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It’s officially that time of year—twinkling lights, cozy socks, and the scent of pine in the air. And what better way to kick off the holiday vibes than with a Christmas movie marathon? Whether you’re a sucker for heartwarming stories or prefer a little comedy, there’s a movie here for everyone. Grab some cocoa, throw on your comfiest PJs, and hit play on one of these 5 Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit:
Elf (2003)
Let’s start with the obvious, cause why not? “Elf” is pure holiday magic wrapped in a big bow of hilarity. Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is the kind of chaotic wholesomeness we all need to ease into the season. From his obsession with maple syrup to his hilarious interactions with the “normal-sized” world, Buddy’s journey to reconnect with his dad is as heartwarming as it is laugh-out-loud funny. You’ll never look at spaghetti the same way again…
Home Alone (1990)
Is it really Christmas if you haven’t watched Kevin McCallister outsmart a pair of bumbling burglars? “Home Alone” is an absolute classic, combining nostalgia, comedy, and a whole lot of heart. Watching Kevin turn his family’s house into a booby-trapped fortress never gets old, and by the time that sweet reunion at the end rolls around, you’ll be reaching for the tissues (just admit it). Make sure to have pizza on hand—it just feels right.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
For those who want a little spooky with their merry, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the ultimate crossover. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers the joy of Christmas in his own delightfully weird way. It’s got catchy songs, stunning visuals, and a story that celebrates the spirit of the holidays with a gothic twist. It’s also perfect for that in-between mood when you’re still holding onto your Halloween vibes but are ready to embrace the jingle bells.
The Holiday (2006)
If you’re craving romance, “The Holiday” is here to deliver. This movie follows two women—played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet—who swap homes for the holidays in an attempt to escape their messy lives. Enter Jude Law and Jack Black, a few adorable meet-cutes, and plenty of festive scenery, and you’ve got the perfect feel-good holiday movie. Warning: You might want to book a quaint English cottage getaway after this one.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
We fear that Jim Carrey as the Grinch is still unbeatable. This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved story hits all the marks. It’s funny, moving, and so immersive you’ll feel like you’re in Whoville. Plus, it will transport you to the early 2000s and hit you with all the nostalgia. From his snarky one-liners to his surprisingly heartfelt redemption arc, the Grinch reminds us all about the true meaning of Christmas. The whimsical sets, quirky costumes, and that iconic moment where his heart grows three sizes? Pure Christmas gold. Plus, Cindy Lou Who is just the cutest.
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There’s something about fall that just screams horror movie season. The early sunsets make it the ultimate time to curl up on the sofa with a cozy blanket and let yourself get spooked. But not all horror movies are created equal—some are too gory, others are just plain depressing. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between creepy and comforting, here are 10 horror movies that deliver exactly that:
The Thing (1982)
Image Credit: IMDB
Okay, hear us out—this movie about an alien shapeshifter terrorizing a research base in Antarctica is peak cozy. Why? Because the characters are literally snowed in, bundled up in the freezing cold, and surrounded by endless white landscapes. Sure, the creature effects are nightmare fuel, but it’s also the perfect excuse to snuggle under a blanket and thank your lucky stars you’re not in Antarctica.
The Others (2001)
Image Credit: IMDB
This gothic ghost story has all the cozy fall vibes: a creepy old mansion, constant fog, and Nicole Kidman's exquisite vintage fashion. The slow-burn suspense will keep you on edge, but it’s not the kind of movie that will make you sleep with the lights on. Instead, it’s haunting in a way that feels atmospheric and perfect for a stormy fall evening. The twist will blow your mind and break your heart a little, just you wait.
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Image Credit: IMDB
This one is such a good time! It’s an anthology of interconnected spooky stories set on Halloween night, featuring everything from vengeful ghosts to creepy pumpkin-headed children. The whole movie feels like walking through a haunted house and getting a different scare from every room. It’s the ultimate pick if you want to stay in the Halloween spirit until December.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Image Credit: IMDB
What’s cozier than a sleepover vibe? This cult classic is equal parts funny, spooky, and surprisingly heartwarming (in a twisted way). Megan Fox plays a high school cheerleader who becomes possessed by a demon, and Amanda Seyfried is her nerdy best friend trying to stop her from eating all the boys. The killer dialogue and 2000s soundtrack make it chef’s kiss. The nostalgia will also hit you hard.
Saint Maud (2019)
Image Credit: IMDB
This one leans more into psychological horror, but it’s weirdly cozy in its quiet, slow-building dread. The story follows a deeply religious hospice nurse who becomes obsessed with “saving” her dying patient’s soul. The seaside setting, muted color palette, and moody cinematography make it feel like a chilly autumn afternoon—except with a side of existential terror.
