Comforting Christmas movies and shows to watch on Netflix

In 2020, a year that has been tough for everyone, Christmas movies and shows have provided a particular comfort and escape. Over the months of pandemic-related chaos and isolation, many have made holiday movies and series a part of their everyday routine, with their predictable plots, hopeful endings and the ability to make staying indoors seem wonderfully cosy. On Christmas Day, here are some movies and shows to stream on Netflix.

Dash & Lily

From the latest slate of Netflix's holiday-themed shows and movies, I found the romantic comedy series "Dash & Lily" the most likeable. Cynical Dash and bubbly Lily meet in the holiday cheer of New York City in December. Except, they meet through a notebook they pass back and forth, not in real life. They write notes to each other, send each other on dares, and start to fall in love with each other while they prepare to spend Christmas alone this year.

Merry Happy Whatever

On the show, "Merry Happy Whatever", Christmas at the Quinns is meant to be perfect: with three loving daughters, a sweet son, and a comforting household, single dad Don Quinn is prepared for a relaxing holiday season. But things take a turn for the worst when his youngest, Emmy, brings home her new boyfriend.

The Princess Switch & The Princess Switch: Switched Again

The title of the movie kind of explains it all – an ordinary baker (Venessa Hudgens) switches places with a Duchess (also Hudgens, naturally). The two women slot into each other's lives and quickly discover they prefer their new situations to their old ones – including their respective love interests. Things might play out pretty much exactly as you'd expect in a situation like this, but it is still a heartwarming film. The sequel, which came out this year, features Hudgens playing three characters. It is a great time to binge these two movies, one after the other.

Holidate

In this movie, our two protagonists are both unlucky in love, and after meeting each other randomly, agree to be each other's fake date to deal with their overbearing families. The holidates stretch on beyond New Year, and genuine attachment starts to form – along with plenty of roadblocks.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

This musical movie came out in 2020. It revolves around a toymaker and inventor named Jeronicus Jangle, who creates a sentient matador doll — who promptly turns on his creator with the help of Jangle's apprentice. A multigenerational tale about family, creativity and positivity, this is one for the whole family to enjoy.