Whether baking for yourself or as a gift for family and friends, you may find that sometimes your oven can be your worst enemy when you're baking cookies.
To make your winter baking a breeze, Business Insider spoke with chefs to get their best tips and tricks for making holiday cookies.
The key is to rest the dough and let cookies set
Cookies should properly cool on a rack once they're baked.
Marie C Fields/Shuttershock
Michael Wallace, culinary director at Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces, told BI that home bakers need to allocate time to let the dough and finished treats sit.
"First thing I like to tell people is the importance of resting the dough," Wallace said. "I like to let it rest for at least two hours before baking."
"Next would be to allow the cookies to cool after baking for five minutes before transferring from the baking sheet," he said. "This allows the cookie to 'set up.'"
Wallace also said that unless you're using gluten-free flour, be cautious of overmixing your dough.
You should freeze your dough before bakingΒ
It's important to chill the dough when preparing holiday cookies.
"Scoop and freeze your dough before baking," Nally said. "Chilled dough is always best, but it's difficult to scoop when it's cold."
Adequate chilling time can vary depending on the dough you're using and the cookies you're trying to make, so do your research and allocate that waiting period ahead of baking.
Remember that less can be more
Take your time decorating each cookie.
June1967/Shuttershock
Nally added that it may be worth your time to focus on nailing one type of cookie rather than tackling a bunch of varieties at once.Β
"I'm also a fan of quality over quantity," Nally said. "I'd rather give people one or two or the same kind of cookie β or any pastry β and have them be really good than give them 10 subpar cookies."
If you've already made different batches of dough, you can always place them in the freezer to bake at a later date.
You can make different kinds of cookies using the same dough
Shortbread dough can be used to make all sorts of shapes.
Teri Virbickis/Shuttershock
Nally also recommends baking different cookie varieties with the same dough to keep things fresh.
"Try making multiple kinds of cookies with the same dough base, like a sugar or shortbread dough that can be turned into thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, rolled for cutouts, etc.," Nally said.Β
In addition to mixing up cookie shapes, you can also vary the way you decorate and plate your holiday treats.
Having good tools can sometimes make a difference
Baking equipment and other kitchen gadgets can come in handy.
Suzana Marinkovic/Shuttershock
As a chef myself, I'll share a few parting words.
Always be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out β particularly if it is sugar-cookie dough. It needs time to firm up so that cookie cutters are able to create the sharpest lines.
I'd also recommend purchasing a bench knife, which will help you slice dough, cut butter into flour, and more β having the right tools in the kitchen can make all the difference.
Other items I'd recommend you stock up on are different size cookie scoops, a small offset spatula, and a Silpat baking mat.
This story was originally published in December 2018 and most recently updated on December 19, 2024.
I taste-tested five hot-cocoa mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss and compared the results.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
To find the best store-bought hot cocoa, I tried prepackaged powders from five different brands.
I bought standard mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss.
Ghirardelli's hot cocoa was the best β it was rich and chocolaty.
There are a lot of hot-cocoa mixes at the grocery store, but which is the best?
To find out, I reviewed standard mixes from Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Land O'Lakes, Publix, and Swiss Miss. To keep things consistent, I made each with warm water instead of milk.
Here's a breakdown of how they compared, plus which store-bought hot cocoa I liked the best.Β
I first tried Publix's original hot-cocoa mix.
Publix's hot cocoa came in single-serve packets.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
This store-brand hot-cocoa mix had the simplest packaging, from the brown-and-white box to the plain single-serve bags.
The package featured instructions for preparing the hot cocoa using hot water and a microwave.
I had a small microwave mishap, but it didn't affect the hot cocoa's flavor.
The hot cocoa overflowed in the microwave.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
Per the package instructions, I mixed the contents of a singular pouch with 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of water in a mug and heated the drink in the microwave for a minute and a half.
I wasn't watching the mug closely, and the hot cocoa overflowed a few seconds before it was done warming up.
I waited for the hot cocoa to cool enough before trying it, but I thought it tasted very sweet and watery and lacked a strong chocolate flavor.
I tried Hershey's milk-chocolate-flavored mix, which has "real milk" as an ingredient.
The Hershey's hot-cocoa mix packaging looks like a chocolate bar.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
I imagined this hot cocoa would taste like a melted Hershey's chocolate bar, and I was lookingΒ forward to trying it.Β
Each single-serve packet had foil edges to resemble the iconic Hershey's bar wrapper, which I thought was a nice touch.Β
Although the hot cocoa didn't spill this time, its flavor was disappointing.
Hershey's hot-cocoa mix didn't dissolve as well as the others.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
I followed the package instructions and microwaved 3/4 cup of water for a minute. Then, I added the cocoa mix and stirred until it was fully dissolved. The water must not have been hot enough, though, because some powder pooled at the top.
Although Hershey's hot cocoa had a richer feel and smoother texture compared to Publix's, the flavor was unusual and hard to place.
It tasted slightly bitter and very artificial β definitely not like chocolate, Hershey's or otherwise.Β
I'm most familiar with Swiss Miss hot cocoa.
Swiss Miss hot cocoa says it makes a larger mug.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
I drank Swiss Miss growing up, so it's the brand I most associate with hot cocoa.
Although I'd usually go for the marshmallow variety, I picked up the milk-chocolate flavor for the sake of consistency in this taste test.
Swiss Miss' hot cocoa was frothy and made the largest cup.
Swiss Miss' hot cocoa had a nice, balanced taste.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
The other hot-cocoa mixes called for 3/4 cup water, but Swiss Miss' required a full cup, so I got felt like I got more bang for my buck. All of the powder quickly dissolved in the hot water without hassle.
Although the chocolate flavor wasn't strong, the taste was balanced β not too sweet or too milky. Despite not tasting the sweetest, it had the most added sugar of any brand I tried at 28 grams per serving.Β
This Ghirardelli's hot-cocoa mix is made with semisweet chocolate chips.
Ghirardelli's hot-cocoa packaging was the fanciest.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
The Ghirardelli hot-cocoa mix had the most polished packaging, which was a nice touch that suggested a more premium product and experience.
The instructions on the box included options for cooktop and microwave preparation but also offered a third recipe for "decadent hot chocolate," in which a square of Ghirardelli chocolate is added to the drink.
My first sip of the Ghirardelli hot cocoa was rich and chocolaty.
Ghirardelli's hot cocoa tasted delicious and decadent.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
I added the package contents to a mug with 3/4 cup of water and microwaved it for a minute.
The Ghirardelli hot cocoa definitely had the most intense chocolate flavor, which I appreciated. The drink's rich taste and texture felt gourmet, but it wasn't heavy enough that I couldn't finish the whole cup.
There was a depth of flavor and body to this hot cocoa that stood out above the others β it almost reminded me of drinking a bar of chocolate.
The last hot cocoa I tried was from Land O'Lakes.
Land O'Lakes offers a range of hot-cocoa flavors.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
This hot-cocoa mix was the only one I found sold as a single-serve packet, which is nice if you want to sample different flavors.
I also liked thatΒ Land O'Lakes had a range of fun flavors, like mint, raspberry, caramel, hazelnut, and Irish creme.
The packet offered instructions for preparing the cocoa as a hot or cold drink.
Land O'Lakes' hot cocoa had a creamy texture, but the strongest flavor didn't seem to be chocolate.
The Land O'Lakes hot cocoa was sweet, though I thought it had hints of caramel and vanilla.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
I followed the instructions for the warm alternative, pouring the mix into a mug and stirring in 3/4 cup of hot water.Β
Like the Hershey's hot cocoa, the Land O'Lakes mix didn't taste much like chocolate β it was sweet, with hints of caramel and vanilla. Despite not having the expected flavor, this hot cocoa was more enjoyable than some others because of its creamy texture that wasn't too watery.
