What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHolidays on Ice
David Sedaris · Book
If you loved Holidays on Ice, start with At Home with Amy Sedaris (Amy Sedaris, 2017) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Holidays on Ice across media.
If you loved Holidays on Ice, you appreciate how David Sedaris weaponizes wit to expose the absurd, uncomfortable underbelly of modern life.
Films on the same thread
The Holiday
Nancy Meyers · Film · 2006
Explores: Love Across Borders, Second Chance Romance, Personal Transformation.
Like Holidays on Ice, this film finds humor in the seasonal pressure to be happy, balancing the inherent absurdity of holiday expectations with a dry, observant comedic touch.
Bad Santa
Terry Zwigoff · Film · 2003
Shares a thread with Holidays on Ice: Cynicism.
This film shares the cynical, sharp-edged spirit of Holidays on Ice, stripping away holiday sentimentality to reveal the hilarious, antisocial behavior lurking beneath the festive tinsel and lights.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Jeremiah S. Chechik · Film · 1989
Explores: Holiday Mishaps, Dysfunctional Family, Suburban Chaos.
Just as David Sedaris chronicles the disaster of holiday traditions, this story captures the chaotic, soul-crushing reality of trying to force a perfect family celebration in a suburban setting.
The Holdovers
Alexander Payne · Film · 2023
Explores: Unlikely Friendships, Finding Connection, Grief and Loss.
This film mirrors the melancholic yet dryly funny tone of Holidays on Ice, exploring how isolated, curmudgeonly characters find unexpected connection amidst the bleakness of the winter holiday season.
Series on the same thread
30 Rock
Tina Fey · Series · 2006
Explores: Corporate Culture, Absurd Humor, New York City.
Fans of the social observation in Holidays on Ice will recognize a kindred spirit in Liz Lemon, whose navigate-the-absurd workplace survival tactics reflect a similar sharp, biting comedic sensibility.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver · Series · 2014
Explores: Social Commentary, Political Satire, Explanatory Journalism.
John Oliver employs the same brand of incisive, satirical commentary found in Holidays on Ice, turning the complexities of our current world into accessible, laugh-out-loud critiques of modern insanity.
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
David Nobbs · Series · 1976
Explores: Midlife Crisis, Existentialism, Identity Crisis.
This series captures the existential dread and corporate absurdity that David Sedaris masterfully critiques, following a man whose midlife crisis highlights the hollow nature of his daily, mundane routine.
At Home with Amy Sedaris
Amy Sedaris · Series · 2017
Explores: Homemaking, Absurdity, Satire.
Given her familial connection and shared commitment to the bizarre, Amy Sedaris delivers the same brand of dark, domestic satire that made the essays in Holidays on Ice so memorable.
Podcasts on the same thread
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
This podcast mirrors the investigative humor of Holidays on Ice by finding hilarity in human failure, specifically focusing on the legal and social blunders of athletes who lose control.
Tuesdays with Stories!
Tuesdays with Stories! · Podcast
Explores: anecdotes, stand-up comedy, observational humor.
These comedians share the observational, anecdotal gift that anchors Holidays on Ice, proving that the most mundane life experiences are often the most fertile ground for genuine, dark humor.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Holidays on Ice a collection of short stories or a novel?
Holidays on Ice is a collection of comic essays written by David Sedaris. The book focuses on the author's humorous observations and experiences regarding the Christmas season rather than a singular narrative plot found in a traditional novel.
What kind of humor can I expect from Holidays on Ice?
Holidays on Ice features the signature comic style of David Sedaris. The essays provide a satirical and witty look at the holiday season, highlighting the absurdity and social awkwardness often associated with Christmas traditions and celebrations.
Does Holidays on Ice focus solely on Christmas?
Yes, the essays in Holidays on Ice are specifically centered on the Christmas season. David Sedaris uses his comedic voice to explore various aspects of the holiday, offering a unique perspective on the events and social pressures that define this time of year.
Is Holidays on Ice appropriate for holiday reading?
Holidays on Ice is a popular choice for holiday reading due to its thematic focus on Christmas. The book provides a series of humorous essays that capture the spirit and complications of the season, making it a fitting companion for those who enjoy satirical holiday literature.