This SNL Macy’s Ad parody should be required yearly holiday viewing

You’re not the only parent dreading holiday outfit season—and Saturday Night Live is here to prove it. In this classic short, which should be required viewing by moms and dads every year, SNL parodies a Macy’s Christmas clothing sale commercial, revealing what everyone really thinks about those not-so-comfy kids’ clothes—and maybe about their spouses, too. This one’s NSFK (Not Safe for Kids) so watch it when you’ve got 2 minutes to yourself. LOL.

While you’re at it, keep the SNL hits coming with viewings of “I Got a Robe,” the forever mom holiday anthem, and the “Best Christmas Ever” skit, in which Matt Damon and Cecily Strong flashback to the hot mess that was their supposedly “perfect” and “magical” day.

After opening with men’s blazers and women’s cashmere sweaters, the faux ad kicks up the comedy as the voiceover says, “And for your little ones, Macy’s has the best of fashions that will have them saying…” Here’s where the cute kiddos go full-on into pure Christmas-time tantrums. One little girl stomps up and down, shouting, “It’s too hot!” A boy snarks, “It itches,” and a baby—well, the half-dressed tot just cries (how we feel this in our bones).

The mock-mercial previews just about every rewarding experience that awaits you, including, “wrestling your wiggly little monster into winter clothes” and “Merino sweaters that won’t fit over his head.” The parody goes on to advertise “hard, shiny shoes that hurt,” “all holiday rompers she’ll never get off in time,” “kids’ jackets so big and thick, they won’t fit in their car seats anymore,” “snow boots that are so hard to put on it will strain your marriage,” and, of course, “shirts with the wrong Frozen princess.”

If you’re in the heat of the holiday hustle, we suggest that you take a break and watch this so you can laugh-cry about the fun, festive tradition.

Light the lights, spin the dreidel, eat some latkes—and read a book! There’s no better way to tell the story of Hanukkah than by, well, telling a story. Lucky for your littles, there are plenty of new books on the market to bring the festival of lights to life in their imaginations. From The Rugrats and Pout-Pout Fish to a book that actually becomes a menorah itself, here are our picks for our favorite Hanukkah books for kids.


The Speedy Menorah, by Cider Mill Press

$11 BUY NOW

This isn't really a book; it's a decoration! This colorful board book contains all the pieces to make a decorative foldout menorah, perfect for spaces where you don't want kids lighting up (I.e. in their rooms, at school, etc.). Kids will love popping out the pieces, putting them together and adding the candles each night.


You're My Little Latke, by Natalie Marshall

$5 BUY NOW

An adorable board book for toddlers that uses sweet, rhyming text and the hallmarks of Hanukkah (latkes, jelly donuts, menorahs) to celebrate the love between parent and child. Includes page cutouts and raised elements to captivate little readers.


A Rugrats Chanukah: The Classic Illustrated Storybook, by Kim Smith

$16 BUY NOW

Millennial parents will love introducing their kids to this infamous '90s-era baby crew, who learn—after a series of misunderstandings about the ‘meany of Hanukkah’—the real meaning of the holiday.


Hannukah books for kids

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

$9 BUY NOW

This story about a Jewish family preparing for Hanukkah gives readers a glimpse of immigrant families living on the lower East Side of New York in 1912. When the youngest daughter Gertie isn't allowed to help prepare the meal, she throws a tantrum, but once her father comes home, she's finally allowed to a part of the holiday tradition—lighting the first candle on the menorah!


Larry’s Latkes, by Jenna Waldman

$18 BUY NOW

An alligator with a food truck sets out to find some fresh new flavors for his Hanukkah latkes in this rhyming story that centers around tradition, cooking and friendship. If peach or turnips aren’t your kids’ thing, the included recipe for rainbow latkes will hit the spot.


Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a classic Hanukkah book

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

$4 BUY NOW

This classic Hanukkah book follows the journey of Hershel, a traveler who makes his way into a village on the first night of Hanukkah. Expecting to see warm lights and latkes, instead, he finds that a band of goblins has taken over, and not a single candle is lit. Using only his wits, Hershel tricks the goblins night after night, but will it be enough to save Hanukkah?


