With the end of another year, something in me always feels nostalgic, begging for a chance to walk down memory lane just one more time before the year ends. Maybe it’s because the college semester is ending or because all of the leaves have faded and dropped off the branches. Maybe it’s because the days are getting shorter, and somehow time seems to be moving faster. There is just something about this time of year that makes me want to slow down and reminisce.
When a wave of nostalgia hits, along comes its companion desire– comfort. There is something so comforting about thinking on the past and happy, childhood memories, that the past and comfort almost seem one and the same. Nostalgia is funny in that way; it leaves you with sense of longing for the “good old days,” but it also fills you with this warm feeling of gratitude for the fond memories you have to look back on.
While I am completely aware that my comfort foods, songs, movies, books, etc may be very different from yours, I find so much joy from going back and thinking on these things that I made a list to share. With that being said, here is my ultimate comfort list. I hope you can find some joy in taking a trip to the past with me xx…
Comfort Movies
- When Harry Met Sally— This is the ultimate comfort movie in my book. Following along on Harry and Sally’s journey from friends to lovers gets me every time. And there is just something extra special about movies set in New York, especially New York in the fall.
- You’ve Got Mail— Similar to “When Harry Met Sally,” this enemies to lovers movie is the perfect choice for a cozy night in. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan portray the most real parts of everyone, and by the end of the film, everyone is rooting them on.
- Forest Gump— Ok, so maybe I just really like movies with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. While this movie is sans Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks has the performance of his life in this classic film. I am a firm believer that no one should grow up without seeing this movie– it’s just not an option. “Forest Gump” is everything a movie should be- funny, caring, real, raw and relatable.
- The Parent Trap (1998)— On a lighter note, “The Parent Trap” is a feel good movie that no one can’t not enjoy. And there is just something so nostalgic about anything that Lindsay Lohan appears in.
- New in Town— I am aware this movie is not as mainstream as my first few choices on the list, but this is the epitome of a feel-good, comfort movie to watch on a cold, winter night. From the Midwestern backdrop to the characters that everyone can relate if they grew up in a small town, this movie will never age out.
Comfort Music
- Landslide- Fleetwood Mac— I’m starting off my list strong with this song. The lyrics in “Landslide” talk about the reality of growing up and how scary it can be. It’s relatable to everyone, which makes it timeless and beautiful.
- Anything Green Day– This might be a bit of a wild card, but my childhood was largely based on 90s and 2000s pop-rock/punk music, and Green Day was a staple. Who am I kidding, it still is. I have been listening to Green Day on repeat lately not only because the music is fantastic, but because it makes me remember my childhood and the songs I used to listen to with my dad and brother. Ah, the memories.
- Faithfully- Journey— I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I whole-heartedly believe that Journey’s Faithfully blows Don’t Stop Believin’ out of the water. Even though I was not even thought of by my parents in the 80s, I somehow feel such a nostalgic connection to 80s love ballads, and this song is first-rate.
- Piano Man– Billy Joel– It’s Billy Joel, enough said. But really, this is the first Billy Joel song I can remember listening to, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
- I Miss You- Blink 182— This is another song from my pop-punk childhood that I still love. I have vivid memories of hearing this song for the first time and being so confused by the lyrics, but still learning them all by heart. This was also another song my dad and I bonded over. In fact, we bonded over the fact that my mom hates this song and we could never understand why. From the whining of Tom Delonge’s voice to the creeping and rhythmic melody, there is something about this song that I will never get tired of.
My Favorite Comfort Book
I will be honest, whenever I am feeling nostalgic, my first instinct is not to go grab a book and read it cover to cover. But there is something very comforting to me about timeless novels that I know will never lose their magic. If I were to want to read a nostalgic and comforting book, it would be this one:
To Kill a Mockingbird– Harper Lee— If you know me, you know this is my favorite book of all time. The characters will never lose their charm, and the book will never lose its meaning.
Comfort Shows
- Gilmore Girls— I think nearly everyone would agree with me on this one. I will never tire of Lorelai’s quick wit and Rory’s passion for literature and coffee. Anyone who has seen this show can agree that Stars Hollow is the most homey fictional town, and all of the characters in the show make it seem like a real place. This is a show that, quite honestly, I will never stop watching.
- The Office— Even though I am a bigger Parks and Rec fan, “The Office” is another obvious choice for this list. Maybe it’s because “The Office” somehow is always on at my parents’ house, or because I have such good memories laughing at it with my family, but I can almost promise that I will never get tired of this comfort show.
- The Great British Baking Show—This show is just so wholesome. It’s almost as if this show was filmed in a little bubble where everything in the world is simple, and the worst thing that could happen is someone’s cake being under-done. This is the perfect show to watch after a stressful day or to have on in the background while you work on other things. I just love this show and the way it makes me feel!
