“Unwrapping The Magic” — A Festive Collaboration With ‘The Daily Fandom’ Team 🎄

As we approach the close of another year, there is no better time to come together and celebrate the season of joy and connection! At The Daily Fandom, we know that the holiday season is not just about traditions — it is about the stories, characters, and moments that make this time of year magical.

That is why we are thrilled to present a special Christmas feature filled with heartfelt reflections, cherished seasonal memories, and a shared love for festive pop culture from a few of our writers. From nostalgic holiday classics to quirky fandom-inspired celebrations, this piece is a testament to the power of storytelling and the joy of collaboration.

Join us as we unwrap the magic of the holidays, one story at a time. Here is to making this season merry, bright, and full of fandom cheer.

Christmas Stories That Make The Season Bright

The Daily Fandom team is sharing our favorite Christmas films — classics and hidden gems that make the season unforgettable. From cozy vibes to cherished traditions, these stories bring us together and inspire holiday magic.

Shareca’s Holiday Tradition — Embracing The Magic Of Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992, Dir. Chris Columbus)

_{^{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? The mix of humor, adventure, and heartfelt holiday magic in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) makes it a timeless favorite that captures the joy of independence and the spirit of giving.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Kindness, Resilience, and Self-Discovery.}}

---

For me, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Dir. Chris Columbus)¹Columbus, Chris, dir. 1992. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD. is the ultimate Christmas movie. Its perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments captures the holiday spirit beautifully. Watching Kevin navigate New York City during Christmas, forming unlikely friendships like with the Pigeon Lady, reminds me of the power of kindness in unexpected places. The dazzling lights and iconic landmarks create a cozy, magical atmosphere that fills me with joy every year.

What makes this movie truly special is the nostalgia it carries. Watching it has become a cherished family tradition — we laugh at Kevin’s clever antics and smile at his moments of selflessness. This film embodies what the holidays mean to me: adventure, love, and spreading joy. I have even shared this tradition with my nephew, who now loves the Home Alone films just as much as I do.

Grey Crotts’ Holiday Comfort Pick — A New York Christmas (2020, Dir. Christina Cauterucci)

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? Insane lesbian Christmas movie where moms come back from the dead and guardian angels are twink-adjacent (it’s awesome).}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Love, Lesbianism, & Fate.}}

---

As a self-proclaimed Christmas movie connoisseur, I have seen my fair share of holiday films — most of them hilariously bad, and a rare few genuinely good. Among them, A New York Christmas Wedding²A New York Christmas Wedding, directed by Otoja Abit (2020; Los Angeles, CA: MarVista Entertainment, 2020), streaming video. stands out as my all-time favorite. I first watched it in 2022, after a particularly tough day of skipping classes and lounging on my lofted dorm bed.

The film follows Nia Fairweather, a woman who gets an unexpected second chance at love when she is transported to an alternate reality where her long-lost, star-crossed lesbian lover is alive. Guiding her through this surreal journey is Azrael, her flamboyant guardian angel, who also happens to be her best friend’s aborted child. (Yes, you read that right.)

It is absurd, campy, and absolutely awesome.

The film delivers a rare blend of progressive storytelling with BIPOC leads, a queer love story, and an overt yet oddly touching exploration of religion. As a Catholic-raised lesbian, I was surprised by how much this movie resonated with me. Its portrayal of faith, fate, and love — albeit in the most bizarre way imaginable — felt surprisingly heartfelt and sweet.

The chaotic yet cozy vibes of A New York Christmas Wedding³A New York Christmas Wedding, directed by Otoja Abit (2020; Los Angeles, CA: MarVista Entertainment, 2020), streaming video.⁴ make it my ultimate holiday comfort movie. It is the kind of film that makes me laugh, cry, and marvel at its sheer audacity, and for that, I’ll always hold it close during the holiday season.

“The Comfort Of The Everyday” — Why Hawkeye #6 (2012, Writ. Matt Fraction) Is Kyle Scher’s Favorite Christmas Story

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? The relatability of Clint Barton and how he deals with the Holidays.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Perseverance, Hope, and Determination.}}

---

Over the years, my favorite Christmas-themed media has shifted many times, but recently, I find myself returning to Hawkeye (2012) #6 by Matt Fraction and David Aja, aptly titled “Six Days in the Life of Hawkeye.” While the holiday season is often associated with cozy and cheerful moments, this comic focuses on the everyday struggles and mundane realities that keep the season grounded.

