One Hit Holiday Wonders
Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded this Christmas classic in 1958
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
One describes what happens to a present; the other describes music spoken rhythmically.
Wrap and rap
In this 2006 film, two women swap homes for the holidays—one in England, one in California—and find love along the way.
The Holiday
This was the year the animated TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on CBS.
1965
In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold eagerly carves this holiday bird, only to have it collapse.
Turkey
Released in 1958, this sped-up, pleading novelty hit introduced three singing chipmunks
Christmas Don't Be Late
One glides over snow with reindeer; the other is a verb meaning to murder
Sleigh and slay
In this 1995 holiday rom-com, Sandra Bullock’s character saves a man from an accident, then pretends to be his fiancée while falling for his brother.
While You Were Sleeping
The year “Home Alone” was released in theaters, becoming the highest-grossing Christmas film of its time.
1990
In Elf, Buddy sweetens his spaghetti with this substance, shocking everyone at the table.
Syrup
In 1957, this holiday hit by Bobby Helms became a jukebox favorite for its "rockibility"
Jingle Bell Rock
One is exchanged under the tree; the other is requested when attendance is taken.
Presents and presence
In this 1954 holiday musical, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye team up to help their former general save a Vermont inn while singing the title song.
White Christmas
This was the year Mariah Carey released “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
1994
In The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, the Whos plan to feast on this holiday meat despite the Grinch’s sabotage.
Roast Beast
This 1977 song by The Eagles appears on their album One of These Nights and plays frequently during the holidays despite its melancholy tone.
Please Come Home for Christmas
One refers to finely chopped meat often used in traditional holiday pies; the other freshens your breath after dinner.
Mince and mints
In this 2024 Netflix Christmas rom‑com, a grieving widow brings a magical snowman to life with a scarf, only to discover love before he melts away.
Hot Frosty
The year “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” premiered in theaters.
1989
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin indulges in this fun-filled treat while staying at the Plaza Hotel.
Ice Cream Sundae
This 1963 Phil Spector–produced song by Darlene Love insists that all she wants for Christmas is a visit from someone special.
Christmas, Baby Please Come Home
One is an old-fashioned term for the Christmas season; the other is a commonly used contraction of words
Yule and you'll
This 2003 ensemble holiday film weaves together ten interconnected love stories, including a British prime minister, a grieving widower, and a child preparing for a school Christmas pageant.
Love Actually
The year “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” debuted as a stop-motion television special.
1964
In Home Alone, Kevin enjoys this indulgent food after scaring away the delivery man using the movie Angels with Filthy Souls.
Cheese Pizza