Something You Should Know

Secrets of Christmas Classic Movies & The Curious Story of Eggnog – Bonus Holiday Episode

Dec 9, 2025
Join film historian Jeremy Arnold, known for his expertise with Turner Classic Movies and author of *Christmas in the Movies*, as he unwraps delightful secrets behind classic holiday films. Discover the quirky origins of eggnog and its ties to Christmas. Jeremy passionately defends *Die Hard* as a holiday film while sharing insights on *It's a Wonderful Life*, *Home Alone*, and underrated gems like *Remember the Night*. He also discusses the allergy risks of real Christmas trees and how to enjoy the season’s traditions safely.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Alastair Sim's Scrooge And A Canceled Premiere

  • Jeremy recalls A Christmas Carol (Alastair Sim) as his mother's favorite and quintessential Scrooge portrayal.
  • The film's bleak tone even prompted Radio City Music Hall to cancel a planned grand premiere.
INSIGHT

One Song Can Make A Classic

  • A single iconic song moment can turn a broader film into a Christmas classic.
  • Jeremy argues Judy Garland's 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' cements Meet Me in St. Louis as holiday cinema.
ANECDOTE

White Christmas: Song, Film, And Nostalgia

  • Jeremy traces 'White Christmas' from Holiday Inn radio debut to a 1954 film tied to veterans' nostalgia.
  • The song's wartime and postwar layering made the 1954 movie a major commercial hit.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app