Holiday cheer is the warmth, joy, coziness, and gratitude we experience during the cold festive season. We want you to experience as much Christmas cheer as possible and make this Christmas season really special. That’s why we've carefully curated a list of our favourite books, podcasts, and movies for you to enjoy.

Whether you're looking for captivating stories, educational content, or simply some entertainment, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let these recommendations bring joy to your holidays.

If you're an HR manager or a team lead, share these holiday recommendations with your team to help them enjoy some downtime this holiday season.

Movies and TV Shows

We asked our colleagues for the most captivating and inspiring movies and TV series they recently watched. Here are the top picks.

Napoleon is a stunning cinematic masterpiece that beautifully captures the life and times of the legendary French Emperor, brought to life by the incomparable Joaquin Phoenix. Similarly, Killers of the Flower Moon is a poignant and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the often-overlooked history of Indigenous peoples in America. This true story of the Osage tribe murders in 1920s Oklahoma is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about our nation's past.

For those who enjoy a good mystery, Poker Face is an engaging TV series that centers around the incredible talents of Charlie Cale, a woman with a unique gift for detecting lies. And for those who appreciate a bit of humour and nostalgia, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a delightful series that transports viewers back to the 1950s and follows the journey of a housewife who discovers her comedic genius.

And last but not least, BlackBerry is a Canadian film that tells the fascinating story of the world's first smartphone. With its blend of comedy and drama, this biographical film is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Podcasts

If you're looking for a way to have a peaceful and stress-free holiday season, we highly recommend The Calm Christmas Podcast. Bestselling wellbeing author Beth Kempton shares soothing wintery words from her favourite poets and writers and provides invaluable tips on self-care.

For those interested in true crime, My Favorite Murder is an absolute must-listen. If you enjoy the intrigue of dark Canadian stories, then you simply must tune in to Dark Poutine. This podcast delves into real-life mysteries from our country.

Our next suggestion is I Hate It But I Love It. It is an incredibly engaging podcast that offers insightful discussions on movies and other pop culture topics. 

If you're looking for something more intellectually stimulating, then TED Radio Hour is perfect for you. It offers in-depth discussions on various themes presented in TED Talks. 

Finally, The History of Literature is a captivating podcast that explores the lives of literary geniuses who have shaped our world.

Books

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a deeply thought-provoking novel that delves into the concept of second chances and how our decisions shape our lives.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a remarkable book that blends indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge to examine our place in the natural world.

If you are looking for a captivating and insightful read, Sapiens: A Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari and David Vandermeulen is a must-read. This graphic adaptation of the highly acclaimed book "Sapiens" offers a fascinating exploration of the history of humankind.

Lastly, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a truly heartwarming book that celebrates the beauty of life, love, and friendship. The stunning illustrations will captivate readers of all ages. I highly recommend these books and hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

As the festive season approaches, may these recommendations bring joy to your holidays and as much holiday cheer as possible. Happy reading, watching, and listening! Wishing you a wonderful and enriching time.