Once the leaves have fallen from the trees and the cold wind hits your face, you know winter has arrived. With a chilly atmosphere wherever you go, what better way to warm up than with hot chocolate by the fire while listening to holiday music or watching a holiday film?
International Dateline sent surveys to find out what songs and movies the WIS community enjoys the most.
Starting with movies, the top five favorite holiday-themed ones, in order, were “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “The Grinch” (various versions), “Love Actually” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
In addition, there were some movies mentioned that do not necessarily relate to a holiday celebration such as “Batman Returns” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
At the same time, around half of the voters believe that the film industry lacks representation of all the holidays that occur during the winter season.
According to an analysis conducted by The New York Times on Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies in 2023, they discovered that 99 percent of these films were about Christmas.
When asked why that is, most respondents said that it arises from the country’s Christian-leaning culture. Some also explained that they think the media attracts a larger audience and makes more money when centering their holiday films around Christmas over winter holiday celebrations from other cultures such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
As for holiday-themed music, the top five favorite songs, in order, were “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Last Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and, with a tie for fifth place, “Santa Baby,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Feliz Navidad.”
Additionally, the top three favorite holiday music artists, in order, were Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Bing Crosby.
For fourth place, there was a three-way tie between Ariana Grande, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Frank Sinatra. There were several other artists mentioned, including Elvis Presley, Sia, Tyler, the Creator and “my great great great great grandma.”
On top of that, the voters were asked when they begin listening to this music and, according to the polls, December is the most popular start time, followed by after Thanksgiving. Other, more specific responses included the year 1963 or 24/7.
Now, as the winter season carries on, the next time you grab a warm drink and get cozy in your home with some holiday-themed entertainment, you have the WIS community’s thoughts on holiday media by your side to help.
By Selena Said