Although these hot-cocoa mixes were inexpensive and easily accessible, they lacked the deep, chocolaty flavor I craved.
If you want a more chocolaty flavor, skip mixes and try making hot chocolate instead.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
As I conducted this taste test, it became clear that prepackaged hot cocoa wasn't the best option for a drink with a rich texture and deep chocolate flavor.
For these qualities, I'd recommend making hot chocolate, which is made with melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
Even so, Ghirardelli's hot cocoa was the clear winner of this taste test.
Ghirardelli's mix took the cake, and Swiss Miss' hot cocoa was the runner-up.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest
Ghirardelli's hot cocoa satisfied my desire for a rich, chocolaty drink, and its thicker texture made it taste more gourmet than the others.
My runner-up is Swiss MissΒ because of the nostalgia factor and theΒ balanced flavor β it wasn't too sweet nor so milky that the chocolate flavor disappeared.
This story was originally published on November 16, 2020, and most recently updated on December 17, 2024.
Many people in Japan like to eat fried chicken on Christmas.
A KFC in Japan was decked out in Christmas decor in 2016.
Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a more secular way than in other predominantly Christian countries.
It's considered a romantic day for couples, and many Japanese families treat themselves to what has become the traditional Christmas meal: a bucket of KFC fried chicken.
One Christmas tradition in Poland involves keeping a fish in your bathtub.
Holiday lights in Poland.
AP Images
Christmas in Poland is celebrated with gift-giving, church services, and fasting on Christmas Eve before a 12-dish feast, which usually features carp for good luck.Β
Most people simply buy a cut of fish from the market, but the old tradition was for the lady of the house to keep a live carp in the bathtub for a few days before preparing it for the Christmas meal.Β
Many people in Finland celebrate Christmas with a trip to the sauna.
Santa Claus is also a big tradition for Finnish children.
Lehtikuva/REUTERS
In Finland (and many other countries around the globe), St. Lucia Day on December 13 is one of the main events of the holiday season.
On this date, the eldest girl in each family sometimes dons a white robe and a crown of candles before serving her family buns, cookies, coffee, or mulled wine to kick off the holiday season.Β
On Christmas Eve, many Finnish families visit the sauna to relax or go to cemeteries to remember loved ones who have died before attending midnight mass.Β
For Christmas lunch, the traditional meal is a porridge containing a hidden almond β although it's likely that this originated in Sweden. Whoever finds the almond will have good luck for the rest of the year.
In the UK, stockings are hung from the end of beds and the monarch gives an annual speech.
The King or Queen of England gives an annual speech on Christmas Day.
Pool/Reuters
Rather than hanging Christmas stockings over the fireplace, families in the UK typically place them at the foot of their beds.
On Christmas Day, families break open crackers filled with small toys, jokes, and paper crowns β which are traditionally worn throughout the midday Christmas meal.Β
The reigning monarch gives an annual broadcast speech on Christmas Day, during which they discuss what the holiday means to them.Β
Christmas in Croatia can involve cleaning your shoes and avoiding Krampus.
Santa is sometimes called Djed Mraz in Croatia.
ANTONIO BRONIC/Reuters
Like many places around the world, some Croatian families celebrate Christmas with an Advent wreath made of straw or evergreen.
The wreath has four colored candles that symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
On the night of December 5, children in Croatia make sure to clean their boots and place them by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with treats. However, naughty kids might only receive a few twigs from the Christmas monster, Krampus.
Christmas Eve is typically celebrated with a light, seafood dinner in preparation for the heavier feast on Christmas Day, complete with roasted meats and poppyseed rolls.Β
People in Greece might keep a fire burning during Christmas to ward off holiday goblins.
The Night of Wishes festival is a common Greek Christmas tradition.
ALEXANDROS AVRAMIDIS/Reuters
Greece is primarily a Greek Orthodox nation, and in addition to attending midnight church services on Christmas, families might also keep their fires burning or sprinkle holy water from a basil-wrapped cross to ward off the "kallikantzaroi" β evil creatures that creep into homes through the chimney and cause mischief.
Around Christmas, many Greek cities also hold a festival called the Night of Wishes where people gather to make wishes and release paper lanterns into the sky.Β
Some holiday traditions in Greece also include making Christopsomo (Christmas bread) and decorating boats.
Christmas in Australia is often celebrated on the beach.
Christmas takes place during the summer in Australia.
AP Images
Since December is a summer month in the southern hemisphere, most of Australia is bathed in balmy temps during the holidays.
Accordingly, those in Australia frequently celebrate Christmas with a lunchtime barbecue on the beach. Friends and family gather to indulge in prawns, lobster, and sweets before playing a game of cricket or taking a dip.
In Argentina, some celebrate Christmas with fireworks.
Fireworks are part of both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve festivities in Buenos Aires.
Marcos Brindicci/REUTERS
In Argentina, many families put up their Christmas trees on December 8 β the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary β and decorate them with cotton balls to look like snow.Β
Fireworks are typically launched at midnight on Christmas Eve after a late dinner, and families with children also often light paper lanterns to send into the sky.
Some people continue the festivities and attend overnight parties, so Christmas Day is usually a more relaxed holiday in the country.Β
For many in Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January 7.
Some people in Ukraine celebrate Christmas with caroling.
VALENTYN OGIRENKO/Reuters
Like many Orthodox countries, Ukraine uses the Julian calendar for its church festivals. This means some individuals there celebrate Christmas on January 7 rather than December 25.
Whenever the festivities begin, it's traditional to delay eating Christmas dinner until the first star in the sky is spotted.
Caroling in the streets and Vertep, the Ukrainian puppet theater, are also common holiday traditions.
In the US, children leave cookies for Santa and hang their stockings on the fireplace.
Rockefeller Center in New York City puts up a huge Christmas tree every year.
Chris Hondros/Getty Images
Families in the USΒ often leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in the hopes that they wake up to presents under the tree and in their stockings, which are hung by the fireplace.
Many families also have Christmas dinner complete with ham or roast beef and eggnog.
Cities typically put up lights and other decorations, and it's common for families to do the same in front of their own houses.Β
In New York City, people who celebrate Christmas often look forward to traditions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes.Β
People in Spain often open presents on Epiphany.
The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6.
Shutterstock
Rather than unwrapping goodies on Christmas Day, most families in Spain open their presents on January 6, or Epiphany, which is the day that the three wise men are said to have brought gifts to the infant Jesus.
Many families in Spain decorate their houses with ornate nativity scenes and enjoy a seafood feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
There's also an annual Christmas lottery, called El Gordo ("The Big One"), which is the biggest of its kind. The grand event has roots tracing back to the 1800s.
The main celebration in Brazil typically takes place on Christmas Eve.
Fireworks are also a part of Christmas festivities in Brazil.
AP Images
Much of the holiday celebration in Brazil takes place on December 24, when families and friends will often get together for a party that includes ringing in Christmas at midnight.Β
The holiday feast, which is typically eaten on Christmas Eve, is usually packed with hearty portions of pork, ham, rice, nuts, and fruits.
A version of Secret Santa called "Amigo Secreto" is also popular for gift-giving.Β
Hanging giant paper lanterns is a common Christmas tradition in India.
Star-shaped paper lanterns are a popular Christmas decoration in India.
AP Images
Although Hinduism is the prominent religion in India, the country also has a large population of Christians β which means Christmas is still widely celebrated.Β
The holiday is usually observed by attending midnight mass and sharing a meal (and plenty of festive sweets) with family and neighbors.
Like many other festivals and holidays in the country, many towns and cities decorate for Christmas with plenty of lights, streamers, and flowers.Β
Families might also hang mango leaves, star-shaped paper lanterns, or nativity scenes outside their homes. Inside, some people even decorate mango or banana trees.
Instead of waking up to presents under the tree, many families in India pack up boxes of sweets on Christmas morning and take them to their neighbors and friends.Β
Father Frost visits Russian homes on New Yearβs Eve.
