ALBUMS

THEN:

Christmas Portrait – The Carpenters

Originally released in 1978, The Carpenters’ Christmas Portrait was a huge success, selling over a million copies. Their interpretations of Christmas standards have proven timeless, and Karen’s straight-from-the-heavens voice is still something to behold more than 30 years on. A wonderful, nostalgic favorite to add to your Christmas collection.

NOW:

Christmas Cornucopia – Annie Lennox

If you’re wondering if Annie Lennox can pull off Christmas carols, head on back to 1987 and listen to the Eurythmics’ “Winter Wonderland.” Got it? Until the angels themselves can come down and sing for us, Annie Lennox is the perfect intermediary as she lends her gorgeous vocal talents to a set of traditional Christmas favorites…and a few obscure ones. Joy to the world, indeed.

—Sharon Penny

BOOKS

THEN:

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

The best introduction to David Sedaris’ unique brand of wit is the short story that launched his career, Santaland Diaries, recounting his days as a Christmas elf at Macy’s in New York City. Holidays On Ice is the perfect de-stress for the season – a you-gotta-laugh-or-you’ll-cry collection of wry short stories. Make sure you buy an extra copy in case you loan it to a friend and never see it again!

NOW:

Sketchy Santas: A Lighter Look At The Darker Side of St. Nick by Will Zweigart

Face a little too red; suit may or may not have been slept in; fake beard the color of an old gym sock. We’ve all seen them: family friends, relatives, mall Santas or just weird Santas out on the street. Inspired by the popular blog, Sketchy Santas is a hilarious collection of the not-quite-right Santas that you hope can’t see you when you’re sleeping.

—Sharon Penny

FILMS

THEN:

Band of Brothers

This 10-part HBO mini-series, produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, chronicles the trials of the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division during WWII, Easy Company, painting a gritty but compelling portrait of conflict in the European theater and brotherhood between the men who fought it.

NOW:

The Pacific

A gripping love letter to soldiering, this 10-part follow-up to Band of Brothers is kinetic, explosive and heartbreaking. Following three Marines through vicious conflict in the Pacific during WWII, this mini-series examines war fought on multiple fronts, including tragic internal struggles. Relentless and attacking, as well as quiet and sobering, this is an unflinching look at war’s brutal realities.

—Jenn Thornton