Goodnight Bubbala, by Sheryl Haft

$9 BUY NOW

“In the small blue room, there was a bubbala”…and a mishpacha (Jewish family), and a kiss on the keppelah (head)—and a host of other Yiddish phrases that match the rhythm and tone of Margaret Wise Brown’s classic bedtime tale. This simple parody pays homage to Jewish culture and values and will amuse the bubbies (grandmothers) maybe more than the bubbalas (darlings) themselves.


Pinky Blum and the Case of the Magical Menorah, by Judy Press

$9 BUY NOW

Looking for a Hanukkah-themed book that your independent readers can tackle on their own? This short chapter book follows kid detective Pinky Bloom as she takes on the case of an Israeli coin stolen from her synagogue. Strange events ensue—and Pinky solves the case with the help of her little brother.


Happy Hanukkah, Pups!

$7 BUY NOW

Get ready for the holiday with the Paw Patrol pups in this colorful board book that counts from one to ten with dreidels, latkes, snowflakes and more.


Happy Hanukkah, Pout-Pout Fish, by Deborah Diesen

$6 BUY NOW

Everyone’s favorite scaled grumpy face is back to light the lights (underwater!) in this sweet rhyming story that toddlers will love. Follow Pout-Pout Fish as he lights the menorah, spins the dreidel and celebrates Hanukkah with his fishy friends.


Red and Green and Blue and White, By Lee Wind

$7 BUY NOW

This picture book for older children loosely tells the true story of a community, that in 1993, stood up to bigotry. It follows Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and his best friend, Teresa, whose family is Christian, as they gear up for the holidays in their traditional ways. But when Isaac’s window is smashed in the middle of the night, the children bring the community together to stand up for what’s right.

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From relatable moments to hilarious parodies, our favorite viral parenting videos of 2019 were filled with lots of laughs and some “aww moments” along the way. As the year draws to a close, we’ve created a list of our favorites from the past twelve months. Scroll down and enjoy this recap of some of the year’s best viral parenting videos. 

Gibberish Baby

In this viral video, comedian DJ Pryor and his son, Kingston, taught us that you do not need to use words to hold a conversation. The duo brought a smile to our faces as they chatted on their couch while watching television. Kinston, speaking only in gibberish, responded to all of his dad’s comments like he knew exactly what was happening on the screen. 

He’s a Dad Guy

This dad’s parody of Billie Eilish’s hit, “Bad Guy” is not only spot on with his lyrics, but the video of his daily routine is hilarious. This ‘Dad Guy” is totally relatable. 

Squeaky Oven

This dancing mom really knows how to embarrass her kids. Amy Stephens now-viral “squeaky oven dance” to Usher’s 2004 hit “Yeah” is a definite must-see.

But, Mooooooooom!

Story of This Life vlogger Esther Anderson perfectly captures the reality of life with multiple kids in her now viral video entitled “Sibling Fights.” If you have more than one kid or grew up with siblings, you can totally relate.

Jenga Mom

Joseph Hauck tweeted this clip, adding, “Make my mom go viral,” which is exactly what happened. Check out her totally awesome Jenga skills.

Husband and Wife Video Spoofs

Dad of two Taylor Calmus, documented his wife’s Target obsession and her love of coffee creamer in this hilarious video.

Not to be outdone, his wife filmed an equally hysterical response.

Holiday Mishap

Mary Katherine Backstrom was in line at her local Wawa when she decided to get into the holiday spirit and do something good for someone else. What happened next is hilarious.  Bonus – her laugh is infectious.

Holiday Clothes

If you have ever needed to dress your kids in not-so-comfy outfits for the holidays, Saturday Night Live’s commercial parody is totally relatable. Sit back and laugh while you think about “Wrestling your wiggly little monster into winter clothes” and “Merino sweaters that won’t fit over his head.”

Christmas Wife

Dude Dad, Taylor Calmus, posted another hilarious impersonation of his wife. This time, he pokes fun at her holiday prep. Wouldn’t you know, everything she needs can be found at Target!

