Good afternoon. Every year around this time, people all across the globe gather to debate a timeless question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? From where I’m sitting, it’s just as festive as Michael Bublé, forgetting to water the🎄, and the awkward interview that comes with bringing your new beau over for dinner.
We’re officially in holiday party SZN! So, practise your poker face for that “friendly” game of White Elephant, and pump up some Mariah Carey, because we’re getting close to tearing paper. 🎁
Today’s read time: 5 minutes.
Your Muskoka Forecast
🎁 TMA Holiday Gift Guide - The Host
Let’s hope the hostess with the mostest has room for a few more essentials. Don’t think of these items as just gifts—they’re investments for fun nights ahead.
A stylish and cozy throw that instantly makes any home feel welcoming, perfect for guests to curl up with.
Give the gift of show-stopping cocktails! This luxe copper ice press lets a host turn ordinary ice into impressive spheres that wow every guest.
A witty, stylish needlepoint cushion that makes a playful gift for a host, adding a dash of personality to their sofa.
This elegant champagne saber turns every bottle opening into a memorable, dramatic moment that will get guests cheering.
Fun midnight snacks with friends shouldn’t be reserved only for weddings. Give the gift of pizza with blazing-hot, restaurant‑style pies in minutes—pizzas that everyone will rave about.
Who says s’mores are only a summer treat? This tabletop s’mores roaster turns dessert into an interactive treat perfect for any seasons.
🗓️ Events - This week in Muskoka
Santa Claus is coming to the Forest of Light
Dec 13 • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍Sandhill Nursery
Experience the Magic of Muskoka Christmas at Santa’s Village!
Dec 13-23
📍Santa’s Village
🎄Holiday Cottage Movie Lineup🎄
Nothing says a cozy winter getaway like a holiday movie marathon by the fire with the crew. These classics are guaranteed to make even the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes.
1. Die Hard (1988)
“Yippee-ki-yay, motherf****.”
It’s the ultimate Christmas underdog story with plenty of action. Watching John McClane take on Hans Gruber in a skyscraper on Christmas Eve is thrilling—and it yet still somehow feels festive.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
“Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.”
Pure holiday chaos and laughter. Clark Griswold’s attempts at the “perfect Christmas” are hilariously relatable—like the family version of a snowball fight you can’t put down.
3. Elf (2003)
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Bright, silly, and full of heart. Buddy the Elf’s joy is infectious, and his adventures in New York remind us to embrace the fun and magic of the season.
4. The Holiday (2006)
“I’m a little rusty on the whole romance thing.”
Cozy, romantic, and utterly comforting. Two women swap homes for the holidays and discover love and friendship in the most unexpected ways—a perfect snowed-in cottage kind of story.
5. Home Alone (1990)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”
Mischievous, clever, and endlessly nostalgic. Watching Kevin outsmart the burglars is fun for all ages and gives that warm, fuzzy feeling of family and holiday spirit.
A Final Note
I'm sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR.
Until next time,
Part of The Cottage Almanac Family
