A characteristic that makes a television show stand out is its re-watchability. Nothing beats the feeling of discovering a new series and knowing that you can return to it time and time again without it grating on you. For me, Gilmore Girls is that show and, at this time of year, it can really stir the festive spirit.
First airing in 2000, Gilmore Girls is seven seasons of witty sarcasm and intimate character drama weaved together to form a mother-daughter journey over the years and through the seasons. Whether it be spring, summer, winter or autumn there will always be an episode to correspond with your seasonal celebrations and stir your festive spirit. Season by season, let me walk you through my top picks of episodes that you can count on to awaken your festive spirits this year.
Season One
Kiss and Tell (Episode 7)
An autumnal episode inundated with pumpkins, hay bales and Thanksgiving celebrations, sees a young Rory Gilmore experience her first touches with romance.
Love, War and Snow (Episode 8)
In Stars Hollow, snow falls and Lorelai couldn’t be more excited as her relationship with Max starts to blossom.
Forgiveness and Stuff (Episode 10)
In preparation for the annual Stars Hollow Christmas pageant, Rory and Lorelai find themselves in an unfortunate situation as Richard is sent to hospital.
Season Two
The Bracebridge Dinner (Episode 10)
The town square fills with entries for a snowman building competition, with Lorelai and Rory relying on their snow version of Bjork to grab grand prize.
Secrets and Loans (Episode 11)
Snow continues to fall, this time all around Lorelai’s house which is in desperate need of renovating.
Season Three
A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving (Episode 9)
Probably one of my all-time favourite episodes, Rory and Lorelai unknowingly agree to four separate Thanksgiving dinners in one day. Watch them take on their biggest challenge as foodies.
That’ll Do, Pig (Episode 10)
Dean and Jess compete for Rory as the annual town carnival returns.
Season Four
In the Clamor and the Clangor (Episode 11)
In Rory’s early Yale days of the show, she floats between school dedications and hometown festivities.
Season Five
Women of Questionable Morals (Episode 11)
It’s a difficult time for both Lorelai and Rory as they face their own difficulties with reconciliation and honesty.
Season Six
Twenty-One is the Loneliest Number (Episode 7)
Episode seven is simply a cosy watch as the town yet again prepares for the colder months.
Season Seven
Merry Fisticuffs (Episode 10)
The run-up to Christmas celebrations finds Rory’s father Christopher in a romance rut himself.
Santa’s Secret Stuff (Episode 11)
The chaotic run-up to Christmas continues, forcing Lorelai, Rory and Christopher to delay their festivities.
You can currently watch all seasons of Gilmore Girls on Netflix.
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