The Jolliest Bunch: Unhinged Holiday Stories

by Danny Pellegrino

From the New York Times bestselling author of How Do I Un-Remember This? and host of the hit podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino comes a collection of tragically hilarious holiday mishaps. For many families, the holiday season is―quite frankly―unhinged. Whether that involves inappropriately improvised monologues at the children's Christmas pageant, gifts that land someone in the emergency room, or just sitting through the emotional rollercoaster of a Hallmark movie marathon, the holidays are a chaotic and magical time. And nobody knows this better than Danny Pellegrino. For Danny, the holidays are always accompanied by both merriment and mayhem. And like the gay Ghost of Christmas Past, he's here to take you on a nostalgic trip through his most festive memories in a collection of stories that are heartfelt, hilarious, and (unfortunately) true.  So grab your favorite winter beverage, snuggle up by the crackling fireplace, and turn up the holiday tunes from the pop diva of your choosing. The Jolliest Bunch is a healthy dose of holiday cheer to prepare you for the unhinged season ahead and remind you of the moments that make all the chaos worth it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas, Audiobook, Holiday, Memoir, Humor, Essays

233 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

DANNY PELLEGRINO is a NYT bestselling author, actor, and screenwriter from Solon, Ohio. He created and hosts the podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/dannypellegrino
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dannypellegrino
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pellegrinodanny
PODCAST: www.EverythingIconic.com

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You get your ass out there and start the fucking nativity play . . . !"*
*An interjection from Danny's first grade Catholic school teacher.

Danny Pelligrino presents a hilarious collection of essays centered around the three holidays that form a blob of endless eating and celebrating during the last three months of the year. The best of the essays concern Danny's reminiscences of youthful holidays spent with his family.

"Mom, look what I got! I didn't even want it!" is young Danny's excited response to receiving socks.
(It is my considered opinion that Danny's mom, Linda Pelligrino, should be nominated for sainthood.)

From holiday meltdowns to imagined Hallmark Channel movies, this is an entertaining collection.

P.S. - I'm available to watch The Family Stone anytime you like, Danny.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the read.

[Kristin Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars and also one star ❤️

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merry Christmas fun 🤩

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a delight this book was! Like a warm hug of nostalgia. I laughed, I cried, I reminisced! Includes stories not just about Christmas, but about Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and more. The perfect balance of pop culture references, LOL moments, and heart-wrenching sincerity. So proud of our Danster. 5/5 stars, no notes, will be purchasing for my library.

[britt_brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book that takes its title from Christmas Vacation instantly has my attention. I also recently read, and enjoyed, Pellegrino‘s first book. He’s a fab storyteller! This humorous holiday-themed essay collection was just delightful, and precisely what I needed this supremely busy time of year. Definitely one I’ll revisit next December!

[Kerry]

This book made me literally laugh out loud (LLOL) multiple times! Also I loved the body image essay and teared up at the end. ❤️

[Stephanie ✨]

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks for the advance copy of this!

Last year I wrote a review for his first book, How Do I Un-Remember This and I absolutely loved it! This time around Danny brings us to the holiday season telling stories from throughout his life that are unfortunately true!

There were so many stand out moments for me such as reading about a cross country trip with the wildest woman, the friend of a friend from hell, working at Borders, his first love, and even his own version of Oprah’s favorite things.

Two stories really pulled at my heartstrings: End of the World & Diet Culture. I won’t divulge too much into them but they were two of the most vulnerable stories that I feel like I have read from him.

A Danny book wouldn’t be complete without pop culture references. I personally live for them! We have stories that include Casper, Now & Then (iconic movie & soundtrack), Jessica Simpson’s lockable lotion (unfortunate story) and even the reboot of JTT.

One thing I love that Danny did is even with the most unhinged story, he would end on a positive note and make it kind of a lesson point ala like a Full House episode.

Within the pages you will laugh, cry, laugh-cry, reflect on your own holidays and that is always the moments that stay with you & not the gifts.

Thank you Danny for being so open and generous with your time! I can’t wait to see what else you do in the future!

**I do not rate Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**

[Jenny Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this and Danny. I highly recommend the audiobook because Danny's delivery is hilarious. I didn't anticipate how this would make me get up in my feels because it is incredibly cozy and nostalgic. I will read any essay collection this man writes.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, festive, and exactly what I wanted out of a book of personal holiday essays.

