It’s the holiday season on Raising Cinephiles! Jessica sits down with returning guest and holiday enthusiast Lily Vonnegut for a relaxed, festive chat about family movie traditions, favorite holiday flicks, and finding the right balance between cultural identity and seasonal fun.

This episode is all about cozy vibes, laughter, and the magic of movies—whether it’s Christmas lights or Hanukkah donuts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What’s Inside the Episode?

🎥 Kicking It Off

Jessica and Lily dive right into their favorite topic—movies! Jessica shares how her toddler, Miles, is more into roaring dinosaurs than reindeer this year, and Lily has some advice on introducing holiday movies to little ones.

🕎 Balancing Hanukkah and Holiday Cheer

Jessica opens up about raising her son in a Jewish household while still embracing the sparkle of Christmas. Lily offers tips for keeping the holidays inclusive and stress-free.

🎄 Holiday Movies for Every Mood

Whether it’s animated favorites like Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas or classics like Home Alone and Elf, Lily and Jessica break down the best films for kids and adults alike.

🥡 Jewish Christmas Traditions

Jessica shares her family’s “Jewish Christmas” tradition—Chinese food and a movie—and how it’s become a core memory for her. (Bonus: Holiday lights tours with a sprinkle of Hanukkah flair!)

🍩 Sweet Family Traditions

From creating hot chocolate bars to baking jelly donuts, Jessica and Lily explore fun ways to make holiday movie nights even more special. And yes, mini gingerbread houses might appear.

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Movies Mentioned in This Episode

* For the Kids: Polar Express, Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, Sing.

* For the Whole Family: Home Alone, Elf, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street.

* For the Grown-Ups: The Holiday, Love Actually, Gremlins, Die Hard.

Holiday Traditions to Try

* Host a December movie marathon with hot cocoa and cozy blankets.

* Explore movies that feel festive without being tied to one holiday.

* Create your own traditions with family movie nights, themed snacks, or lights tours.

Let’s Connect!

What movies make your holiday season magical? Share your picks on social media and tell Jessica how you celebrate through cinema.

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jesskantor @raisingcinephiles Stay Tuned: Raising Cinephiles will take a break at the top of 2025, but we’ll be back soon with more fun and inspiration.

🎄 Happy Holidays and Happy Watching! 🎬

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