You’ve stocked up on chocolate chips, flour, and a fresh new rolling pin. That stack of baking pans is pre-cleaned and sitting neatly, and all the recipes are hung on the fridge with care. That’s right, it’s nearly time for holiday baking goodness!
There’s only one thing missing: Something to entertain you and put you in even more of a festive mood!
Sure, you could throw on that same old Dolly Parton-and-Kenny Rogers Christmas album (by the way, that’s a must at some point), but why not liven things up with something different? For your baking entertainment pleasure, here are our picks for Christmas movies that you can put on in the background and bake away to!
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Elf
Spaghetti with maple syrup and chocolate sauce. Fights with imposter Santas and perfume taste tests (passion fruit spray is a lie). The “I’m singing in a store, and I’m singing” song. Who can forget the countless number of side-splitting moments in this beloved holiday classic? Will Ferrell portraying a human named Buddy, adopted by Santa and led to believe he’s an elf, who then ventures into New York to find his biological dad, is about as zany of a story as it sounds. Add Zooey Deschanel’s beautiful singing voice and some heartwarming moments and just a sprinkling of Peter Dinklage wailing on Buddy the elf in an Empire State Building boardroom – and you have comedic gold as well as a holiday favourite.
Recommended Pastry Pairing: Gingerbread men.
It’s a Wonderful Life
This 1946 classic is literally the most iconic Christmas movie out there. It’s the ultimate feel-good tale for those who need a lift during the holiday season, so combining it with baking delicious goodies is a great way to put oneself in a joyful mood! If you haven’t seen it before, do yourself a favour and watch it – it’s a beautiful film that puts what the holidays really mean into perspective: Friendship and family.
Recommended Pastry Pairing: Figgy pudding
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know this one. We all do. It’s the stop-motion puppetry masterpiece that has captured hearts and imaginations since its debut way back in 1964. Return to Christmastown and relive the struggles amidst the great blizzard that threatened the holidays, save for the heroic efforts of an elf destined to be a dentist and a reindeer with a glowing red beacon of a nose. From silver and gold to the island of misfit toys and battles with the Abominable – or bumble, depending on who you’re talking to – this is one Christmas classic that deserves to be kept on repeat. Also, just try to forget such timeless tunes as “There’s Always Tomorrow,” “Silver and Gold” and “We Are Santa’s Elves.”
Feeling teary-eyed from the nostalgia? So are we!
Recommended Pastry Pairing: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Cupcakes
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!
Okay, just one more ultra-nostalgic mention, and we’ll put the Kleenex away. Many folks double Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town up with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because of how similar they feel in style, and that’s because they’re filmed in the same way by the same production company! Follow the story of Kris Kringle, Jessica the schoolteacher, Hopper the honking penguin, and a whole cast of colourful characters including Mr. Warlock – er, Winter. The music is even more iconic, the plot is enthralling, and you’re sure to smile at least a dozen times while this beloved story unfolds.
Recommended Pastry Pairing: Shortbread Cookies
Die Hard
This one is for those who want a break from the sugary sweetness of all these other holiday movies. Now, hear us out, this is as unconventional as it gets, but Die Hard is actually considered a cult Christmas classic given its setting! It sounds strange that an action movie would be cast in this light, but put it on in the background while performing some daring baking and see where it leads.
Just, you know, be sure it’s not playing when the kids are home. Kind of a great flick to put on while you’re taking out your stress on that butter tart recipe.
Do you have other favourite go-to movies for baking holiday goodies too? This is a time of merriment, joy, peace and family get-togethers, so find whatever brings out the best in you and puts you in that festive, fun-loving mood!
Recommended Pastry Pairing: Yippy Ki Yay Yule Log