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: iStock

 

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If you’ve been anywhere near a radio in the last few weeks, chances are you’ve heard Billie Eilish’s record-breaking hit “Bad Guy.” The song just de-throned “Old Town Road” for the number one spot, but the real winner is the dad who created the viral parody video “Dad Guy.

Reddit user r/FunkTurkey just shared his take of Eillish’s smoldering song and it’s a pretty perfect anthem on dad life and aging. “Less hair now than I’ve ever had,” he admits while checking his hairline. “Just sitting on my phone.”

While the lyrics and tune cleverly parody the hit song, the real laughs come from the accompanying visuals of his daily dad antics. With over 600,000 views on YouTube in just two days, clearly the Dad Guy is one many can relate to.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Funk Turkey via YouTube

 

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Take a well-deserved break from your hectic day and check out these moms’ parody of “Havana.” The Laughing Moms have brought us pop parodies galore, featuring Top 40 tunes from Meghan Trainor, Adele, Ed Sheeran and so many more. This time they’re making minivan magic with a Camilla Cabello fave.

Any mama who’s ever given up their single gal ride for a kid-carting minivan totally gets this laugh-til-you-cry parody pick. With lyrics like, “Half of my heart rides in the van now” and, “I knew on the test drive, it made me feel so alive,” you just can’t help but to giggle.

But wait. What about those of us who aren’t mini van mamas? The Laughing Moms tackle that in their YouTube clip. As one of the moms sings, “And I am here to tell you that I ain’t no grandma-mama,” followed by her rad ride—an SUV. That’s where the video breaks into an all out minivan vs. SUV dance battle—yes, a full-on choreographed, flaming baton dance battle!

Whether you’re Team Minivan or Team SUV, this is a video you absolutely need to see!

—Erica Loop

 

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If the lovey-dovey ballads and single girl shout-outs of pop music seem totally un-relatable now that you’re a mom, you’re not alone. Leeann Dearing and Michelle Fortin, both moms and a comedy duo, made a Momz Bop parody that’s a musical mash-up every mother will totally understand.

We’ve all heard the lyrically-modified versions of top 40 music that is Kidz Bop. Dearing and Fortin took the word-switcheroo model to a new level, penning mama-friendly songs that have hilariously hit the proverbial parenting nail on the head.

What can you expect from this too funny pop song splendor? The pair begins their clip with a take on Imagine Dragons “Thunder” singing, “I’m a roller. Like a chauffeur. Soccer mom, then some. I’m a Starbucks soldier. Don’t hit your brother. I’m a stay at home mother.”

Along with the too-funny take on the Imagine Dragons hit, the duo also treats us to their “Sweater Now” version of Post Malone’s “Better Now,” a “Kids Like You” rendition of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” George Ezra’s “Shotgun” as their own “Grandson/On the Run,” a boy mom fave “Gotta Pee” (spoofing Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be”) and an anthem for any mama who’s littles suddenly ditched their most-loved food, “Banana” (Camilla Cabello’s “Havana”).

So turn off the radio, turn on this video and get ready for a mid-day laugh!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Bruno Nascimento via Unsplash

 

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Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing and chances are you’ve been hit up by at least one young girl with an enthusiastic sales pitch. Some, like one Girl Scout who created a Cardi B remix, are a bit more convincing than others when it comes to selling those cookies.

The Girl Scouts are brimming with creative young entrepreneurs who have come up with some unique ways to market their cookies. Last year one Daisy Girl Scout’s Childish Gambino parody won her some cookie sales and just last week, This Is Us star and Girl Scout, Mackenzie Hancsicsak made waves at the SAG Awards when she brought along cookies to sell to the stars.

Now one Los Angeles Girl Scout has created a new twist on Cardi B’s hit “Money.” Ten-year-old Kayla “Kiki” Paschall’s incredible rap video has made her a success, both online and in her cookie sales, as she reached her sales goal in a single day. Her rap has even inspired other Girl Scouts to come up with their own versions, like the one below.