Clint Barton, the biggest goofball among superheroes, navigates his day-to-day life in a way that feels so relatable it is impossible not to smile through the pages. One standout moment for me is the sequence detailing December 18th. Clint, living his classic bachelor lifestyle, faces a technical challenge while trying to set up his apartment. Naturally, being an Avenger, he calls on Tony Stark for help. But when Tony suggests throwing in the towel and simply buying new things, Clint firmly refuses.

His response:

“I know it’s a mess and it’s half-taped together and it’s old and it’s busted. But it’s mine,”

⁵Fraction, Matt, and David Aja. 2012. Hawkeye (2012) #6. New York: Marvel Comics.

perfectly encapsulates the emotional heart of this comic.

It is about embracing imperfection and taking ownership of the messiness in life. This theme resonates deeply, especially during the holidays when the world feels more glamorous, and it is easy to believe that others have it all together. Clint’s story reminds us that even superheroes can feel overwhelmed by life’s complications, and that’s okay.

After a mixed 2024, this Christmas feels especially bittersweet for me, as it’s the first without my grandmother. Despite the challenges, I know this holiday season is mine, and I’ll make it work — just like Clint.

It is that mix of humor, humanity, and resilience that makes Hawkeye #6 such a meaningful and comforting holiday favorite.

“Ordinary Magic” — Exploring The Heartwarming Legacy Of Klaus (2019, Dir. Sergio Pablos) By Abigail Early

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? Both the animation and story are so unique when compared to other Christmas films, and watching it always brings me comfort.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Hope, Warmth, and Comfort.}}

---

Ever since its release in 2019, Klaus,⁶Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video. directed by Sergio Pablos, has been my favorite Christmas film. I vividly remember watching it for the first time with my siblings. Coming from a family of artists, the stunning animation immediately captured our attention and made us fall in love with the movie. But it was not just the visuals; as the story unfolded, I was drawn even deeper into its charm.

Klaus⁷Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video. offers a unique and heartwarming take on the origin of Santa Claus, blending humor and outlandish moments — like background characters dragging around a body bag or a generations-long family feud — with meaningful themes of kindness and transformation. It is a movie that brought so much joy to our family that we started watching it year-round.

One of my favorite moments in the film comes near the end, years after the main events, on Christmas Eve. Jesper, the protagonist, leaves out milk and cookies for Klaus, his dear friend, and the film’s Santa Claus figure. Even though Jesper no longer sees Klaus every day, their bond remains unbreakable, offering a bittersweet yet deeply hopeful feeling. This scene is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of connection and the legacy of love.

What makes Klaus⁸Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video. truly special is its emphasis on the ordinary. The characters are not grand heroes or supernatural beings — they are regular people with ordinary lives. Jesper is a mailman, Alva is a disheartened teacher, and Klaus is a simple toymaker. Yet, through their efforts to improve their community, they create something extraordinary together.

This message — that everyday people can make a profound impact — resonates deeply. The film’s quiet focus on hope, kindness, and transformation in the midst of life’s difficulties provides a comforting and uplifting experience. While its ending is tinged with melancholy, it is also brimming with hope, making Klaus⁹Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video. a truly unforgettable and cherished part of my holiday season.

“Comfort & Nostalgia” — How Home Alone (1990, Dir. Chris Columbus) Brings Holiday Joy By Joanis Baino

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? I love seeing the story being crafted and played out, and I love the performances by the actors.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Nostalgic Christmas Magic, Comedy, and the Importance of Family}}.

---

My favorite Christmas film is Chris Columbus’s Home Alone (1990)¹⁰Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD. Growing up, it was a staple in my family’s holiday traditions, especially when my mom and I would make Filipino paper parols while watching the movie. No matter how many times we saw it, we always found ourselves laughing at the antics of The Wet Bandits and marveling at Kevin’s cleverness.

One part of the film that stood out most to my mom was when Kevin’s mother went to great lengths to get back home to her son. She would always point out how a mother’s love knows no bounds, which resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the countless sacrifices my mom made for me and my siblings and the unconditional love she showed us every day.

In 2020, my mom passed away just a week before Christmas, and the holiday season took on a somber tone. Without her, the traditions we had shared felt difficult to carry on. On the first anniversary of her passing, I tried to continue our tradition of making paper parols while watching Home Alone¹¹Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD., though it was bittersweet and emotional.

