Alone on Christmas Day? 10 movies to watch plus their perfect snack pairings

Elf needs candy, please, and lots of cookie dough

When we’re talking about the film Elf, we have to credit Will Ferrell for his acting chops. Without Ferrell, this strange little story of a guy who somehow ends up at the North Pole as a young kid and gets raised like one of Santa’s elves would be, well, just another weird little movie.

But thanks to the comedic genius playing the role of Buddy, Elf has a delightful charm that keeps viewers immersed. The multi-talented James Caan takes on the role of Buddy’s dad, Walter Hobbs.

Can a seemingly cold-hearted, skeptical businessman craft a relationship with a dude raised among elves? For example, a businessman has no charm when he answers the phone. But when Buddy the elf answers the phone, the response is heart-meltingly adorable: “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?”

Awwww. In addition to the sweet nature of Buddy, Elf endures as a classic holiday movie for its humor. The contrast between the innocence of the North Pole and the loud reality of Manhattan entertains. And yes, you’ve got your happy ending all wrapped up in a bow (don’t worry, we’re not going to ruin it for you!).

Elf even answers the question of what to eat to accompany the movie. First, bring out an assortment of candy, including candy corn and candy canes, to stay true to this quote from the film: “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.”

But wait, there’s more sweetness ahead. In planning your Christmas alone, take Buddy’s advice and “eat a whole roll of Toll-House cookie dough as fast as we can.” (Okay, now we’re feeling sort of sick, so maybe you won’t want to eat the whole roll.)