This is my first exposure to Danny Pellegrino and he is an absolute delight. Here he shares holiday stories in the tradition of David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice. You can tell Pellegrino is paying homage to the Sedaris collection, but he still manages to put his own fresh spin on the concept.

This is laugh-out-loud funny at times and also really sweet in other instances, never veering too far off in either direction. Pellegrino has a knack for capturing the feel good stuff that goes with the holiday season without ever getting schlocky or overwrought. And mostly, he’s just lovable and hilarious, the kind of person who would be a welcome addition to anyone’s holiday gathering.

I was especially fond of his anecdotes about Fred the ghost and his disastrous encounter with Jessica Simpson lickable bath and body products, but every essay in the book is a joy to read.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could listen to Danny all day. Need a movie of the mrs claus chapter.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny collection of holiday stories loaded with relatable pop culture references and read by the author himself. Perfect for fans of books like David Sedaris's Holidays on ice or anyone who wants a good nostalgic laugh session. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Great cover too!!

[Reilly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holiday follow-up to one of my favorite memoirs and once again, Danny is speaking directly to me. I’m laughing, I’m crying and I’m relating in ways that feel a little too close for comfort. A few standouts:

“While my peers were busy making out, I was suppressing my sexuality by planning prom and meeting with the principal to discuss vending machine snack options.” 😬 Reilly at 16.

“Give Bonnie Hunt the proper starring vehicle.” 👏 I have ALWAYS felt strongly about this.

“When I visit my parents' house and see that familiar Popsicle-stick ornament on their large fake tree, I don't remember the sadness I felt in the first grade, the first time I realized my mom wasn't invincible. What sticks out now is the sound of the bell shaking as she rushed toward me in the school hallway. Her beautiful brown eyes that were passed down to me filled with tears, just like mine. I no longer care that she didn't make it. I'm simply thankful I had a mom I wanted to be there more than anything and that she felt the same. The holiday season is not about the gifts or the decorations; it's about the people.” 🥲

[Elizabeth Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun, easy read. relatable!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Danny Pellegrino before stumbling upon this stories collection so I started reading without any kind of preconception and it was a great decision.

I had a lot of fun! Danny's voice is very warm yet sassy and I really clicked with the huge majority of his stories (the one that didn't work for me was the fiction about Mrs Claus but I guess maybe it was so different from all the others).

I also really liked all the pop culture and LGBT culture references even though I didn't necessarily get them all, not having been an American kid from the 1990s! But still, a lot of fun, and it also gave me a new list of (often rather obscure) movies to watch.

And finally I really enjoyed the cute little illustrations and the drawings of Danny's nephew and niece included in the book.

If you need some kind of light reading this holiday season, this is the book for you.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful book! I am a big fan of Christmas and, in particular, Christmas movies. But I'm always a little disappointed that there aren't more Christmas books - especially non-fiction, essay collections like this one. I've read David Sedaris' "Holiday on Ice" which is great, but was written in '97. Pellegrino's collection is fresh and funny. I found his stories (mostly) highly relatable and had some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. If you like Christmas (or any big family holiday, rife with traditions and expectation) and hearing stories about family dysfunction that help put your own in perspective, then I would grab an eggnog and a copy of "The Jolliest Bunch".

Big thank you to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC.

[Perri Volz · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF! So I was looking for something light, funny and seasonal and thought this checked all the boxes.
Once he got to his third story of the ghost that haunted him every Halloween I just couldn’t take anymore. Very seldom do I not finish a book but I just couldn’t. Just not for me.
Wouldn’t recommend.

[Anna Heald · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone can get their hands on Danny’s mixtape rendition of Cher ‘Jesse James’ and Jingle Bells - would love to hear that bop! Ha such a fun book, I’m still laughing.

Also, love all the Solon, OH & St. Rita shoutouts!

[Megan McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if I’d ever give him anything but 5 stars ⭐️ Danny is sunshine personified

[Lauren Read Rover · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEY ALEXA PLAY HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!

Have a holly jolly Christmas,
Pellegrino’s book is the best holiday book of the year!
Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow,
But his UNHINGED HOLIDAY STORIES make it clear!

Have a holly jolly Christmas,
And when you walk down the street...
Have tissue for when you get to
The heartwarming chapter called BLINKS!!!!