You can’t deny the sales power of these talented, smart girls.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Shelia Herman via Flickr

 

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We get it: all of those baby milestones are so precious you can’t help but share them with the world in post after post on social media. While all of those photos are adorable, one woman’s viral “baby” photo takes a look at the humorous side of parents over-sharing on social media.

Twenty-four year old Sam Ackles is an aunt to an adorable little girl that she loves, but when it comes to those Facebook milestone pics her sister posts (every month), she’s not so sure. So Ackles decided to poke a little fun at the trend.

“So every month we would write down what kind of food she likes, what games she likes to play, what milk she drinks, all that kind of stuff,” Ackles told FOX 17. “So when it came to be my birthday, I thought it would be a good idea to do the same thing.”

Wrapped up on in a blanket to resemble a swaddled baby, the picture features Ackles laying next to a chalkboard that reads “288 months.” Ackles shared the photo on Facebook with the caption, “Ya girl is 288 months today! Has all her teeth. Favorite food is Mac n Cheese. Enjoys a bottle of wine, daily.”

The photo has since garnered thousands of likes and comments on Facebook. While Ackles admits her sister wasn’t initially thrilled with the idea, she went along with snapping the picture that has clearly given many people a good laugh.

Ackles says, “People from California, my friends from Florida and like, Texas have been messaging me, sending me screenshots that had no idea who I am sharing my picture and saying how funny they think it is.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Shelby Miller via Unsplash

 

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We’ve come to know the Holderness Family for their hilarious parodies that parents love. Yes, “Baby Got Class” and “It’s Such a Pain Learning Algebra” certainly made us giggle. With their latest video— a “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” cover, these sarcastically comedic social media sensations are taking on a Christmas controversy.

While it may seem like it’s been non-stop Christmas music for weeks now, you might have noticed that Frank Loesser’s 1944 tune, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” has been conspicuously absent from many radio stations this year. While to many the song is a holiday classic, in the #MeToo era, some of it’s more… “questionable” lyrics about consent (or the complete lack thereof) have come under fire.

After several radio stations across the country pulled the holiday staple from their Christmas playlists, the Holderness Family created a tongue-and-cheek parody emphasizing consent.

Their updated take on the original lyrics make this Christmas-y clip is carefully comedic. Here’s just a sampling. Loesser’s original lyrics:

I really can’t stay (Baby it’s cold outside)
I gotta go away (Baby it’s cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you’d dropped in)
So very nice (I’ll hold your hands they’re just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful what’s your hurry?)
My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)

And here’s how the Holderness Family made it SO much less creepy:

I really can’t stay (OK you’re free to go)
I gotta go away (Understood. No means no.)
This evening has been (Super appropriate)
So very nice (But I do understand consent)
My mother will start to worry (Definitely text her right now)
My father will be pacing the floor (Here’s the coat and there is the door)

The video already has millions of views across YouTube and Facebook. And we’re guessing that this is just the beginning. So if you can’t listen to the real deal anymore, here’s your less-creepy, far more wholesome alternative!

—Erica Loop

 

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Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing and these pint-sized entrepreneurs sure know how to make a sales pitch. One Girl Scout, whose “Redbone” parody to sell cookies went viral, hit the jackpot when the song’s hit-maker, Childish Gambino, bought every last box she had to sell.

Charity Joy is a Daisy Girl Scout from Atlanta, Georgia. She’s clearly a big fan of Childish Gambino, a.k.a. 21st century renaissance man and actor Donald Glover. Charity took his Glover’s song Redbone and rewrote the lyrics to turn it into a sales pitch for her Girl Scout cookies. The video quickly went viral garnering thousands of views—but that was just the beginning for this pint-sized businesswoman.

In an appearance The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Donald Glover was promoting the new season of Atlanta when Colbert decided to share the “Redbones” Girl Scout cookie video with him. He then surprised Glover by bringing Charity Joy herself out from backstage.

She presented him with her cookie order form—and he immediately purchased 113 boxes of Thin Mints to share with the audience—more than enough to fulfill her sales goal and put a giant smile on her face.

What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie? Share your picks in the comments.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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