Father Frost visits Russian homes.
AP Images
In Russia, New Year's Eve is usually the day of celebration complete with a New Year tree and a visit from the Slavic character Father Frost, who leaves unwrapped presents for children.Β
In Latvia, you might have to read a poem before getting your presents.
Decorated Christmas trees may have originated in Latvia.
AP Images
One Latvian Christmas tradition involves reciting a poem, playing an instrument, or singing a song in exchange for receiving one of your presents.
Christmas markets that sell foods, drinks, and gifts are also popular in the country, and it claims to be the home of the first decorated Christmas tree.
One of the oldest recorded uses of an evergreen tree to celebrate Christmas dates back to the year 1510 in Riga, the country's capital, though it's hard to know if it was indeed the first use of the tradition.
Christmas in Kenya is all about connecting with family.
It's common for Kenyans to attend a Christmas Eve vigil.
THOMAS MUKOYA/Reuters
In Kenya, families often see family for Christmas. Many attend midnight Christmas vigils and indulge in a big meal that often includes goat, sheep, and rice.
Instead of evergreen trees, those in Kenya sometimes decorate cypress treesΒ or local evergreen trees with lights and ornaments.Β
Christmas in Pakistan is a religious celebration filled with family activities.
Many Pakistani Christians attend a candlelight service ahead of Christmas.
AP Images
Though Pakistan is a predominantly Islamic country, Christians often celebrate Christmas by caroling with family and friends or setting up a Nativity scene in their homes and churches.
On Christmas Day, some families attend Bara Din celebrations at church. This festive event calls for spending time with family and feasting on delicious food.
Caroling is a big part of Christmas in many parts of Romania.
Children perform a holiday season ritual in Bucharest, Romania.
AP Images
Children carol house to house in Romania, receiving traditional sweets and cakes in return for their efforts.
In some parts of the country, it's also traditional for one person to dress up as a goat with a colorful mask and cause mischief among the carolers. However, in other parts, a similar tradition exists but with one caroler dressing up as a bear.Β
On Christmas Eve, many families start decorating their trees and hanging mistletoe in their houses for good luck.Β
Decorations and festive markets are popular in Germany around Christmastime.
Christmas markets are also popular in Germany.
irakite/Getty Images
In Germany, preparing for Christmas often includes strolling through markets while sipping mulled wine.Β
Families also decorate their trees with angel ornaments and light candles in their windows.Β
A few traditional holiday desserts include stollen, a cake filled with dried fruit and sprinkled with powdered sugar, and lebkuchen, a large spiced cookie that often features a message written in frosting.Β
In France, Christmas markets are a popular places to shop.
People stroll through a Christmas market in Paris.
AP Images
Christmas in France usually involves strolling through festive markets and cutting into a lavishly decorated bΓ»che de NoΓ«l cake.
An actual Yule log is also often burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve after being sprinkled with red wine to make it smell even nicer.
Keep reading for the RIAA's complete list of diamond-certified songs, in chronological order of certification date.
1. "Something About The Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind" by Elton John
The song was released in 1997.
Elton John/YouTube
"Something About the Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind" became the first-ever song to be certified diamond on October 9, 1997.
In fact, the RIAA recognized the song's multi-platinum success two years before the diamond award was officially established. It remains the only physical single in history to be certified diamond and the highest-certified song released in the '90s.
2. "Baby" by Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
"Baby" was released in 2010.
Justin Bieber/YouTube
"Baby" was certified diamond on May 9, 2013.
3. "Not Afraid" by Eminem
"Not Afraid" was released in 2010 as the lead single for "Recovery."
Eminem/YouTube
"Not Afraid" was certified diamond on June 10, 2014.
4. "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance" was released in 2009.
Lady Gaga/YouTube
"Bad Romance" was certified diamond on May 29, 2015.
5. "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons
"Radioactive" was released in 2012.
Imagine Dragons/YouTube
"Radioactive" was certified diamond on July 6, 2015.
6. "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
"Thrift Shop" was released in 2012.
Macklemore/YouTube
"Thrift Shop" was certified diamond on November 19, 2015.
7. "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
"Poker Face" was released in 2008.
Lady Gaga/YouTube
"Poker Face" was certified diamond on November 30, 2015.
8. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
"Call Me Maybe" was released in 2011.
Carly Rae Jepsen/YouTube
"Call Me Maybe" was certified diamond on September 28, 2016.
9. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
"Uptown Funk" was released in 2014.
Mark Ronson/YouTube
"Uptown Funk" was certified diamond on October 18, 2016.
10. "Roar" by Katy Perry
"Roar" was released in 2013.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"Roar" was certified diamond on June 22, 2017.
11. "Royals" by Lorde
"Royals" was originally released for free on SoundCloud in 2012.
Lorde/YouTube
"Royals" was certified diamond on December 8, 2017.
12. "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor
"All About That Bass" was released in 2014.
Meghan Trainor/YouTube
"All About That Bass" was certified diamond on January 23, 2018.
13. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
"Despacito" was released in 2017. The Justin Bieber remix was released three months later.
Luis Fonsi/YouTube
"Despacito" was certified diamond on January 27, 2018.
14. "Firework" by Katy Perry
"Firework" was released in 2010.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"Firework" was certified diamond on February 13, 2018.
15. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
"Lose Yourself" was released in 2002 for the soundtrack of his film "8 Mile."
Eminem/YouTube
"Lose Yourself" was certified diamond on February 28, 2018.
16. "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna
"Love the Way You Lie" was released in 2010.
Eminem/YouTube
"Love the Way You Lie" was certified diamond on February 28, 2018.
17. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.
"Blurred Lines" was released in 2013.
Robin Thicke/YouTube
"Blurred Lines" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.
18. "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
"I Gotta Feeling" was released in 2009.
Black Eyed Peas/YouTube
"I Gotta Feeling" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.
19. "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock
"Party Rock Anthem" was released in 2011.
LMFAO/YouTube
"Party Rock Anthem" was certified diamond on June 6, 2018.
20. "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic
"Counting Stars" was released in 2013.
OneRepublic/YouTube
"Counting Stars" was certified diamond on August 20, 2018.
21. "Closer" by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
"Closer" was released in 2016.
The Chainsmokers/YouTube
"Closer" was certified diamond on September 17, 2018.
22. "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
"Cruise" was released in 2012.
Florida Georgia Line/YouTube
"Cruise" was certified diamond on October 10, 2018.
23. "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry featuring Juicy J
"Dark Horse" was released in 2013.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"Dark Horse" was certified diamond on December 12, 2018.
24. "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
"Just the Way You Are" was released in 2010.
Bruno Mars/YouTube
"Just the Way You Are" was certified diamond on January 11, 2019.
25. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
"Shape of You" was released in 2017.
Ed Sheeran/YouTube
"Shape of You" was certified diamond on January 24, 2019.
26. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
"Thinking Out Loud" was released in 2014.
Ed Sheeran/YouTube
"Thinking Out Loud" was certified diamond on February 8, 2019.
27. "We Are Young" by Fun. featuring Janelle MonΓ‘e
"We Are Young" was released in 2011.
Fueled By Ramen/YouTube
"We Are Young" was certified diamond on June 13, 2019.
28. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
"I'm Yours" was originally released as a demo in 2005 and officially in 2008.
Jason Mraz/YouTube
"I'm Yours" was certified diamond on June 24, 2019.
29. "The Hills" by The Weeknd
"The Hills" was released in 2015.
The Weeknd/YouTube
"The Hills" was certified diamond on June 28, 2019.
30. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
"See You Again" was released in 2015 for the soundtrack of "Furious 7."
Wiz Khalifa/YouTube
"See You Again" was certified diamond on September 24, 2019.
31. "God's Plan" by Drake
"God's Plan" was released in 2018.