Attention my fellow bookworms who are plagued by seasonal depression and get the occasional holiday scaries!!! I have found a miraculous cure to those December blues and discovered the catalyst for getting into the Christmas Spirit and HOHOHO(e)ing it up (jk I’ve graduated from hoe to housewife, yay me!) … The Jolliest Bunch: Unhinged Holiday Stories!!!!

Things I LIVE FOR;
-insanely hilarious stories that invoke maniacal laughing (live, LAUGH, love)
-crazy family anecdotes (because I can relate obvi!)
-anything Bravo franchise adjacent (live, laugh, love, BRAVO!)

My cheeks are more red than the swirls on a peppermint candy cane and I am more gleeful than a teenage girl getting her first kiss beneath some holiday Mistletoe as I share with you that The Jolliest Bunch has everything I LIVE FOR AND MOREEEEE!!!!

I laughed my ass off (thanks Danny, I no longer have a buh-dunk-a-dunk!), I cried so many tears (Danny, you struggling to be your true self in the Now and Then chapter BROKE ME – I AM MORE BROKEN THAN THE TABLE THAT TERESA GIUDICE FLIPPED!!!), I lost my shit MULTIPLE TIMES at the ludicrousness of these HILARIOUS, inappropriate, deliciously entertaining, HEARTFELT stories!

Much like Mariah Carey once sang, all I wanted for Christmas was you, The Jolliest Bunch…. The perfect holiday read. Thank you Danny Claus!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ankur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read!

I had read this author's first book and devoured it quickly. Very humorous, thoughtful, and just a wonderful overall read. So of course I was going to read this one. Bought it shortly after finishing their first book, but decided to wait 'til the holiday season to actually consume this one.

Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Finished this one within 24 hours. Was screaming with laughter.... the Mrs Claus story especially had my stomach aching from all the belly laughs. But this book really captures all the emotions. I even found myself teary eyed at some points even, the book managed to capture my heart.

Highly recommend this one who needs a good laugh during the holidays.

[Beatrice]

This is a personal collection of unhinged holiday stories. My favorite ones were Pellegrino reminiscing about some Catholic holiday hijinks (from Christmas plays to midnight mass) and recalling the loved ones that made his holidays so special. His mom seems like a Midwestern Ina Garten. He also loves The Family Stone so I think we are kindred holiday spirits in a lot of ways.

[Paige Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOLed so many times and also teared up several times at his sweet vulnerability. Danny is so relatable! I plan on reading this every holiday season. ❤️

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Mara McGuinness]

I 🩷 Danny!!

[Lauren Cosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never giggled so much while reading a book, or discussing a book. Highly recommend!!!!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this collection of essays! 4.5 range. Lost a half a point for the imagined story about Mrs Claus in the middle there

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book that kicks off with a quote from Christmas Vacation is a-okay with me! After listening to Pellegrino’s last book, I had extremely high expectations, and this one did not disappoint. It was absolutely hilarious and heartwarming in all the right places.

[Kelsie Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was a bit underwhelmed given how many good reviews this book has. A few of the stories were entertaining but most of them were pretty mundane. I also expected this book to be a lot more Christmasy than it was.

[Jamie Cha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5 stars. I either love short stories or I don't. This book looked like a fun fast read. Unfortunately, this book took me longer to read than I would have liked.

The author is likeable. He shares fun, sad, and relatable holiday stories. However, I began to lose interest in the book. The book was too long for me. Yes, some of the stories I really enjoyed but others weren't as funny or interesting too me.

I did feel like I got to know the author and his family. I enjoyed the stories from his youth a lot. I liked when I could see the authors soul.

The author would use detours in the middle of chapters. It was a time to go off on a tangent. I didn't understand why he needed these

A lot of the chapters used a lot of pop culture references. It helped if you were of the age of the references or liked the references. For me, most of the time, it deflected from the story.

My favorite chapter was near the end. He prefaced the chapter by saying he was too afraid to put it in his last book. This chapter was real and raw. Part of me wishes the rest of the book read like this chapter.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Thank you for getting me in the holiday spirit.

[Elaine Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite podcaster wrote a book about my favorite holiday and it’s just as hilarious, heartfelt and nostalgic as I hoped it would be. I will never recover from the chapter about ingesting expired products from Jessica Simpsons edible beauty line. This will be going on my shelf right next to ‘Holidays on Ice’ for an annual Christmas re-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced reader copy.