5 Holiday Films to Stream on Netflix

Ah, the holidays … a time for family, food, and — best of all — guilt-free, four- and five-hour stretches of TV on the couch. If you're looking to add a little holiday cheer to your Netflix queue, we've rounded up five of our favorite holiday offerings — from documentaries to dystopias — currently available for streaming. 

A Very Murray Christmas

Amy Poehler, Miley Cyrus, and, of course, Bill Murray … need we say more? Beat the holiday blues with this musical extravaganza from Murray and company, and don't miss the comedian's excellent tune with the band Phoenix streaming on Spotify.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

For the kid at heart, there is no better Christmas movie than Tim Burton's 1993 classic, A Nightmare Before Christmas. Follow Jack Skellington as he journeys through Christmastown, and let your heart be warmed in the process.

I Am Santa Claus

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a mall Santa — screaming kids, impatient moms, and long, long days at the mall? This 2014 documentary follows the lives of some real-life Santas, often to hilarious results.

A Christmas Carol

It wouldn't be the holidays, if you didn't watch A Christmas Carol. And you aren't doing it right, if you aren't watching the 1938 original. And, hey, at only an hour long, you can squeeze it in before dinner!

Black Mirror, "White Christmas"

While not actually a film, the Christmas episode of the dystopian sci-fi series is a must-watch, especially for those of you who enjoy the darker side of the holidays. Be warned, though: If you haven't watched the rest of the series yet, this episode will have you hooked.

The 2015 BGS Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Black Friday, the worst Friday of all of the Fridays. Even Rebecca Black (wait … Rebecca Black … Black Friday … "Friday" … this is some serious retail Illuminati voodoo) would agree that going to any kind of retail store today is a horrible, terrible, very bad idea. To keep you from being trampled by the masses vying for flatscreen TVs, we joined forces with our BFFs at Huckberry to do your shopping for you. Check out some of the BGS staff's hand-picked Huckberry offerings below, and check off all the names on your ever-growing holiday list in the process.

Marled Watch Cap [$14.98]

For your brother's new girlfriend who is all, "Sorry, guys, I'm always cold." 

Timex Weekender [$74.98]

For your perpetually late, but gloriously stylish, aunt.

Potomac Heavy Wool Zip [$134.98]

For your dad, who insists on playing golf every day, sub-zero temperatures be damned.

 

Freenote Cloth Riders Jacket [$400.00]

For your younger brother, who wants to look like he rides a Harley (even though he drives a Honda).

Miir 64 oz. Growler [$58.98]

For the craft beer (or iced tea!) lover in your life.

Nashville Field Guide [$17.95]

For your Airbnb-addicted best friend.

Basil Hayden Drinking Shoes [$399.98]

For that one friend who takes whiskey drinking so seriously, he or she must change shoes for the occasion.

Sackcloth & Ashes Southwest Blanket [$84.98]

For your hip grandmother to sit under on snowy nights.

Balsam Fir Incense [$12.98]

For your cousin who loves to talk about that ashram he visited for a couple hours in college.

Classic Hammock [$164.98]

For anyone because, honestly, who doesn't want a hammock?

 

 

The BGS Life Weekly Roundup: Thanksgiving Feasts, Custom Holiday Gifts, Icelandic Rescuers and More

We're not just into music here at the BGS. We want to paint an entire picture for you, knitting together the lifestyles, talents, and culture of this Americana quilt we love so dearly. That's why we've taken the time to scour the web and collect the best food, style, travel, and lifestyle pieces that are affecting hearts and minds in a positive way. Here are some of our favorite stories of the week below. Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments!

Culture

Photo c/o New Yorker

• Spend some time with ICE-SAR, search and rescue workers in Iceland

Food

Photo c/o Saveur

• Thanksgiving is around the corner. Get the complete guide to Thanksgiving food at Saveur

• One of the world's most important collections of shoes is in an unlikely place

Style

Photo c/o Cool Hunting

Cool Hunting has your 2015 guide for custom holiday gifts. 

Nature

Photo c/o National Geographic

10 great pleasure hikes in the good ole U.S. of A. 

• How one writer learned to yield to Mother Nature