Students Escape the Stress of the Season with Binge-watching

Trisha Bloszinsky | Writer

Movie that appears to be “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” playing on laptop in front of a Christmas Tree. Photo credit - Ira Ostafiichuk - Unsplash

Imagine, winter break has finally arrived. You are cozied up on the couch with a warm blanket and hot cocoa, and nothing is lighting the room except the warm glass bulbs on the Christmas tree. The only thing left to make this the perfect start to winter break is a binge-watching marathon. 

Watching films, old and new, can help students escape the stress of reality and feel some relief. While the holiday season can be stressful and busy, it also offers the perfect opportunity to rewatch an old movie or series that brings us comfort.

“I would watch ‘The Polar Express’ when I was young because I grew up with fond memories watching it throughout school,” said Ian Dean, general studies major at LCCC.

Watching movies or shows with family and friends can help grow a unique bond in providing a shared emotional experience, even if it’s something as simple as laughing together during a comedy movie. Thanksgiving and Christmas are especially great times to watch movies and shows with family that may even become a tradition. 

“Since my son was born, we’ve watched ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’” said Anney Ryan, English professor at LCCC.

Binge-watching is perfect for the snowy days that may lead to the holidays, or to help busy students doing schoolwork pass some time.

“Binge-watching is convenient during winter break because I have a lot more free time,” said Matt Taylor, liberal arts major at LCCC.

For comedy lovers, Dean recommends “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Countless TV shows often release holiday specials like “The Office,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and “Glee.” Movies like “Serendipity" and "Love Actually" add a romantic element to the comedic aspect. For kid-friendly watchers, classics like “Home Alone,” “The Grinch,” and “Frosty the Snowman” provide fun for the whole family. 

Because holiday movies and shows exist throughout so many genres, the diversity ensures that students with various preferences can find a holiday film that resonates perfectly with their tastes.