Oddity (2024)
Image Credit: IMDB
This Irish horror gem is perfect for those chilly fall nights when you want an eerie, atmospheric movie to get under your skin. Oddity follows Darcy Odello, a blind medium and curio shop owner, as she investigates the murder of her twin sister, Dani. The creepy centerpiece of the film? A life-sized wooden mannequin from Darcy’s shop that seems to take on a life of its own. This is a slow-burn suspense that will make you look behind you. Watch it in the dark and enjoy the twists that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
Child’s Play (1988)
Image Credit: IMDB
Killer dolls? Creepy. An '80s horror classic? Comforting. Watching Chucky go from an innocent-looking toy to a full-blown psycho? Priceless. Child’s Play might be terrifying on paper, but there’s something nostalgic and weirdly fun and campy about watching this pint-sized menace destroy people’s lives. Plus, it’s the kind of horror movie where you can laugh and scream—ideal for a cozy movie marathon.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Image Credit: IMDB
"I see dead people." If you didn’t just get chills, are you even a horror fan? This classic by M. Night Shyamalan is haunting, but it’s also deeply emotional and beautifully told. The cozy factor comes from the warm, intimate moments between the characters—Bruce Willis as a kind therapist and Haley Joel Osment as the kid who can see ghosts. It’s scary, sure, but it’ll also hit you right in the feels.
The Conjuring (2013)
Image Credit: IMDB
If you love demonic possession and haunted house stories, The Conjuring is a must-watch. It’s all about a haunted farmhouse, a sweet but terrified family, and two paranormal investigators who genuinely care about helping them. The vintage farmhouse setting, with its creaky floorboards and flickering candles, gives off peak cozy vibes—if you can ignore the terrifying demons lurking in the shadows...
Crimson Peak (2015)
Image Credit: IMDB
This Guillermo del Toro masterpiece is the ultimate cozy gothic horror. We have a crumbling mansion surrounded by snow, blood-red clay oozing through the surrounding land, and a doomed love story. Crimson Peak feels like a Halloween fairy tale thanks to the beautiful costumes, amazing performances, and dreamlike atmosphere. So of course it’s perfect for curling up on the couch with a mug of something warm.
Whether you’re into ghosts, slashers, or psychological chills, these movies bring the perfect mix of atmosphere, suspense, and cozy vibes. So grab your comfiest blanket, kill the lights, and let the fall horror marathon begin. Just maybe keep an eye on that doll on your shelf… you never know.
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In the spotlight of Hollywood, where image and perception often hold the reins of success, many Latino artists and actors have found it necessary to "whitewash" their names. This practice, which involves changing their typically ethnic-sounding names to ones that are more anglicized, has been prevalent for decades. But what is the reasoning behind it?
Striving for Universal Appeal
At its core, the decision to adopt a more anglicized name often springs from the desire to appeal to a broader, more global audience. Hollywood, as an industry, has traditionally catered to English-speaking markets, and actors with names that are easier for this demographic to pronounce and remember have often found more success.
Take, for example, Guatemalan-American actor Oscar Isaac, born Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada, who has spoken about his decision to shorten his name. Isaac has shared that adopting a "whiter" stage name allowed him to avoid being typecast in stereotypical Latino roles, thus enabling him to compete for a wider array of characters.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Another factor that has driven Latine actors and artists to anglicize their names is the fight against Hollywood stereotypes. Latine actors have historically been pigeonholed into specific roles, often as gangsters, maids, or exotic temptresses. By adopting a more anglicized name, many have sought to escape these narrow, limiting stereotypes.
Richard Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, the rock n' roll pioneer best known for "La Bamba," anglicized his name to broaden his appeal and navigate the music industry's racial dynamics in the 1950s. His choice was largely a survival strategy in a predominantly white industry.
Conforming to Industry Norms
Hollywood has been known for its rigid and often discriminatory norms, and these have historically extended to the domain of names as well. For many Latino artists, adopting an anglicized name has been a way to conform to these norms and enhance their chances of success.
Take the example of Lynda Carter, the actress known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman. Although she is of Mexican descent on her mother's side, her decision to use her father's anglicized last name instead of her mother's (Cordova) may have been influenced by the industry's biases.
A similar story can be found in the life of silent film actress Anita Page, born Anita Evelyn Pomares. Page, who was of Salvadoran descent, rose to stardom in the 1920s, a time when being Latino was not widely accepted in Hollywood. By adopting a more anglicized name, she navigated around the ethnic prejudices of her time.
Regrettably, this recurring occurrence has plagued numerous Latino celebrities repeatedly, as exemplified in Pulso's enlightening series, "Unlocking Our History."Beyond Hollywood: Have you ever mispronounced your own name?
This phenomenon of "whitewashing" names extends beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Many of us, in our daily lives, may find ourselves altering our names, even subconsciously, to fit into a certain cultural context or to make it “easier” for others. We might shorten a long name, adopt an anglicized nickname, or even use a different pronunciation that sounds less ethnic.
These decisions often stem from a desire to assimilate, to avoid standing out, or even to avoid the discomfort of having our names mispronounced. But while these choices might seem inconsequential, they can subtly reinforce the idea that certain names, and by extension, certain cultures, are "other" or outside the norm.
Remembering the importance of our names is a step towards countering this. Our names are a fundamental part of our identity. They carry our heritage, our family history, and our cultural identity. They connect us to our roots and give us a sense of belonging. By honoring our names in their original form, we not only assert our individuality but also contribute to the broader cultural diversity and richness of our societies.
The practice of anglicizing names, whether in Hollywood or in our daily lives, underscores a need for greater acceptance and celebration of cultural diversity. Just as we're moving towards a world where actors no longer feel the need to anglicize their names, we should strive for a society where everyone feels comfortable using their real names, in all their unique, unaltered beauty.
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