Drake/YouTube
"God's Plan" was certified diamond on September 25, 2019.
32. "Congratulations" by Post Malone featuring Quavo
"Congratulations" was released in 2016.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Congratulations" was certified diamond on October 8, 2019.
33. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
"Trap Queen" was certified diamond on November 8, 2019.
35. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
"Perfect" was released in 2017.
Ed Sheeran/YouTube
"Perfect" was certified diamond on December 20, 2019.
36. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
"Shake It Off" was released in 2014.
Taylor Swift/YouTube
"Shake It Off" was certified diamond on March 13, 2020, making Swift the first female artist in US history to have both a diamond-certified single and album (2008's "Fearless").
37. "Happy" by Pharrell
"Happy" was released in 2013.
Pharrell/YouTube
"Happy" was certified diamond on May 6, 2020.
38. "Meant to Be" by Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
"Meant to Be" was released in 2017.
Bebe Rexha/YouTube
"Meant to Be" was certified diamond on August 17, 2020.
39. "Grenade" by Bruno Mars
"Grenade" was released in 2010.
Bruno Mars/YouTube
"Grenade" was certified diamond on October 2, 2020.
40. "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People
"Pumped Up Kicks" was released in 2010.
FosterThePeople/YouTube
"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People was certified diamond on October 13, 2020.
41. "All of Me" by John Legend
"All of Me" was released in 2013
John Legend/YouTube
"All of Me" was certified diamond on October 13, 2020.
42. "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong
Pinkfong's "Baby Shark" was uploaded to YouTube in 2015.
Pinkfong! Kids' Songs & Stories/YouTube
"Baby Shark" was certified diamond on November 5, 2020.
43. "Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
"Rockstar" was released in 2017.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Rockstar" was certified diamond on November 9, 2020.
44. "Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" by Post Malone and Swae Lee
"Sunflower" was released in 2018.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" was certified diamond on November 9, 2020.
45. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
"Stay With Me" was released in 2014.
Sam Smith/YouTube
"Stay With Me" was certified diamond on November 12, 2020.
46. "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus
"Party in the U.S.A." was released in 2009.
HollywoodRecordsVevo/YouTube
"Party in the U.S.A." was certified diamond on December 7, 2020.
47. "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott featuring Drake
"Sicko Mode" was released in 2018.
Travis Scott/YouTube
"Sicko Mode" was certified diamond on December 9, 2020.
48. "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B
"Bodak Yellow" was released in 2017.
Cardi B/YouTube
"Bodak Yellow" was certified diamond on March 8, 2021, making Cardi B the first female rapper in historyΒ to have a diamond-certified single.
49. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
"Bohemian Rhapsody" was released in 1975.
Queen/YouTube
"Bohemian Rhapsody" was certified diamond on March 25, 2021.
50. "Sorry" by Justin Bieber
"Sorry" was released in 2015.
Justin Bieber/YouTube
"Sorry" was certified diamond on March 29, 2021.
51. "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train
"Hey, Soul Sister" was released in 2009.
Train/YouTube
"Hey, Soul Sister" was certified diamond on April 7, 2021.
52. "Low" by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
"Low" was released in 2007.
Flo Rida/YouTube
"Low" was certified diamond on April 22, 2021.
53. "Stressed Out" by Twenty One Pilots
"Stressed Out" was released in 2015.
Fueled By Ramen/YouTube
"Stressed Out" was certified diamond on April 30, 2021.
54. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra
"Somebody That I Used to Know" was released in 2011.
gotyemusic/YouTube
"Somebody That I Used to Know" was certified diamond on May 6, 2021.
55. "That's What I Like" by Bruno Mars
"That's What I Like" was released as a single in 2017.
Bruno Mars/YouTube
"That's What I Like" was certified diamond on May 21, 2021.
56. "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
"When I Was Your Man" was released as a single in 2013.
"Without Me" was certified diamond on February 1, 2023.
101. "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur
"Say You Won't Let Go" was released in 2016.
James Arthur/YouTube
"Say You Won't Let Go" was certified diamond on February 15, 2023.
102. "Earned It" by The Weeknd
"Earned It" was released in 2014.
The Weeknd/YouTube
"Earned It" was certified diamond on February 16, 2023.
Although it was released as the lead single from the "Fifty Shades of Grey" film soundtrack, "Earned It" was also included on The Weeknd's sophomore studio album "Beauty Behind the Madness" β the first album in history to have three diamond-certified songs on its tracklist.
103. "Take Me to Church" by Hozier
"Take Me to Church" was released in 2013.
Hozier/YouTube
"Take Me to Church" was certified diamond on March 15, 2023.
104. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
"Just Dance" was released in 2008.
Lady Gaga/YouTube
"Just Dance" was certified diamond on April 12, 2023.
105. "Need You Now" by Lady A
"Need You Now" was released in 2009.
Lady A/YouTube
"Need You Now" was certified diamond on April 17, 2023.
106. "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood
"Sweater Weather" was released in 2012.
The Neighbourhood/YouTube
"Sweater Weather" was certified diamond on April 19, 2023.
107. "Better Now" by Post Malone
"Better Now" was released in 2018.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Better Now" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.
108. "I Fall Apart" by Post Malone
"I Fall Apart" was released in 2017.
Post Malone/YouTube
"I Fall Apart" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.
109. "Circles" by Post Malone
"Circles" was released in 2019.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Circles" was certified diamond on April 20, 2023.
110. "We Found Love" by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
"We Found Love" was released in 2011.
Rihanna/YouTube
"We Found Love" was certified diamond on April 27, 2023.
111. "Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs
"Beautiful Crazy" was released in 2018.
Luke Combs/YouTube
"Beautiful Crazy" was certified diamond on June 12, 2023.
112. "Ni**as in Paris" by Jay-Z and Kanye West
"Ni**as In Paris" was released in 2011.
Kanye West/YouTube
"Ni**as in Paris" was certified diamond on June 12, 2023.
113. "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
"Wake Me Up" was released in 2013.
Avicii/YouTube
"Wake Me Up" was certified diamond on June 16, 2023.
114. "Fuck Love" by XXXTentacion featuring Trippie Redd
"Fuck Love" was released in 2017.
Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
"Fuck Love" was certified diamond on June 18, 2023.
115. "California Gurls" by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
"California Gurls" was released in 2010.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"California Gurls" was certified diamond on June 21, 2023.
116. "Stay" by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
"Stay" was released in 2021.
The Kid LAROI/YouTube
"Stay" was certified diamond on June 23, 2023.
The hit collaboration marks Bieber's fourth diamond single, tying Perry for fifth place among all artists.
117. "No Hands" by Waka Flocka Flame featuring Wale and Roscoe Dash
"No Hands" was released in 2010.
Waka Flocka/YouTube
"No Hands" was certified diamond on July 20, 2023.
118. "Riptide" by Vance Joy
"Riptide" was released in 2013.
Vance Joy/YouTube
"Riptide" was certified diamond on July 27, 2023.
119. "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
"Bad Guy" was released in 2019.
Billie Eilish/YouTube
"Bad Guy" was certified diamond on July 31, 2023.
120. "Body Like a Back Road" by Sam Hunt
"Body Like a Back Road" was released in 2017.
Sam Hunt/YouTube
"Body Like a Back Road" was certified diamond on August 1, 2023.
121. "In da Club" by 50 Cent
"In da Club" was released in 2003.
50 Cent/YouTube
"In da Club" was certified diamond on November 1, 2023.
122. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa
"Levitating" was released in 2020.
Dua Lipa/YouTube
"Levitating" was certified diamond on November 6, 2023.
123. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
"Someone You Loved" was released in 2018.
Lewis Capaldi/YouTube
"Someone You Loved" was certified diamond on November 8, 2023.
124. "Young Dumb & Broke" by Khalid
"Young Dumb & Broke" was released in 2017.
