Page Updated: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 8:16 AM ET
Christian Science Monitor - Entertainment
Joy to the world! Concocting Christmas cheer, over the years. -- From scavenging gifts for college roommates to mailing Christmas cheer to loved ones, sometimes the sweetest holiday memories are the simplest.
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Rob Reiner directed great comedies. He was also a voice for social justice. -- Director Rob Reiner's versatility spanned comedies such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride" to the courtroom drama "A Few Good Men."3 days ago
Holiday traditions that glow with meaning -- Forget commercialism and stress. Our correspondents share their traditions to tap into the true meaning of Christmas.3 days ago
The gift of no big gift: The year I thought Christmas would be ruined -- Christmas isn't just about what's under the tree. It's about sharing the joy of the season with loved ones.4 days ago
The history of snowmen isn't all 'jolly happy.' Here are the Frosty facts. -- A snowman scholar provides the backstory on snow figures through the ages.4 days ago
Exquisite indies help make 2025 a marquee year at the movies -- Monitor critic Peter Rainer turns the spotlight on the 10 movies that moved him over 2025. They include "Blue Moon," "The Ballad of Wallis Island," and "Train Dreams."6 days ago
More than I bargained for: My failed adventures in haggling -- From friendly negotiation to fierce haggling, there are those who love the art of bargaining. And then there are those who just plain stink at it.11 days ago
Rian Johnson Q&A: On faith, 'Knives Out,' and 'Sesame Street' spoofs -- For "Knives Out" series writer and director Rian Johnson, the third outing is not just a locked-room mystery, but an opportunity to examine religious faith.11 days ago
ESPN honors the legacy of broadcaster Stuart Scott in 'Boo-Yah' documentary -- Author Danyel Smith praises sportscaster Stuart Scott, the subject of an ESPN documentary. She says without him, broadcasting "wouldn't be as diverse, wouldn't be as eloquent, wouldn't be as full of energy."12 days ago
Australia now bans social media for teens under 16. Will other countries follow? -- As of Dec. 10, no one under 16 is allowed to access Instagram, TikTok, or other social media platforms. Other countries are mulling following Australia's lead.14 days ago
How a faith-based AI bot is helping one man rewrite retirement -- Some retirees are turning to AI chatbots, including those tailored to their specific faith tradition, for big questions such as the meaning of their life and finding purpose in retirement.17 days ago
'A celebration of working-class joy.' A director's ode to NYC's Christmas tree sellers. -- Director Celia Aniskovich's new documentary, "The Merchants of Joy," explores the tree-selling families that turn New York's streets into forests of firs at the holidays.17 days ago
'Becoming Thurgood': How Marshall became 'Mr. Civil Rights' and a Supreme Court icon -- A PBS documentary, "Becoming Thurgood," offers a look at the early life of the iconic civil rights lawyer and first Black Supreme Court justice.19 days ago
The good fortune of being Goodluck: How I came to cherish my name -- Names are often heavy with meaning about our heritage. From indifference to proud ownership, how one writer came to treasure his.20 days ago