Films set on Xmas
The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role...
Nightmare Before Christmas
A modern classic declaring that love is the only present needed for Christmas
All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)
Italian Christmas Sweet Bread
Panettone
Roast Turkey
UK and the USA
Mythical figure celebrated in various cultures, particularly during the Christmas season
Santa Claus
New York City policeman John McClane is visiting his estranged wife on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.
Die Hard
Pop classic about heartbreak and giivng your heart away, only to have it broken the next year.
Last Christmas (Wham!)
Portuguese Christmas Kings Cake
Bolo Rei
Pan de jamón (ham bread) is a sweet-savoury bread, like a savoury Swiss roll, the long loaf, which can also be made with filo pastry, is filled with roasted ham, raisins and green olives
Venezuela
The Italian shawl-wearing old lady who rides a broomstick who come down chimneys to leave a sock full of candy
Befana
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Elf
A cozy song about staying indoors and enjoying the warmth of the season, regardless of the cold outside
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Sinatra)
Traditional dessert which is a make-ahead, steamed, fruit filled dessert that is set alight when served. Beautiful culmination of many British Christmas dinners.
British Christmas Pudding
KFC Christmas Bucket
Japan
In Basque communities, this character comes to town on Christmas Eve to deliver children's holidays gifts.
Olentzero
When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.
Home Alone
A nostalgic dream of a perfect, snowy Christmas, a common theme in holiday music.
White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
This delicious and festive dessert is popular in France and resembles a log in the woods.
Yule Log Cake
Tamales are oft corn dough wrapped in corn husks and steamed with flavourful fillings.
Typical in Mexico and much of Latin America
A terrifying horned monster part of the Christmas tradition in Austria and other surrounding countries. If children are good, Saint Nicholas brings them toys. If they're bad, they have to face this character's wrath
Krampus
Nine intertwined journeys examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects all individuals, love. Among these individuals is David, the handsome, newly elected British prime minister who falls for a junior staffer. Sarah is a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life. Harry, a married man, is tempted by his attractive new secretary.
Love Actually
A fun, upbeat tune about winter fun and dancing at a Christmas party
Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms)
Pies with a flaky crust filled with a mixture of raisins, currants, apples, lemon zest, and orange peel, pecans, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They are a staple of Christmas dinner in the UK
Mince Pies
Spicy meat and vegetable dish served with a type of sourdough flatbread called injera that is used as a plate-turned-edible-spoon to scoop up the thick stew
Lebanon
An ogress from Iceland who lives in a mountain cave but comes out each year to plague bad kids during Christmas.
Gryla