It’s snuggle time. And what goes great with a couch and a loved one? A list of binge-watch worthy holiday classics. I humbly submit the Thomas Dean team’s all-time faves, Volume 2. Check back later for more picks.
THE FILM: Elf
THE ERA: Early 2000s
THE CLOTHES: Peter Dinklage in contrasting collar & cuffs plus shawl-lapel vest, Will Ferrell slaying a pair of curly-toed slip-ons.
WHY IT’S GREAT: It’s a good-natured family flick that’s charming, funny and features Zooey Deschanel & Will Ferrell totally nailing “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
THE FILM: Four Christmases
THE ERA: Whatever we’re calling the last decade.
THE CLOTHES: From Panama hats and Hawaiian prints to quarter-zip sweaters, and a classic little black dress.
WHY IT’S GREAT: Perhaps this one made the list because it lays bare the mess that is family: plans that change, dealing with divorced parents, and the random fist fight that might occur.
THE FILMS: Home Alone 1 & 2
THE ERA: Early 1990s
THE CLOTHES: Villains in topcoats and scarves, and a pre-trainwreck Macaulay Caulkin donning knit caps, smart field jackets, flannel and the occasional cable knit.
WHY IT’S GREAT: The bad guys really get what’s coming, as Kevin “MacGyvers” a series of ways to keep them at bay. Naughty and nice. Question: Are Mr. and Mrs. McCallister maybe the worst parents ever?”
THE SHOW: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
THE ERA: Mid-1960s
THE CLOTHES: Santa suit, fake single-antler headgear for the doggy, and what appears to be either cotton or wool sleepwear on Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than 2).
WHY IT’S GREAT: “…the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.” Well-played, Dr. Seuss. This is me slow-clapping.
THE FILM: It’s a Wonderful Life
THE ERA: Early 20th Century filmed in the mid-1940s.
THE CLOTHES: Soft fedoras, wool suits, bow ties, dressy topcoats and uniforms from police to Army.
WHY IT’S GREAT: When war hero Harry Bailey lifts a glass and says, “To my big brother George, the richest man in town.” Gets me every time.
THE FILM: Love Actually
THE ERA: Early 2000s
THE CLOTHES: With or without a necktie, Hugh Grant dresses like a boss (actually, a Prime Minister) in smart shirt-and-suit combos.
WHY IT’S GREAT: Couples in love…British accents…It’s a Rom-com wonderland. Don’t miss Billy Bob Thornton as the US President.