A Must Listen and Watch List From Cherry Picked

Christmas, Christmas time is here! And so is the huge catalog of music and movies, so how can you decide what to watch or listen to? Don’t fret! I have cherry picked (see what I did there?) my all-time favs and listed them here for you to enjoy:

MUSIC

Whether you’re at home with family playing some Christmas tunes or in the car listening as you ride toward your holiday destination, these songs will make the experience even more festive:

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi (I can’t pick just one track from this album, so I recommend the entire thing. It’s that good!)
2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin (I love Dean’s voice and this song is light-hearted and fun, despite the so-called controversy. I mean, has anyone really listened to what else actually gets air play these days?)
3. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley (Over 50 million Elvis fans (and I’m one of them!) can’t be wrong)
4. Christmas Vacation – Mavis Staples (As a teacher, this gets me pumped right before Christmas break every year!)
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald (Jazzy, merry, wonderful!)
6. Last Christmas – Wham (There’s a reason this video has over one billion views and counting!)
7. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Harry Connick Jr. (I’m just wild about Harry, so of course his version of this classic made the list)
8. Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song) – Bing Crosby (Christmas in Hawaii…So fun!)
9. Sleigh Ride – John Williams conducting Boston Pops Orchestra (There are no lyrics, but the music and sound effects make it feel like your sledding through a wintery landscape during the holidays.)
10. Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes (Perfect retro Christmas party music.)
11. White Christmas – Bing Crosby (So beautiful, but get your tissues ready!)

MOVIES

Rewatching my favorite holiday films never gets old, even as I do. If you have some time to watch any of the following movies, it will be time well spent. If you’re extremely busy, play them in the background while you cook, clean or wrap gifts. They’ll make your work more enjoyable and certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.

The Holiday (2006): Nancy Meyers films never disappoint, and while I love this particular movie for so many reasons, I admit it’s mainly because I love the clothes Cameron Diaz’s character (Amanda) wears and the cottage Kate Winslet’s character (Iris) lives in (The little English town Amanda walks through while staying at the cottage is idyllic as well and the Mini Cooper is my dream car!). Although this movie seems like a cheesy Christmas rom-com, I promise you there are scenes in it which will genuinely make you laugh out loud and a couple that will require you to reach for a tissue. It’s really worth a watch. The soundtrack is great too.

Grumpy Old Men (1993): I love movies that highlight that life doesn’t end after 30. In fact, it’s just getting started! Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Burgess Meredith and Ann-Margaret do not disappoint in this truly hilarious and heartwarming film. Tip: Don’t shut the TV off after the film ends…The blooper reel is the best part! If you enjoy this film, check out Grumpier Old Men which adds Sophia Loren to the already amazing cast. Another gem!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):

I never tire of watching George Bailey learn the hard way just how blessed he truly is. The scenes of him praying at the bar asking God for guidance, and on the bridge toward the end, asking God to give him his life back…Well, I’m tearing up just writing about it. I recommend this film to every young person I know because the lessons are so important. George is not perfect, but he’s a good man who makes a difference, and that’s what matters!

Love, Actually (2003):

This film is funny and touching and I don’t care that it’s over-exposed. I still love it! The scene with Hugh Grant dancing to the Pointer Sisters is one of my all-time favorites. The film is worth watching just for that!

That wraps up (pun certainly intended!) my Christmas music and movie recommendations for 2025. I hope you’re able to find some time to listen and watch. I wish you and yours a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your life in 2026 be a big bowl of cherries (with whipped cream on top!)!