Streaming tips

Early holiday specials...

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

To cheer up Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, the other Guardians undertake a misguided mission to Earth in search of “the legendary Kevin Bacon.” Disney+

A Christmas Story Christmas

In this sequel to 1983’s A Christmas Story, the original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley, returns to Cleveland Street in middle age to try to do the holiday the way his old man did. This one won’t be a classic, but it has modest charm. HBO Max

The Santa Clauses

Tim Allen returns in a sequel series to his Santa Clause movies, now looking to finally retire and turn his Santa duties over to someone new. Expect some goofy humor, but also some Allen-esque griping about the ostensible “war on Christmas.” Disney+

Falling for Christmas

Lindsay Lohan, in her first major role in nearly a decade, plays a spoiled hotel heiress who loses her memory after a mountain mishap and is taken in by a cute guy who runs a modest lodge. Best for viewers who like their holiday specials with a generous side of cringe. Netflix

Menorah in the Middle

What’s a girl to do when her fiancé seems a little too keen on taking over her parents’ Jewish bakery? In this holiday rom-com, Lucy DeVito rekindles her connection with an old high school flame. Hulu

Spirited

In an extravagant musical comedy that riffs on A Christmas Carol, Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present and Ryan Reynolds the cynical media consultant he’s trying to save. Too snarky? Too sincere? It still might be these holidays’ biggest dose of fun. Apple TV+