Over the past few years, I have slowly embraced this ritual again, finding comfort and nostalgia in the familiar scenes and humor of the film. Watching those first fifteen minutes always brings a warm feeling, as though my mom’s spirit is encouraging me to continue what she started. H

ome Alone¹²Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD. is more than just a Christmas movie to me — it is a reminder of the love, laughter, and memories my mom left behind, and it helps keep her presence alive during the holiday season.

“Timeless Magic” — Exploring Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1999, Dir. Jun Falkenstein) By Lydia Orendain

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas is a cozy three-part story that engages my little 2-year-old brain and warms my 27-year-old heart.}}

^{_{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Gratitude, Belief, and Love.}}

---

Disney’s direct-to-video releases in the late ’90s were a staple for young families, and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)¹³Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD. was no exception. In a household filled with Disney movies, my parents made sure that this heartwarming anthology became part of our holiday tradition.

I was only two years old when it first graced Blockbuster shelves, but twenty-five years later, it remains a cherished classic that I watch every December. Its three charming stories¹⁴Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD., capped by a Christmas song medley sung by Mickey and friends¹⁵Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD., never fail to bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the season.

Of the three stories, “Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi”¹⁶Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. “Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi.” In Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD. has always been my favorite. As a child, I was mesmerized by the shine of Mickey’s harmonica — didn’t it look just like a chocolate bar? — and I even wanted to eat the fruitcake Minnie received as her “holiday bonus.”

But it was not until a recent rewatch that the deeper meaning of the story truly hit me. Seeing Mickey and Minnie sacrifice their most treasured belongings to bring each other joy moved me to tears. The themes of gratitude, unwavering belief, and sacrificial love resonated in a way my younger self could not fully grasp.

Now, at twenty-seven, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas¹⁷Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD. has only grown more special. Each story carries its own unique holiday charm, and every year I discover something new to love about them.

This Christmas, you will find me on the couch, forcing my sisters — and my new brother-in-law — to relive this nostalgic gem that defined so many of our childhood holidays. It’s more than just a movie; it is a warm reminder of the magic, love, and gratitude that the season brings.

“Nostalgia, Humor & Spooky Charm” — Exploring Billy And Mandy Save Christmas (2005, Dir. Russell Calabrese) By Sabin Bottomstone

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? It and other cartoon Christmas specials are key parts of my childhood that I like to hunt down and pay homage to when the season comes.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Humor, Nostalgia, and Tongue-In-Cheek.}}

---

While classics like The Polar Express¹⁸Zemeckis, Robert, dir. 2004. The Polar Express. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. DVD. or Rankin/Bass films have their place in my holiday traditions, my heart always gravitates toward Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (2005)¹⁹Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special. and other holiday specials from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

These shows were staples of my childhood and every December, I make it my mission to track them down. With streaming services cutting older series and specials from their libraries, it has become harder to find them, but I am stubborn about keeping this part of my past alive.

Watching these quirky, offbeat Christmas specials gives me a sense of comfort and nostalgia that’s hard to beat. As for Billy and Mandy Save Christmas,²⁰Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special. it is the perfect mix of spooky and hilarious. I mean, how can you resist a Christmas special where Santa has to be rescued from vampirism? The show’s dry, tongue-in-cheek humor never fails to make me laugh, and as an adult, I catch all the cynical jokes about consumerism that flew over my head as a kid.

The opening scene — complete with them burning down a mall and mocking holiday consumer culture — sets the tone for a special that balances irreverence with a surprising amount of heart.²¹Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special. Sometimes, poking fun at the season helps you appreciate it even more. It is not your typical warm and fuzzy Christmas movie, but it still manages to capture the holiday spirit in its own twisted way, making it a must-watch every year.

“The Perfect Holiday Classic” — Why The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, Dir. Henry Selick) Captivates Sara Pence

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? The Nightmare Before Christmas is a perfect blend of spooky season and festival holiday cheer, topped with the best songs in a movie.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Striving for greatness, being happy with what you have, and accepting your identity.}}

---

For me, The Nightmare Before Christmas,²²Selick, Henry, dir. 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures. DVD. directed by Henry Selick (1993), is the ultimate holiday movie. Growing up, my cousins and I would watch it almost every day, completely captivated by the songs. “This is Halloween”²³Elfman, Danny. 1993. “This Is Halloween.” Track 2 on The Nightmare Before Christmas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), performed by the Citizens of Halloween. Walt Disney Records. CD. became our anthem, and we would run around singing it nonstop.

