I thought about calling today’s post “Christmas Movies” but that’s very limiting and I already know that I want to include some television shows…. so nope. Also, I know winter doesn’t technically start until December 22 but I refuse to refer to any part of December as “fall” (even if this crappy warm weather is betraying my white Christmas image).

If you’re looking for strictly Christmas movies then check out Mattie’s post from Wednesday: HERE! I’m not a fan of Elf, but I’m totally on board with The Family Stone! Also, if you don’t watch at least one original claymation movie this year then you’re wrong. I know that’s harsh, but it’s a holiday fact.

So if not (strictly) Christmas movies then what the heck am I going to talk about?! The Mindy Project.
And also some other stuff.

Fall TV Shows That You Might’ve Missed but Can Now Binge on Netflix/Hulu

(How’s that for a title?)

The Mindy Project
TMP once aired on Fox but it wasn’t renewed for a fourth season. Fortunately, Hulu picked up the series and Tuesday wrapped up the first half of Season 4. Now that it’s on Hulu it’s a little more PG-13 in language and sexual content. Season 4 also brought on some real drama. This series started as a comedy (and I still crack up at every episode), but it’s become much more serious. Season 4 has tackled marriage, family planning, working vs. parenting, and other adult struggles. The 13 episodes in this season are very different from Season 1, but K and I still enjoyed it.
Final Thought: This season gets a little heavy and I cried at the end on Tuesday… but I think Mindy Kaling is writing some really imporant stuff, especially when it comes to women and careers and parenting.

The Muppets
I think that people were caught off guard when episode 1 aired… This isn’t the variety show from our childhoods. It would be blasphemy to turn the lovable muppets into crude comedians, but this season definitely had some adult humor- and it was well received by this adult. I’ve never liked Miss Piggy (and I still don’t), but I love all the celebrity appearances and Beaker always cracks my husband up, which is so cute!
Final Thought: If Dave Grohl, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Mindy Kaling think it’s good enough to appear on, I think it’s good enough to watch 😉

Casual
Since it’s on Hulu this is another show that can curse (a lot) and show a few sex scenes. Prepare yourself for some weird, scandalous language and storylines. Once you get past that, it’s actually a very sweet story about a brother and a sister (and her daughter) trying to figure out life. This show made me laugh and cry and cringe- it’s really good and I recommend it to anyone not easily offended.
Final Thought: If you’re a Mindy Project fan then you will recognize Alex as “Josh” from Seasons 1-3. He’s much cuter in this show!

Chicago Med
A few years ago I stopped watching dramas. I used to follow Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, Law & Order: SVU, and even General Hospital. Honestly, the drama from the shows made me super anxious so I just stopped making them a priority. I watch reruns every now and then, but if the show is getting too intense (I’m looking at you, Criminal Minds) then I just switch the channel. But then I accidentally left the TV on one night and I caught Chicago Med. And now I’m hooked. (And I keep the TV on for Chicago Fire right afterward!) There are constant character crossovers (from Fire/PD) and I know we’re in for some cross-episodes, too.
Final Thought: The guys are pretty, the girls are pretty, the writing is decent, and the drama is manageable (for now). It seems to be off to a good start.

Shows that I’d like to watch/need to catch up on: Once Upon A Time, Quantico, Master of None

And now on to Holiday Movies you should watch!

The Polar Express
I don’t know what it is about this movie, but it’s grown on me over the last few years. ABC Family plays it almost every freaking night so you have plenty of opportunities to catch it. I love the music and the lessons learned and the idea of The North Pole being technologically advanced and systematic. Plus, the idea of believing and hearing the bell? I tear up every time.

Shrek the Halls [ ABC, December 15th, 8:30pm ]
Time to face the music: deep down I am truly a child. I just love kids’ movies. And anything Shrek cracks. me. up. I kind of love that all the big name actors still voice all their characters, too. I mean, if you’re not into fart-based humor you can skip this one, but it’s short and funny and festive.

I Want A Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown [ ABC December 15th, 9:00pm ]
Why not make Tuesday a double feature? This airs right after Shrek! It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen this movie (and keep in mind it was released in 2003, so it’s not a “classic”), but I love Spike. Similar to claymation, you just can’t dislike The Peanuts.

The Christmas Parade [ Hallmark, December 22, 4:00pm ]
What would a holiday movie list be without one Hallmark movie?? This one actually has Drew Scott from Property Brothers in it! I don’t usually watch The Hallmark Channel but I happened to catch this 2 hour movie and really liked it. It’s cheesy and silly and has a happy ending- perfect for a Christmas-y afternoon.

Miracle on 34th Street *the original* [ various days/time on AMC ]
I love this movie- it’s probably #1 on my list of classics (closely followed by White Christmas). The newer version is good, too, but the old one just feels so… right. I think it’s a wonderful example of childlike faith and how it’s something we should cherish, especially when faced with that harsh reality called “life.”

If you’re on the hunt for good claymation/stop motion flicks check out The Year Without A Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, & Jack Frost!

Ok, your turn! What fall TV shows were you addicted to this year? What Christmas movies would you recommend?

-Louise