Khalid/YouTube
"Young Dumb & Broke" was certified diamond on December 6, 2023.
125. "Heaven" by Kane Brown
"Heaven" was released in 2017.
Kane Brown/YouTube
"Heaven" was certified diamond on December 7, 2023.
126. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
"Mr. Brightside" was released in 2004.
The Killers/YouTube
"Mr. Brightside" was certified diamond on January 12, 2024.
127. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
"Don't Stop Believin'" was released in 1981.
Paul Natkin/Getty Images
"Don't Stop Believin'" was certified diamond on January 26, 2024.
128. "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris
"Yeah!" was released in 2004.
Usher/YouTube
"Yeah!" was certified diamond on February 9, 2024.
129. "In The End" by Linkin Park
"In The End" was released in 2000.
Linkin Park/YouTube
"In The End" was certified diamond on February 27, 2024.
130. "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young
"In Case You Didn't Know" was released in 2017.
Brett Young/YouTube
"In Case You Didn't Know" was certified diamond on March 19, 2024.
131. "Diamonds" by Rihanna
"Diamonds" was released in 2012.
Rihanna/YouTube
"Diamonds" was certified diamond on April 22, 2024.
132. "Wow." by Post Malone
"Wow." was released in 2018.
Post Malone/YouTube
"Wow." was certified diamond on April 23, 2024, becoming Post Malone's ninth diamond single.
"Let It Go" was certified diamond on May 13, 2024.
134. "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj
"Bang Bang" was released in 2014.
Jessie J/YouTube
"Bang Bang" was certified diamond on May 23, 2024.
135. "Needed Me" by Rihanna
"Needed Me" was released in 2016.
Rihanna/YouTube
"Needed Me" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024.
136. "Work" by Rihanna
"Work" was released in 2016.
Rihanna/YouTube
"Work" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024. The song was originally released with a Drake feature, but he is not credited for the certification on the RIAA's website.
137. "Umbrella" by Rihanna
"Umbrella" was released in 2007.
Rihanna/YouTube
"Umbrella" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024.
138. "Stay" by Rihanna
"Stay" was released in 2012.
Rihanna/YouTube
"Stay" was certified diamond on May 31, 2024, becoming Rihanna's seventh diamond single.
She holds the record among female artists, second only to Post Malone for the all-time record β despite her last album being released over eight years ago.
Rihanna reacted to the historic news on X, writing, "ain't no back n forth."
139. "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer
"Give Me Everything" was released in 2011.
Pitbull/YouTube
"Give Me Everything" was certified diamond on June 6, 2024.
140. "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals
"Heat Waves" was released in 2020.
Glass Animals/YouTube
"Heat Waves" was certified diamond on June 6, 2024.
141. "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd
"Save Your Tears" was released in 2020.
The Weeknd/YouTube
"Save Your Tears" was certified diamond on June 20, 2024.
142. "Die For You" by The Weeknd
"Die For You" was released as a single in 2017.
The Weeknd/YouTube
"Die For You" was certified diamond on June 20, 2024, becoming The Weeknd's seventh diamond single.
He is now tied with Rihanna for the second-most in history β trailing only Post Malone, who holds the record with nine.
143. "Drowning" by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie featuring Kodak Black
"Drowning" was released in 2017.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie/YouTube
"Drowning" was certified diamond on June 25, 2024.
144. "E.T." by Katy Perry
"E.T." was released as a single in 2011.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"E.T." was certified diamond on July 1, 2024.
145. "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry
"Teenage Dream" was released in 2010.
Katy Perry/YouTube
"Teenage Dream" was certified diamond on July 1, 2024, becoming Katy Perry's sixth diamond single.
She is now tied with Bruno Mars for the third-most in history.
"Teenage Dream" was released as a single from Perry's 2010 album of the same name, along with "Firework," "California Gurls," and "E.T" β the first and only album to have four diamond-certified songs on its tracklist.
146. "Chandelier" by Sia
"Chandelier" was released in 2014.
Sia/YouTube
"Chandelier" was certified diamond on July 3, 2024.
147. "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
"Thunderstruck" was released in 1990.
AC/DC/YouTube
"Thunderstruck" was certified diamond on July 8, 2024.
148. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
"Livin' on a Prayer" was released in 1986.
Bon Jovi/YouTube
"Livin' on a Prayer" was certified diamond on July 23, 2024.
149. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
"Empire State of Mind" was released in 2009.
Jay-Z/YouTube
"Empire State of Mind" was certified diamond on July 24, 2024.
150. "Middle Child" by J. Cole
"Middle Child" was released in 2019.
J. Cole/YouTube
"Middle Child" was certified diamond on July 24, 2024.
151. "When It Rains It Pours" by Luke Combs
"When It Rains It Pours" was released in 2017.
Luke Combs/YouTube
"When It Rains It Pours" was certified diamond on August 14, 2024.
152. "Hurricane" by Luke Combs
"Hurricane" was released in 2016.
Luke Combs/YouTube
"Hurricane" was certified diamond on August 14, 2024.
153. "No One" by Alicia Keys
"No One" was released in 2007.
Alicia Keys/YouTube
"No One" was certified diamond on August 16, 2024.
154. "Happier" by Marshmello featuring Bastille
"Happier" was released in 2018.
Marshmello/YouTube
"Happier" was certified diamond on August 19, 2024.
155. "Goosebumps" by Travis Scott
"Goosebumps" was released in 2016.
Travis Scott/YouTube
"Goosebumps" was certified diamond on August 28, 2024.
156. "No Guidance" by Chris Brown featuring Drake
"No Guidance" was released in 2019.
Chris Brown/YouTube
"No Guidance" was certified diamond on November 12, 2024, becoming Drake's sixth diamond-certified song.
He's tied with Bruno Mars and Katy Perry for the third-most in history, trailing The Weeknd (seven), Rihanna (seven), and Post Malone (nine).
157. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
"Iris" was released in 1998.
Goo Goo Dolls/YouTube
"Iris" was certified diamond on November 15, 2024.
158. "Starships" by Nicki Minaj
"Starships" was released in 2012.
Nicki Minaj/YouTube
"Starships" was certified diamond on November 18, 2024.
159. "Lovely" by Billie Eilish and Khalid
"Lovely" was released in 2018.
Billie Eilish/YouTube
"Lovely" was certified diamond on November 18, 2024.
160. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was released in 1991.
Nirvana/YouTube
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was certified diamond on December 6, 2024.
161. "No Role Modelz" by J. Cole
"No Role Modelz" was released in 2014.
Mark Horton/WireImage
"No Role Modelz" was certified diamond on December 10, 2024.
162. "Hey Ya!" by Outkast
"Hey Ya!" was released in 2003.
Outkast/YouTube
"Hey Ya!" was certified diamond on December 13, 2024.
In the film, single women Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) switch homes over the holidays. Many of the movie's actors are still working, though Eli Wallach, who played Arthur Abbott, died in 2014. Diaz, who announced in 2014 that she was retiring from acting after a lengthy career in film and television, will soon return to the big screen in the coming Netflix movie "Back in Action," costarring Jamie Foxx.Β
"The Holiday" has become a classic since its 2006 release, grossing more than $205 million worldwide, despite a modest opening of just over $12 million compared to its $85 million budget, Box Office Mojo reported.
Here's what the cast of "The Holiday" is up to today.
Kate Winslet played Iris, a woman who decides to spend the holidays in Los Angeles after her ex-boyfriend announces he's engaged to another woman.
Kate Winslet in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
After receiving the heartbreaking news, Iris is depressed and distraught. However, after getting a request from Los Angeles movie trailer executive Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, to switch homes for the holidays, everything starts to look up for Iris.Β
While in Los Angeles, she befriends an elderly neighbor who wrote for many old Hollywood movies and gains self-confidence. She also meets a film score writer, played by Jack Black. Their adorable friendship turns romantic at the end of the movie.
