Pop of Holiday Cheer

Published in

Pop Warrior

5 min readDec 22, 2016

Welcome to a special holiday edition of Pop Warrior! One of my favorite ideas about these winter holidays is that they all center around light. Whether you’re lighting up a Christmas tree or a menorah or a kinara or simply a fireplace, you’re bringing light and warmth into the darkest, coldest time of the year. After a year like 2016, I think it’s safe to say that we can all use a little more light, so I’m especially grateful for the holidays this year.

While the sociopolitical climate of 2016 was a bit of a trash fire, my personal life was filled with an immense amount of love and joy, Like, an incredibly immense amount of love and joy. Remembering that is so key to recognizing the light that is always there. So far, my holidays have already been filled with all the people I love most, and I’m so looking forward to more fun and food and family and friends in the weeks to come.

And so, in the spirit of the holidays and enjoying the light around us, this issue of Pop Warrior is devoted to all things that bring a little joy into the world. They add a little light to my days, and I hope they do for you too!

for when you’re so filled with joy you gotta sing about it

Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand’s Duet of “Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again”

Judy is tweaked af but she manages to hold it together for this magical, musical moment that is as hopeful as it is gorgeous.

for when you wanna laugh some pure, feminist laughter

Kate McKinnon’s Best Moments

I don’t think any one performer brought me more unadulterated happiness this year than Kate McKinnon. From Ghostbusters to her Emmy win, I could spend hours laughing with Kate. And since this link is only Part 1 of a many-parted YouTube compilation of her best moments, you can, in fact, spend hours. You’re welcome.

for when you gotta kick back with some poetic realism and some cats

L’Atalante (1934)

I believe a key part of my aesthetic was formed the day I first watched this French film that expertly mixes humor, romance, fantasy, and (most importantly) cats. It’s a cinematic masterpiece and an absolute delight to watch, and not just for the cats. But, I mean, if you’re just in it for the cats, there’s this handy montage of only the (many) cat scenes. Miaou.

for when you want an overload of visual pleasure

Women Who Draw

It’s so easy to get lost in this directory of wonderful artists, who all happen to be non-cisgender men. Not only is the art beautiful, but the directory champions diversity as well!

for when you want your holiday spirit to come with 90s nostalgia

The Hey Arnold! Christmas Episode

This is one of the best Christmas episodes ever, from (let’s be real) one of the best TV series ever. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and it’ll make your inner child smile. Oh, by the way, while you’re at it, Hulu has basically every classic Nicktoon ready to stream. Again, you’re welcome.

for when you need to escape to another land

Hello From the Magic Tavern

It’s an improvised podcast journey into the magical realm beyond a Chicago Burger King. Take a listen; you won’t be able to stop.

for when you wish Sex and the City could get an update

#CarrieDragshaw

This guy is recreating Carrie Bradshaw’s looks in drag. It’s everything you dreamed it would be and more.

for when it’s time to settle in for the inevitable holiday Netflix binge

32 Female Creators Who Made Great TV in 2016

So much good TV, simply not enough time. I started to make a list of the shows on this list that I can personally recommend, and then I realized it’s the vast majority of them. I watch a lot of TV (and I’m proud of it).

for when you’re feeling especially festive

The Twitter Account of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This account is stupid funny. Follow for gold like this.

and for when it’s time to spread the love

Donate!

Charitable organizations can use help all year round, but what better time to give whatever you can than during the giving season of the holidays! Here are a few of my personal favorites: