Special interest groups are notorious for asking candidates to answer in-depth questions about hotly contested political issues that put campaigns in awkward political corners. The answers often end up in attack ads from their opponents.
As a result, some candidates now refuse to respond to any questionnaire requests, even from organizations they support.
Well, we here at NHJournal aren’t prepared to take “no comment” for an answer when it comes to the hard-hitting questions about a topic everyone is passionate about.
Christmas.
We sent all of New Hampshire’s major 2026 federal election candidates the 2025 NHJournal Christmas survey, ranging from childhood memories to favorite songs to whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. (Editor’s note: It’s not.)
The vast majority of candidates participated, with the notable absence of U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and First Congressional District Democrats Stefany Shaheen and Maura Sullivan.
For the candidates who embraced the spirit of the season, the answers offer a glimpse into their character and background you won’t find anywhere else.
So, what do we know about the candidates from this survey?
Most of them celebrate Christmas on Christmas morning, not Christmas Eve. They are evenly split on the “Die Hard” question, they like the movie “Elf,” and they don’t like “Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey.” (Editor’s note: Who does?)
Read the candidates’ responses below.
U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES
Scott Brown
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
When the kids were young, it was a Christmas morning house, and they could open only one present on Christmas Eve. Now that they are older and have kids, we have shifted to a Christmas Eve house. Everyone comes over, and we eat, open some presents, and watch movies.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
Any Christmas I could see my dad (my parents divorced), and a basketball.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
No regrets.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Ayla Brown “Spend Christmas with You.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
We have two: “Scrooged” with Bill Murray. We have watched it every year since it came out, and I still have the video. My secret favorite? “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart. These movies remind you about giving and humor.
Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie?
Of course!
What does Christmas mean to you today?
As I am older, it means spending time with kids and grandkids, spoiling the grandchildren — and then giving them back to their parents. Appreciating time with Gail and Gracie and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Christ and love.
John E. Sununu
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Christmas morning.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
A well-loved used guitar from my uncle.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
Absolutely nothing.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
The Vince Guaraldi Trio, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
“Christmas Don’t Be Late,” Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
“A Christmas Story.” It is genius, and timeless.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
No. It is a “Die Hard” movie.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Celebrating with family.
FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Melissa Bailey (GOP)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Christmas Eve is for church and family games. Gifts are bright and early on Christmas morning, starting with stockings, which were always my favorite tradition as a kid.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
I’ll never forget the year I got a Cabbage Patch Kid. As a mom now, I can truly appreciate that my mom had a whole team of people scouring stores to find them for my sisters and me.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything—but I did have the flu one Christmas, and that was the worst!
What is your favorite Christmas song?
I love Christmas music and would play it well outside the acceptable window if my family allowed me! I love traditional Christian hymns like “O Holy Night,” and fun festive classics like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
“Dominick the Donkey.” Enough said.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
We watch “Elf” every year with the kids, but my all-time favorite is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I love feel-good movies with happy endings—I don’t want to spend two hours terrified or crying. It has everything and is just as meaningful today as it was decades ago.
Plus, I’m a Bailey, I live in Bedford, and I worked in banking before stepping away to raise my children. And like George Bailey, I have a heart for helping families build a better future (had to sneak in a little campaign pitch!)
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
Sure—why not? I’m all about a big tent.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Luke 2:1–20. Jesus, family, and traditions. As a person of deep Christian faith, I love everything about the Christmas season. I feel incredibly grateful for the blessings in my life—and most of all for God’s love and His perfect gift to us, Jesus.
Carleigh Beriont (Dem)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
As a kid, I loved Christmas Eve. We would go to church and then drive around to look at all the Christmas lights. Then, as a family, we’d read William Joyce’s “Santa Calls.” My grandparents would spend the night, so they could be there at the crack of dawn when my sisters and I woke up. I loved the magic, the promise, and the ritual of the night before Christmas. As a parent, I love Christmas morning.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
My Nana was an incredible seamstress. She’d make clothes for all of my dolls and sometimes even matching outfits for me. I still have many of them and wish I could sew like her.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
For years, I asked my parents for a goat for Christmas.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby. Beautiful and a bit melancholy, it dates back to WWII. I used to listen to this when I was in the Marshall Islands, away from my family, on Christmas. And Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The entire album is the quintessential sound of Christmas to me.
