December has a way of asking a lot of people. So we asked ourselves a simpler question: what helps? From comfort shows and familiar songs to small indulgences and quiet habits, The Talon writers share what they’re reaching for this holiday season. No pressure, no resolutions, just things that make December a little easier.
When the year is too much, comfort becomes a strategy. For Laila Loureiro, that comfort lives in Gilmore Girls, with its fast dialogue and familiar rhythm, the kind of show that makes December feel less heavy. Henry Madsen finds the same relief in Home Alone, not because it makes sense, but because it feels warm and known. And when the goal is simply to laugh without effort, Alexia Garrison turns to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, short episodes and sharp humor doing exactly what they’re meant to do.
Some writers look for comfort in stories that slow time down. Mamá Borges rereads Pride and Prejudice, drawn to its quiet wit and emotional restraint, while Duda Lacerda returns to Little Women, a novel that feels gentle without ever feeling small. For Bia Cohn, comfort means watching The Sound of Music, a film that feels like stepping into a warm room. Violet Trajtenberg, on the other hand, chooses Singing in the Rain, a reminder that joy can be intentional.
Music also carries the month. Amanda Xavier plays Carousel by Laufey, letting its softness slow December down. Antonia Salgado turns up Tim Maia, because joy doesn’t need to whisper. Malu Zarlenga leans into the season with Happy Xmas by John Lennon.
And when the season invites generosity, the TALON writers point toward causes worth supporting: Casa Maria Helena, Rise Up Co, Fundação Dorina Nowill, Crescer Sempre, Comida Sem Mesa, and The Trevor Project.
Some writers find comfort in familiarity: stories they already know by heart. Nicolas Fiorini returns to Home Alone 2, a reminder that chaos can still feel festive. Martina Macedo reaches for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a movie that doesn’t ask much from its audience except to enjoy it. Mariana Georgetti finds the same ease in The Notebook, letting nostalgia do most of the work.
For Liz Strozenberg, comfort is layered. She revisits The Office, and listens to Mistletoe by Justin Bieber, Olivia Fleury balances romance and reflection with 27 Dresses, and How I Met Your Mother. Raquel Furlan chooses 13 Going on 30, a reminder that growing up doesn’t have to be rushed. Sebastian Nosenzo leans into Meet the Parents, where awkwardness becomes its own kind of comfort. Shresthi Pippal revisits 10 Things I Hate About You, while Sofia Giarolla turns to La La Land and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, drawn to stories that sit somewhere between reality and dream. Stephanie Nevermann unwinds with Emily in Paris and Me Before You.
For others, rest looks less like watching and more like doing. Victor Yi turns to drawing, creating something simply for the sake of it, with no pressure to be perfect. While Bella Mesquita bakes for her family. Luisa Ansanelli returns to Love Actually, letting its overlapping stories and familiar lines carry the season. Laura Palmeira finds comfort in The Princess Diaries, a movie that feels like a reminder that growing into yourself doesn’t have to be rushed. Joana Menezes turns to The White Lotus, choosing something slower and more observant.
Katheryne Nahus balances nostalgia and intensity with The Polar Express and Dexter, moving between childhood warmth and darker storytelling depending on the day. Isabel Scroffa revisits Just Go With It and the Harry Potter movies, drawn to stories that feel reliable and endlessly rewatchable.
Music becomes the anchor for others. Gabi Miranda listens to Somewhere Only We Know by Keane, a song that feels like a quiet pause in the middle of the month. Gisele Bao finds comfort in Pitch Perfect and O Holy Night from the Home Alone soundtrack, a mix of lightheartedness and tradition that defines the season. Cristiano Chehin turns to Milla, finding grounding in music that feels personal and steady. And sometimes, comfort is uncomplicated: Beatriz Marchi admits to eating unbaked cookie dough, no explanations required.
None of these picks will fix the year.
But together, they sketch how this group is getting through December.
And that feels like a good place to end, don’t you think?
