School of Public Policy Faculty Share Their Favorite Holiday Media, Traditions

Posted December 21, 2021

With the holiday season comes a unique set of experiences. Movies, songs, and traditions that only come around once a year recirculate as the days get shorter and the weather (occasionally) gets colder.

Faculty from the School of Public Policy shared their favorite holiday media and traditions, and some took the opportunity to weigh in on the age-old question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

What are your favorite holiday movies?

“Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause, and It's a Wonderful Life.” -Cassidy Sugimoto, Tom and Marie Patton School Chair

“A Charlie Brown Christmas and Love Actually.” -Chad Slieper, academic professional and director of the Law, Science, and Technology program

“It's a Wonderful Life, Die Hard, and Holiday Inn.” -Richard Barke, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies

“Scrooged (1988), Die Hard, and Scrooge (1970).” -Zak Taylor, professor and associate chair

What are your favorite holiday songs?

“'All I Want for Christmas Is You,’ ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,’ ‘Joy to the World,’ and ‘Baby, It's Cold Outside.’” -Zak Taylor

“’Still, Still, Still,’ ‘Sleigh Ride,’ ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.’” -Richard Barke

“’Silver Bells.’” -Chad Slieper

“All of them! I listen to Christmas music non-stop from Thanksgiving to New Year’s!” -Cassidy Sugimoto

What are your favorite holiday books?

“The Polar Express.” -Cassidy Sugimoto

“A Christmas Carol.” -Zak Taylor

“The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry. This is a scratch and sniff book I had as a child. A few years ago, I ran across a new copy at the bookstore and snapped it right up!” -Chad Slieper

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

“Ice skating!” -Cassidy Sugimoto

“On Christmas Eve night every year, we each open one present. Everything else waits until Christmas morning and is of course from Santa Claus!” -Chad Slieper

“Opening one gift (not from immediate family) at precisely 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.” -Richard Barke

“Any gathering of friends and family.” -Zak Taylor

The School of Public Policy wishes everyone a happy and safe winter break.