Kate Winslet is still one of the most famous actresses in the world.
Kate Winslet in July 2022.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
After "The Holiday," Winslet starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "Revolutionary Road," for which she won a Golden Globe award for best actress in a leading role. She also won an Academy Award for best actress in a leading role for "The Reader" in 2009.
More recently, Winslet starred alongside "Little Women" star Saoirse Ronan in "Ammonite," a period drama released in 2020, and multiple television series, including "Lee." Winslet also received an Emmy Award in 2021 for her role on HBO's "Mare of Easttown."
Winslet also starred in "Avatar: The Way of Water," the highly anticipated sequel to James Cameron's "Avatar," which was released in 2022.
Cameron Diaz plays Amanda, a workaholic Los Angeles movie executive who is emotionally stunted after her parents' divorce.
Cameron Diaz in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
After breaking up with her unfaithful boyfriend and switching homes with Iris for the holidays, Amanda enters a whirlwind romance with Iris' brother, Graham. They fall head over heels for each other but recognize their relationship will be complicated if they're living on opposite sides of the world.Β
Amanda leaves to go back to Los Angeles but finds herselfΒ crying over the idea of leaving Graham. In the end, they decide they'll try to make it work.
Cameron Diaz went on to star in movies like "The Other Woman" and "Bad Teacher."
Cameron Diaz in September 2022.
Todd Owyoung/NBC/Getty Images
In addition to her decades-long acting career, Cameron Diaz has also worked as a producer and an author. The star announced her retirement from acting in 2014.Β
"I got a peace in my soul, because I finally was taking care of myself," Diaz told Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast in August 2020. "It's a strange thing to say; I know a lot of people won't understand it; I know you understand it, but it's so intense to work at that level and be that public and put yourself out there."
Diaz and her husband, Benji Madden, announced the birth of their first child, Raddix, in 2019.
After an eight-year hiatus from Hollywood, Diaz returned to acting to star alongside Jamie Foxx in the upcoming Netflix movie "Back in Action."
Jude Law plays Graham, Iris' older brother and Amanda's love interest.
Jude Law in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
Graham is a widower and explains that he never introduces anyone to his two children, or even tells the women he sees that they exist. He prefers to be seen as a young, single guy with no attachments or complications.
However, this changes when he meets Amanda and they fall in love.
Jude Law is known for his performances in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Cold Mountain."
Jude Law in 2020.
MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images
Law also co-starredΒ with Robert Downey Jr. in the Sherlock Holmes films and Keira Knightley in "Anna Karenina."
In 2016, Law starred in the title role in HBO's "The Young Pope." The actor has also played prominent roles in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" and "Captain Marvel."
His most recent acting credits include appearing again as Albus Dumbledore in "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" and as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan & Wendy."
Jack Black plays Miles, a funny and down-to-earth film score writer who befriends Iris and Arthur, her elderly neighbor.
Jack Black in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
Miles is originally introduced as one of Amanda's ex-boyfriend's friends and his friendship with Iris grows throughout the movie. They connect by watching old Hollywood movies, many of which were written by Arthur.
Their friendship turns romantic after they decide to help prepare Arthur for an event in his honor. Miles breaks up with his actress girlfriend Maggie, who has said she's been filming on location but has instead been cheating on him. In the end, Miles asks Iris if she will be his date on New Year's Eve and she says yes.
Jack Black is still working as an actor and musician.
Jack Black in November 2022.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
After "The Holiday," Black starred in films like "Tropic Thunder," "Gulliver's Travels," and "Goosebumps." He also held starring roles in the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise and in the two most recent "Jumanji" movies.Β
In 2018, Black was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Most recently, he starred as Satan in the 2024 holiday comedy "Dear Santa" and reprised his role as Po in "Kung Fu Panda 4." He also voiced the role of Bowser in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
In addition to his acting career, Black is the lead singer of the band "Tenacious D." The band, which formed 30 years ago, continues to tour, although their 2024 tour was cut short in light of a comment Black's bandmate, Kyle Gass, made about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July. Gass apologized for the remark, and Black told Variety in August, "We'll be back."
He also runs the YouTube channel Jablinski Games.
Eli Wallach played Arthur Abbott, a legendary Hollywood screenwriter.
Eli Wallach in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
After befriending his new next-door neighbor Iris and Miles, he attends an event celebrating his achievements in the film industry.Β
Eli Wallach passed away in 2014 at the age of 98.
Eli Wallach attends the premiere of "The Holiday" in 2006.
E. Charbonneau/WireImage/Getty Images
Wallach's prolific acting career spanned more than six decades, with his most notable film appearances including roles in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "The Godfather: Part III," "How to Steal a Million," and "The Misfits," which is most commonly known as Marilyn Monroe's last completed film.
"The Holiday" was one of Wallach's final film appearances.
Rufus Sewell plays Jasper, Iris' ex-boyfriend.
Rufus Sewell in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
After leading Iris on for years, Jasper gets engaged and announces it in front of his and Iris' entire office at a Christmas party. Iris tells Jasper she is going on holiday to get over him.
However, instead of leaving her alone, Jasper asks Iris for notes on his manuscript while she's on vacation. He also shows up in Los Angeles unannounced to tell Iris he's afraid of losing her but is still engaged. Finally, Iris breaks it off.
The British actor continues to star in movies and TV shows, including Netflix's "The Diplomat."
Rufus Sewell in 2019.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
Sewell has appeared in "The Man in the High Castle" and "Victoria," and he guest-starred in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" as a stubborn but genius artist.
His most recent acting credits include roles in "Kaleidoscope" and "The Trouble with Jessica," and he stars alongside Keri Russell in Netflix's "The Diplomat," which is in its second season.
Edward Burns plays the small role of Amanda's ex-boyfriend, Ethan.
Edward Burns in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
After a rip-roaring fight in one of the first scenes of the movie, Ethan tells Amanda he has cheated on her with his secretary but blames it on the fact that he doesn't feel connected to Amanda. He also points out that she doesn't "even shed a tear" during their breakup.Β
Edward Burns is also known for his roles in "27 Dresses," "Newlyweds," and "Friends with Kids."
Edward Burns in 2019.
James Devaney/GC Images/Getty Images
In recent years, Burns has directed and produced several of the projects he's acted in, including "27 Dresses," "Public Morals," "Summertime," "Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies," and "Bridge and Tunnel."Β
He is married to model Christy Turlington β they wed in 2003. They have two children, Grace and Finn.
Shannyn Sossamon plays Maggie, Miles' actress girlfriend.
Shannyn Sossamon in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
Not much about Maggie is known other than the fact she's beautiful, likes to talk on the phone while Miles is listening to classical music in the car, and she cheats on him while pretending to be acting on location.
In the end, Maggie tries to win Miles back, but they break up.
Shannyn Sossamon is still a working actress.
Shannyn Sossamon in 2019.
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Her most recent television credits included roles in "Mistresses," "Wayward Pines," and "Sleepy Hollow." She's also acted in several indie movies.
As of 2020, Sossamon was working on a project called "The Maude Room," a short-form variety show that she described as "a little picture show theater."
"What I wanted to do is to create a space that's like film school in a way. I'm doing mostly everything myself, holding the camera and doing all the post [production], and I'm loving it," she told Refinery 29 in September 2020.
However, the project has yet to be released.
Miffy Englefield played Graham's eldest daughter, Sophie.
Miffy Englefield in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
Sophie appeared in adorable scenes alongside her younger sister, Olivia.
Englefield, 6, was living with her dad when filming started and had only recently become permanently housed after being homeless, the actor told Vulture in 2020.
Englefield hasn't acted in anything since her early teens.
Miffy Englefield in 2021.