My favorite character has always been Sally, and the moment she and Jack Skellington declare their love atop the iconic spiral hill, illuminated by the giant moon, still gives me chills. It is one of those beautifully haunting scenes that perfectly encapsulates the magic of this movie.

Now that I am older, the film’s deeper themes resonate with me even more. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, seems to have everything anyone could want, yet he feels empty and dissatisfied with his life. His journey to Christmas Town and his attempt to recreate its magic in a way he understands reflect the struggles we all face in trying to find purpose and happiness.

Ultimately, Jack learns to embrace his identity and appreciate his own life while staying open to new perspectives. The story is a perfect blend of spooky fun, holiday cheer, and meaningful life lessons — all tied together with some of the best songs in movie history. Watching it every year brings me comfort, nostalgia, and a renewed appreciation for its timeless message.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, Dir. Henry Selick) – A Whimsical Redefinition Of Holiday Cheer By Alia Khatib

^{_{What do you love most about this movie during the holiday season? As someone who not only loves Halloween but also loves subverting expectations, The Nightmare Before Christmas has anything I could want in a Christmas film.}}

_{^{What warm and comforting feelings does this film bring to your holiday season? Empathy, Personal Growth, and Whimsy.}}

---

As someone who cherishes Halloween and delights in subverting expectations, The Nightmare Before Christmas²⁴Helick, Henry, dir. 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures. DVD.²⁵ has everything I could want in a Christmas film. Far from the traditional cozy, comfy vibes of holiday classics, it initially drew me in precisely because it offered something refreshingly different.

Like Jack Skellington, I once found myself disenchanted with the holiday routine — the endless boxes of decorations, the meticulous setup, and the hurried preparation for gatherings I was not excited to attend. Christmas had become more about obligation than joy.

Watching Jack’s journey unfold changed my perspective. His awe and wonder as he discovers Christmas rekindled my own appreciation for the season. The film reminded me of the magic beyond the routine — the sparkle of twinkling lights, the comforting warmth of the season, and even the unique joy found in decorating.

Through its whimsical characters, stunning visuals, and hauntingly beautiful music, The Nightmare Before Christmas²⁶Helick, Henry, dir. 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures. DVD. brought back a sense of wonder and reminded me to savor the small moments that make the holiday special. It is a film that has since become a cherished tradition, always playing in the background as my family and I cook, laugh, and celebrate together.

Honoring The Tales That Light Up The Season

The holidays are a time to celebrate the stories, traditions, and moments that bring us together. From nostalgic classics to quirky modern favorites, the media we cherish during this season reflects the joy, warmth, and meaning we find in our lives. Each of these stories, whether humorous, heartwarming, or thought-provoking, serves as a reminder of the connections we share and the magic we create together.

As we look back on these cherished traditions and forward to new memories, may your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and the timeless spirit of fandom cheer. Happy Holidays from all of us at The Daily Fandom!

References

• 1
  Columbus, Chris, dir. 1992. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD.
• 2
  A New York Christmas Wedding, directed by Otoja Abit (2020; Los Angeles, CA: MarVista Entertainment, 2020), streaming video.
• 3
• 4
• 5
  Fraction, Matt, and David Aja. 2012. Hawkeye (2012) #6. New York: Marvel Comics.
• 6
  Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video.
• 7
  Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video.
• 8
  Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video.
• 9
  Pablos, Sergio, dir. 2019. Klaus. Los Angeles, CA: Netflix. Streaming video.
• 10
  Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD.
• 11
  Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD.
• 12
  Columbus, Chris, dir. 1990. Home Alone. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox. DVD.
• 13
  Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD.
• 14
  Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD.
• 15
  Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD.
• 16
  Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. “Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi.” In Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD.
• 17
  Falkenstein, Jun, Alex Mann, Bradley Raymond, and Toby Shelton, dirs. 1999. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Video. DVD.
• 18
  Zemeckis, Robert, dir. 2004. The Polar Express. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. DVD.
• 19
  Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special.
• 20
  Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special.
• 21
  Alvarez, Robert, dir. 2005. Billy and Mandy Save Christmas. Burbank, CA: Cartoon Network Studios. TV special.
• 22
  Selick, Henry, dir. 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures. DVD.
• 23
  Elfman, Danny. 1993. “This Is Halloween.” Track 2 on The Nightmare Before Christmas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), performed by the Citizens of Halloween. Walt Disney Records. CD.
• 24
• 25
• 26
  Helick, Henry, dir. 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures. DVD.