Many people refuse to admit that they watch the seasonal onslaught of low-budget, low-impact holiday movies that increasingly fill the cable channels even beyond the purview of Hallmark and Lifetime. And yet. . . they do. Or at least someone does. The ratings for these mediocre rom-coms and moldy melodramas prove they are the perfect background salve for our stressful IRL times.
So, I admit to indulging my taste for shallow sentimentality every year. I find these movies are a kind of holiday porn—you keep watching in the vain hope of finding a trace of originality or authentic emotion.
Mostly, though, you have to laugh at the underbaked dialog, the obvious plot developments, two-dimensional characters, and lack of chemistry between the leads. They all seem to come from the same holiday cookie-cutter. The best way to watch them is with the superior feeling that, given the opportunity, you could do a much better job than they do.
That is why, as an AURAS Guilty Pleasure holiday gift, we are presenting our Holiday Movie Tropes Guide for you to more fully enjoy your low-expectation experience. Click on the image and download our list and enjoy watching these films with a new sense of derision, eye-rolling incredulity, and wisdom that a strong dose of cynicism—like a bracing dash of hot sauce—can enliven even the blandest meal.
For even more fun—turn it into a drinking game. Every time you see a trope take a swig of your favorite holiday aperitif. By the end of the movie you will believe it a masterpiece. Send us some of your best snark from the bottom of the page, and Happy Holidays!—Rob Sugar