Miffy Englefield/@miffz_/Instagram
According to her Instagram page, Englefield, now 25, lives in West Sussex, England. In April 2020, she welcomed her first child.Β
"She has the largest and most loving family with the most ridiculous mix of beautiful people around her," she wrote in an Instagram post at the time. The former actor's account has since been set private. "We cannot wait for you all to meet her once the world begins to return to a more normal state."
Englefield, who now has dark hair and tattoos, said in a 2019 Instagram story that she struggled to find acting gigs because of her new look, People reported.
"As an adult, I've found that casting directors aren't overly seeking people who 'look like me' to play roles, even though body modifications aren't rare these days and are the most common they have ever been," she said.
Englefield has also shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to work on "The Holiday" on her TikTok page.
In a 2022 TikTok video, she answered frequently asked questions about starring in the film and said she hasn't stayed in touch with any of her costars, but that "they were all so lovely."
Emma Pritchard played Olivia, Graham's youngest daughter.
Emma Pritchard in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
One of Pritchard's character's most notable scenes is the one where she and Sophie beg their father to "do Mr. Napkin Head." Graham hilariously places a napkin and his glasses over his face, much to the delight of his daughters and Amanda.
Pritchard, seen in another moment from the film, has not appeared in any projects since "The Holiday."
Emma Pritchard in "The Holiday."
Columbia Pictures
Pritchard has kept a low profile and does not have any public social media accounts.
It's been over 30 years since "Home Alone" debuted, but it's still beloved around the holidays.Β
Fans may not know that Macaulay CulkinΒ improvised one of the film's most iconic moments.
The cast almost looked a little different, and Culkin's brother also made a guest appearance.
The holidays wouldn't be the same without the "Home Alone" franchise.
Few people can resist the shenanigans of a young Macaulay Culkin as he finds himself left behind to defend the house while his family heads to Paris for Christmas break.
Here are some fun facts you may not know about "Home Alone."
It took weeks to find the right house for the film.
John Hughes called the winning house "perfect."
Fox
It took several weeks for the director Chris Columbus and his crew to find the McCallister house for "Home Alone."
Ultimately, they chose a house in Winnetka, Illinois, because they thought it was both warm and menacing.
"I took some pictures and sent them over to John, and I remember John saying: 'This is perfect. This is exactly how I imagined the house,'" he told Entertainment Weekly.
Warner Brothers initially had the rights for the screenplay.
Production for the film was stalled at one point.
Fox
Though the film was ultimately produced by Hughes Entertainment and presented by 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers initially had rights to the project.
According to an article in Chicago magazine, a budget dispute occurred three weeks before the production of "Home Alone" was set to start.
"The question was, 'Do we lay everyone off?'" the associate producer Mark Radcliffe told the publication. "John [Hughes] said to just hold tight."
Luckily, 20th Century Fox acquired the rights to the film and production continued as planned.
Culkin and his on-screen mom shared a sweet moment years later.
Catherine O'Hara played the mother in "Home Alone."
Fox
Per Us Weekly, during a 2015 interview on "Watch What Happens Live," Catherine O'Hara told Andy Cohen that she and Culkin had a sweet interaction at an art event.
"I haven't seen him for years and years, but I saw him two years ago β a year and a half ago? β at a Martin Mull art opening, and he was coming out, and he went, 'Mommy!' And I said, 'Baby!'" she recalled.
She added that her husband made them take a picture and that she was happy to see him.
The film held a cinematic record for nearly 30 years.
There's no denying people loved "Home Alone."
Fox
Forbes reported that until 2017, "Home Alone" had the highest single-territory total for a live-action comedy, with $285.7 million.
The film held this impressive record for 27 years, until the Chinese film "Never Say Die"Β surpassed it in 2017 (without accounting for inflation).
John Hughes was able to write the screenplay incredibly fast.
FOX
John Hughes, who also wrote 1980s blockbusters like "The Breakfast Club," "Pretty in Pink," and "Sixteen Candles," crafted the first draft of the screenplay for "Home Alone" in just nine days.
According to the same Chicago magazine article β which was written by his son, James β the film was written after a family trip to Europe in response to his father's severe traveler's anxiety.
"I was going away on vacation,'" Hughes told Time magazine in 1990, "and making a list of everything I didn't want to forget. I thought, 'Well, I'd better not forget my kids.' Then I thought, 'What if I left my 10-year-old son at home? What would he do?'"
Culkin has said he has trouble watching the film.
Macaulay Culkin has said he doesn't watch the film very often.
"When I'm watching it, I'm seeing like β I'm remembering that day on set. You know, like, how I was hiding my Pepsi behind the couch," he said. "I can't watch it the same way other people can."
In the same interview, he referred to the film as "background radiation at Christmastime."
Columbus was supposed to direct a different Hughes-written Christmas classic.
Chris Columbus had said he didn't want to work with Chevy Chase on "Christmas Vacation."
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Columbus was originally working on "Christmas Vacation" β which was also written by Hughes β but he eventually called the writer to tell him he couldn't work with the actor Chevy Chase.
"John was very understanding. About two weeks later, I got two scripts at my in-laws' house in River Forest. One was 'Home Alone,' with a note from John asking if I wanted to direct," he told the publication. "I thought, 'Wow, this guy is really supporting me when no one else in Hollywood was going to.'"
John Candy improvised most of his scenes in "Home Alone."
"He was on the movie for only one day, but it resulted in so much great improvisation. None of that stuff was in the script," he said. "TheΒ funeral-parlor story, that was all improvised at 4:30 in the morning. We could barely keep a straight face on set just listening to John."
Hughes was particular about his script, but Columbus added one of the film's most touching moments.
Chris Columbus added the ending scene with Old Man Marley.
Fox
Beyond Candy's cameo, Hughes didn't allow for a ton of improvisation or tweaks to his script, but Columbus had a sweet vision for the character of Old Man Marley that he was able to sneak into the film.
Though the scene in the church was always in the script, the director added to the conversation between Kevin and Marley.Β
"I added the moment when Marley talked about not being able to see his granddaughter. I also added the very end of the movie when Kevin sees that Marley is reunited with his granddaughter," Columbus told BI. "That is probably my proudest addition to the movie."
Robert De Niro was considered for the role of Harry.
Robert De Niro could've had Joe Pesci's iconic role.
Toby Melville/Reuters; Fox
Before Joe Pesci took on the role of Harry in "Home Alone," the production team had its eyes on Robert De Niro.
However, Columbus said, the actor never seriously considered taking the role.Β
"It was talked about a little internally, but when Pesci said yes, I was stunned," he told BI.
Culkin improvised one of the most iconic "Home Alone" moments.
Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone."
Fox
Kevin's reaction to putting on aftershave is arguably one of the best-known scenes of the film β and it's since become one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
"If you put something on your face that burns, most people move their hands right away. So my direction to him was when you pat your face, move your hands and scream. And I think it was the first take, he kept his hands on his cheeks," the director told BI.
He added, "It's funny, the iconic moment from 'Home Alone' was an accident."
The BB-gun effect was achieved with animation.
The movie didn't have a huge budget for special effects.
Fox
When "Home Alone" came out in 1990, CGI wasn't the norm on film sets. Since the movie was already working on a tight budget, the production team had to get creative with special effects.Β
During the scene in which Kevin shoots Marv in the head with a BB gun, the pellet is actually animated.Β
"We paid a guy living in his mother's basement in Chicago $600 to hand-paint that BB going into Marv's head. So that was an animated effect. A guy with a paintbrush in a basement for six frames hand-painted a BB," Columbus toldΒ BI.
He continued: "This was an $18 million film, so, for our budget, I'm pretty happy how it turned out."
The film has fooled many people into believing "Angels With Filthy Souls" is real.
"Angels With Filthy Souls" was created for "Home Alone."
