As families across the UK settle in for the festive season, a new contender has emerged for a permanent spot in the annual Christmas movie marathon. According to one of Britain's most prominent social media influencers, a recent Netflix release deserves to be ranked among the all-time greats.
Zoella's Festive Seal of Approval
Zoe Sugg, the pioneer influencer better known to millions as Zoella, has heaped praise on the 2024 animated film That Christmas. During her participation in the popular 'Vlogmas' tradition—where creators post daily vlogs throughout December—Sugg urged her followers to add the film to their essential holiday watchlist.
"This time last year, That Christmas came out on Netflix and that is up there with one of my favourite Christmas films now," the 35-year-old stated in a recent video. "It is gold." She went on to ask her audience for other new recommendations but admitted nothing else had captured her attention in the same way this year.
What Makes That Christmas Special?
The film, which is available to stream on Netflix, brings together considerable creative talent. It is directed by Simon Otto and co-written by the acclaimed Richard Curtis—the mind behind beloved British rom-coms—and writer Peter Souter.
The story is set in a small Suffolk town hit by a major snowstorm just before the holiday. It cleverly interweaves three heartwarming tales: Danny Williams, a shy new boy adjusting to his parents' separation; the Beccles twins, Sam and Charlie, who have very different personalities; and the unconventional local, Bernadette McNutt.
Sugg, who is famously passionate about Christmas, regularly re-watches classics like Elf, Home Alone, and The Holiday. Her endorsement suggests That Christmas has the rare charm and warmth to join that hallowed list of perennial favourites.
Viewers Share Their Own Festive Picks
In the comments of Sugg's video, fellow festive film enthusiasts were quick to share their own recommendations for top-tier Christmas viewing. Several viewers passionately advocated for the Netflix original Klaus, calling it "stunning", "gorgeous", and "underrated".
Other suggestions included the critically acclaimed The Holdovers, which one fan said had "instantly become a classic", and the Prime Video film Oh What Fun. The conversation highlights the enduring public appetite for new stories that capture the magic of the season, proving that while classics are cherished, there's always room for a new favourite to earn its place.
With the countdown to Christmas Day in full swing, That Christmas has received a powerful boost from a trusted voice in digital culture. For those curating their festive viewing, this Netflix animation may just be the golden ticket to a perfect cosy night in.
