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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