Michelle Pfeiffer reveals her holiday favorites

Michelle Pfeiffer, renowned for her acting, found it challenging to embrace the Christmas spirit while filming a holiday movie during a scorching Atlanta summer. "When it's 110 degrees with 90 percent humidity, all you think about is why you chose that wool sweater and how to cool down before your brain explodes," she recalls, laughing about her experience on the set of Oh. What. Fun., now streaming on Prime Video.

On screen, the holiday mood is much brighter. Pfeiffer stars as Claire Clauster, a Texas mother dreaming of being recognized on her favorite daytime talk show. Her family, including her husband (Denis Leary) and grown children (Felicity Jones, Chlo Grace Moretz, and Dominic Sessa), forget to nominate her and accidentally leave her behind during a family outing to a holiday dance performance she organized. Feeling hurt, Claire sets off on a solo Christmas Eve road trip, leaving her family to manage on their own.

Pfeiffer reflects on the role of mothers during the holidays. "Many women, especially moms, know what its like to keep everything running smoothly, to prevent things from falling apart. We often dont acknowledge it; we just do it," she says. She notes the lack of Christmas films centered on women, explaining, "It's usually about men, which is strange. Moms are often the glue holding families together, yet their efforts go unrecognized."

Memories and Holiday Inspirations

Recalling her own childhood, Pfeiffer shares a cherished Christmas memory: "We didnt have much, but I remember my mom went out of her way to get me a doll I really wanted when I was about 4 or 5. Seeing her joy when I opened it left a lasting impression."

Regarding her holiday film history, Pfeiffer considers Batman Returns a Christmas movie, humorously calling Oh. What. Fun. her second. Her personal definition of a Christmas movie revolves around gratitude. "By the end of the holiday, you feel thankful for something, whether its gifts or the people in your life. That embodies the spirit of Christmas films," she explains.

Favorite Holiday Films and Traditions

When asked about her holiday favorites, Pfeiffer highlights Its a Wonderful Life and A Charlie Brown Christmas, along with nostalgic Claymation specials. She enjoys revisiting these classics, especially now that her children are grown.

Decorations and family traditions are also important. "My dad always refused a real treeit was expensive and messy. Now, the tree is central to the holiday, from decorating it together to enjoying eggnog and Christmas carols, and rediscovering ornaments that havent been seen in a year," Pfeiffer shares.

Reflections on Life and Family

As the year closes, Pfeiffer reflects on personal growth. "With age, you become more aware of lifes value, the people you lose, and how finite everything is. Im savoring time with friends and family and focusing on what truly matters. Living with that awareness is incredibly rewarding," she says.

Author: Olivia Parker