really shouldn’t miss the classic Hollywood romantic comedy on which it was based. Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart work (and bicker) side by side, each unaware that the other is the pen-pal they’re falling for. Until Christmas Eve…
The Holiday
Whether you’re partial to the charm of a snow-covered cottage or the glam of old Hollywood, the parallel romances in this movie show us opposites attract, and that love can be found in unexpected places. If nothing else, watch because Cameron Diaz’s character, Amanda, has fabulous taste in coats.
The Family Man
Nicolas Cage’s Wall Street executive gets a second chance at love with Tea Leoni by way of a Christmas miracle in this surprisingly charming holiday romance. Be sure to have a tissue handy for all the warm feels!
While You Were Sleeping
Sandra Bullock plays a quirky and lonely transit token collector caught between two men. When she saves her commuter crush from an accident on Christmas Day, she doesn’t expect to fall for his brother! This one is funny and heartwarming–and who can resist a perfectly charming Bill Pullman 😉
Die Hard
Ok, it’s not technically a Christmas movie. Or a romance. But it’s Deirdre’s go-to holiday indulgence. Curl up on the couch with an eggnog and cookies and watch Bruce Willis walk barefoot over broken glass to rescue his estranged wife (her name is Holly!) from the evil, and irresistibly suave, Alan Rickman.
And, special bonus pick: Let it Snow!
We watched this 2019 Netflix movie and despite wondering about the lack of actual snowfall (and why all these kids were hanging at a waffle joint on Christmas Eve), we were completely charmed by the strong teen cast and the overall sweetness of this movie. It made us feel good, and sometimes that’s all you need! 🙂
How about you? What’s your favourite holiday romance? Share your choice or tell us what you love about these in the comments! And Happy Holidays!
5 replies on “Top 5 Holiday Romance Movies”
While You Were Sleeping and The Shop Around the Corner are classics. Holiday Affair with Janet Leigh is also good, as well as Cover Up with Barbara Britton.
Sarah, I’ve heard Holiday Affair is great! I actually bought it and have been meaning to watch it. 🙂 I’ll have to check out Cover Up.
I quite like It’s a Wonderful Life as Christmas fare. I do love the Die Hard series but *spoiler* it upsets me that in the end going through to the end of the series he and Holly aren’t together.
Fiona, I love It’s a Wonderful Life, too!
Christmas in Connecticut is top on my list.
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I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!