Fox
Kevin uses a black-and-white movie called "Angels With Filthy Souls" to aid in his defense plan against the Wet Bandits, and many people β including Seth Rogen and Chris Evans β were shocked when they learned it wasn't a real film.Β
The scene was created specifically for "Home Alone," but there's a reason it looks so real.Β
"'Home Alone' is one of the last films shot with an oldΒ carbon-arc lighting system that was popular back in the 1940s through 1960s for Technicolor films," Columbus told BI.
He explained that they used the same technique for "Angels With Filthy Souls."
"That richness of black and white made it look like a movie from that era, and I think that's why some people think it's a real movie," he added.
"Home Alone" was written with Culkin in mind after another Hughes hit.
Culkin in "Uncle Buck."
Universal
A year before "Home Alone," Culkin starred alongside Candy in Hughes' "Uncle Buck."
After watching the actor play Miles Russell, Hughes was inspired to write a film with a young boy at its helm.
Once the idea started taking shape, he thought Culkin would be great in the role.Β
Production of the film took place at a familiar high school in the suburbs of Chicago.
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was filmed at New Trier Township High School.
Paramount Pictures
The production team shared stories about working at New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois.
Hughes liked to make his movies in the Chicagoland area, so they set up their production offices in the same building where some of his other classics, such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Uncle Buck," were shot.
They also ended up building the interior sets for the McCallisters' house in the school's gym, and they inventively built the set for the Murphys' house β which floods at the end of the film β in the swimming pool.
Candy reportedly made less than the pizza boy for his cameo in "Home Alone."
Candy was on set for only one day.
Fox
Candy filmed all his scenes during one 23-hour day on set, but he didn't get much in return as far as compensation.
The actor did the cameo as a favor to Hughes, and he received "scale" pay β the minimum pay rate that a studio agrees to.
In the end, Candy ended up making less than Danny Warhol (aka Dan Charles Zukoski), who played the pizza boy.
The crew dropped everything on the second day of filming to shoot the final scene in the snow.
They shot the scene where Kevin reunites with his mom on the second day.
Fake snow can eat away at a budget, so when a snowstorm rolled in on the second day on set, everyone jumped at the chance to film the "money shot" where Kevin wakes up on Christmas morning and reunites with his family.
To enhance the natural flurries, the crew used potato flakes to make it look as if snow was blowing around β which was said to be effective but left them with a whole heap of rotting starch when the snow melted a few days later.
The stunts were real β and one was even named in honor of "Home Alone."
The stuntpeople had to do all of the falls themselves.
Fox
Though Culkin, Pesci, and Daniel Stern weren't responsible for all of the falls and hits their characters took throughout the film, their stunt doubles did them for real.Β
They didn't use any special-effect tricks, and there weren't any pads built into the ground, so the film crew was under a lot of pressure to get the shots right on the first take.Β
Pesci's stunt double for the film, Troy Brown, said on the docuseries that for his first fall on the icy stairs, he "just launched myself as far and as high as I could."Β
The film's wild stunts had a long-lasting impact.
"Now when someone does a fall where they get a lot of air, and they fall on their back, they'd call it the 'Home Alone,'" the director of photography Julio Macat said on an episode of "The Movies That Made Us."
Columbus went on to direct another Christmas hit.
Kurt Russell in "The Christmas Chronicles 2."
Netflix
"Home Alone" was only the third feature-length film that Columbus directed, but he's since gone on to direct popular movies like "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,"Β and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
In addition to taking on some fantasy classics, Columbus directed Netflix's "The Christmas Chronicles 2" (2020), marking his return to holiday films.
An earlier version of this story was published in November 2018, and it was most recently updated on December 11, 2024.
Matika Wilbur took intimate portraits of Native people across America.
Matika Wilbur
Matika Wilbur photographed members of every federally recognized Native American tribe.
She named the series Project 562 for the number of recognized tribes at the time.
She published a book of her photos titled "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."
Photographer Matika Wilbur was on assignment in South America when her grandmother appeared to her in a dream and told her to go capture her own people.
She embarked on a yearslong project photographing members of every federally recognized Native tribe in North America. In 2023, she published her collection of photos in a book titled "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."
Wilbur spoke with Business Insider about her project, her photos, and the importance of agency in Native American representation.
Take a look at Wilbur's powerful portraits.
Photographer Matika Wilbur went on a mission to photograph members of every federally recognized Native tribe in North America.
Matika Wilbur.
Matika Wilbur
Wilbur herself is Swinomish and Tulalip.
She drove hundreds of thousands of miles and photographed members of different Native American tribes for Project 562.
The Walkers on their "Journey for Existence."
Matika Wilbur
When Wilbur began her project in 2012, there were 562 federally recognized Native American tribes. Now, there are 574.Β
The project has grown from a photo series to a documentary project to a full-blown archive of Native people, their communities, and their stories.
Chief Bill James, Lummi Nation.
Matika Wilbur
"We're always redrafting the language to describe this project," Wilbur told Business Insider.
Wilbur photographed her subjects on black-and-white film using a method called the Zone System.
Bahazhoni Tso, Navajo Nation.
Matika Wilbur
The Zone System creates more dynamic range in the images.
She's drawn to peer portraiture with simple landscape backdrops.
Dr. Mary Evelyn Belgarde, Pueblo of Isleta and Ohkay Owingeh.
Matika Wilbur
"I figured that that was sort of irresponsible when I started this project, to travel all over the country and not show the landscape," Wilbur said.
She let her subjects choose where and how they'd like to be photographed, giving them agency over how they'd be represented.
Leon Grant, Omaha.
Matika Wilbur
"Sometimes I'll be in the Grand Canyon and I'd rather take somebody's picture at Havasupai Falls because it's magnificent and there's this incredible blue-green water coming out of the ground ... and they want to be photographed on their front porch because they love where they live," she said. "I'll do what they want to do because people should be represented in a way that is important to them, especially in Indian Country."
"We've been photographed so many times by non-Indians and we've had our stories told so many times by people outside our community, and they get the story wrong," Wilbur said.
Darkfeather, Bibiana, and Eckos Ancheta from the Tulalip tribe.
Matika Wilbur
In the above portrait, Wilbur photographed three members of the Tulalip tribe: Darkfeather, Bibiana, and Eckos Ancheta.
"We aim to correct that narrative through honest individual agency and storytelling," she said.
Jaclyn Roessel, Dine' (Navajo Nation).
Matika Wilbur
Dine' (Navajo Nation) member Jaclyn Roessel posed for one of Wilbur's portraits.
Wilbur asked people questions about themselves and their lives as she took their pictures.
Jennie Parker and granddaughter Sharlyce, Northern Cheyenne.
Matika Wilbur
Their conversations touched on family, love, heartbreak, moments that shaped them, and their hopes for the future.
She also asked about their Native American identities.
Rupert Steele, Goshute.
Matika Wilbur
"I find that people have really interesting things to say when you ask them what it means to be whatever their tribe is, and then when you ask them what it means to be an 'Indian,'" she said. "I'm fascinated by that."
Sometimes her subjects wore traditional Native clothing, while others wore everyday outfits.
Ailee Fregoso, Cheyenne River Sioux.
Matika Wilbur
Ailee Fregoso of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe showed off her colorful fringed shawl.
Wilbur published her work in a book called "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."
Rosebud Quintana, Northern Ute and Dine.
Matika Wilbur
The book, published in 2023, became a New York Times bestseller.
What began as a photo series has become an archive rich with history, culture, language, and resilience.
Kumu Ka'eo Izon, Kanaka Maoli.
Matika Wilbur
Wilbur also cohosts the podcast All My Relations, in which she and Adrienne Keene β a professor who is also Native American β discuss their relationships to land, ancestors, and other Native peoples.
Wilbur values the connections she's made throughout the creative process.
Myra Masiel Zamora, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.
Matika Wilbur
"I didn't know that strangers can become family relatively quickly," she said. "It's such a whirlwind of a journey."
Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2022 and 2024.