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
“Wonderful Christmastime.” Sorry, Paul McCartney.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
Tie between “Christmas Vacation” and “White Christmas.” “Christmas Vacation” has something for everyone. Julia Louis Dreyfuss steals every scene she’s in.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
If you watch it with your family and no one spends the whole time scrolling on their phone, it’s not just a Christmas movie, it’s a Christmas miracle!
What does Christmas mean to you today?
It’s about family. It’s about hope, possibility, and new beginnings. And, it’s about showing everyone kindness, hospitality, and grace.
Sarah Chadzynski (Dem)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Both! My in-laws are on Christmas Eve, my family is on Christmas morning; we also celebrate Hanukkah and always ring in the New Year with loved ones!
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
It was actually the ‘candy cane coffee cake’ my mom would always make (a yummy yeast dough with currants, apricots, and a sugary glaze). I may need to ask her to prep the dough for this year as a special request!
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
I have no idea! So apparently, no regrets!
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Carol of the Bells.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
I’m sure there is one, but I can’t think of any at this moment.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
The “Christmas Chronicles” is an uplifting and contemporary message, “Elf” is hilarious and yet still touches on hope and miracles, but “Klaus” is a film that touched my heart, and I love watching it with my kids.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
So I am told by many colleagues, friends, and international diplomats; however, I have yet to watch the full film myself!
What does Christmas mean to you today?
This time of year has always been about the light in the dark; about coming together with loved ones and community; about the stories of miracles and good in this world to give us hope going into the New Year. I feel that more this year than any previous year of my life, and I’m grateful for so many who are keeping the light shining so bright.
Rep. Brian Cole (GOP)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Christmas Eve.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
Tonka Trucks that I played with in the sand pit. I lived in the sandbox.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
I always wanted a 3-wheeler, but we could not afford one.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Andy Williams, “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
“Feliz Navidad,” because when I was younger, I marched in a parade, and it was stuck in my head! We marched for almost two hours in the parade, and that’s all I heard over and over.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
“A Christmas Story.” It’s funny, and it brings me joy.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
No.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Spending time with family and friends.
Anthony DiLorenzo (GOP)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Morning – after Santa arrives!
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
A BB gun.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Little Drummer Boy.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
“Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey,” for obvious reasons.
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
Kinda.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Besides being my oldest child’s birthday (Amy), Family, Friends, Hope, Joy, and Baby Jesus’ Birthday.
Hollie Noveletsky (GOP)
This NH-01 GOP candidate grew up celebrating Hanukkah. “Today we are a ‘Chrismakkah’ house. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Christmas morning with Baileys!”
Asked for a childhood memory about Hanukkah, Noveletsky said, “The best memory of Hanukkah was my grandparents. They always had the extended family at their house for the holidays. All my cousins would pile into the parlor (a room 6 feet by 8 feet at the most) with one bench and watch TV together.”
Christian Urrutia (Dem)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
A Christmas Eve house, with often a very contentious, if not a family-dividing, night of board games.
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
My first dog, a German Shepherd, was an exceptionally good boy.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
More time with my grandparents.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Chet Baker’s jazz rendition of “Silent Night.”
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas.”
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
“Trading Places” is one of the most underrated Christmas movies of all time.
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
I can’t imagine Christmas without eggnog, family, and John McClane throwing Hans Gruber off of Nakatomi Plaza.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Time with family, an opportunity to reflect on what is kind and good in the world, and what the world can be.
SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Lily Tang Williams (GOP)
Is your house a Christmas Eve house, or a Christmas morning house?
Christmas morning
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?
All faiths were banned when and where I grew up. My mom was raised Buddhist, but all the temples were boarded up.
What was the one thing you didn’t get, and still regret today?
I never received holiday gifts as a child. Anything would have been wonderful. However, I did receive a boiled egg for my birthday every year.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.” My husband played this almost every Christmas morning when we were raising our children. Sometimes by Mannheim Steamroller, sometimes by monks.
What is the Christmas song that, when it comes on the radio, makes you want to stab yourself in the eardrums with a candy cane?
he ever popular “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
Favorite Christmas movie, and why?
”How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” the 1966 version. It is a family tradition!
Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?
I have not seen it.
What does Christmas mean to you today?
Freedom, family, faith and giving. Religious freedom goes hand in hand with true freedom.
