11 Apps That Thrived Last Holiday Season

Even though we’re far from next Christmas, I feel like this is a great time to revisit some of the most impactful apps from the last holiday season.

The holiday season, a period spanning from Thanksgiving to the New Year, is a time steeped in tradition. Secular and religious families alike gather to spend time with one another and celebrate.

But for many, it’s also stressful and chaotic. It means seeing people you’re not used to seeing regularly, cooking for a crowd, and going hours — even days — without a moment to yourself. That’s why these apps were incredibly popular last holiday season.

1. Giftster

The shopping list is one of the most agonizing parts of the holidays. With Giftster, you can keep track of who wants what and share lists among people in your circle. Designate members of different groups, find gift suggestions, set up a Secret Santa gift exchange, and avoid duplicating presents — all with one app. You can use the “Add to Giftster” button to add items to your shopping list while browsing online.

2. Flight Tracker

Perhaps you have a trip to see the family planned or you’re expecting guests for the holidays. With Flight Tracker, you can get real-time updates on the status of arrivals and departures, along with important information like gate numbers and delays. That way, when you arrive or meet your guest at the airport, nobody will need to circle the arrival gates endlessly.

3. Food Network Kitchen

For many of us, the holidays mean lots and lots of cooking. Want to kick things up a notch? Food Network Kitchen brings your favorite celebrity chefs like Rachel Ray and Alton Brown into your own kitchen with a database of delicious recipes. You can even cook with the greats by watching on-demand and live cooking classes and tutorials. Save the best recipes in the app so you can make them next year, too.

4. Elf Yourself

Ridiculous entertainment is always welcomed. Elf Yourself is a classic tool for transforming you, your friends, and your family into dancing elves. That’s all — just a bit of mindless, humorous fun. Create videos of the people close to you letting loose and “elfing” themselves with this adorable app, and let them share the joy on their social media accounts.

5. Spotify

Spotify. Need we say more? This household name is a must for music of all types. During the holidays, you can choose themed stations like Christmas Pop, Classics, Hits, and Winter Songs to get everyone into the spirit of things. Keeping your holiday traditions festive and lively. You can even encourage singalongs or have karaoke. “Winter Wonderland,” anyone?

6. Speak to Santa

Inspire joy — and maybe a little fear — in your kids by letting them speak to Santa through chats and video or phone calls. You can even tell the app your kids’ names so he’ll address them personally. Use the tracker to find out when Santa is headed in your direction, so you can keep the cookies warm and the milk cold. But beware: Santa will know if the little ones have been naughty or nice, and he may just mention it to them.

7. Chanukah Guide

This is a complete app for celebrating the Festival of Lights. You’ll find prayers in six languages — English, French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish — a timer that will alert you to when to light and extinguish your Chanukiah, and a fun, virtual dreidel game. Plus, there’s a comprehensive video tutorial.

8. Mint

Budgeting probably isn’t something to think about when you’re celebrating, but it’s important nonetheless. With Mint, you can keep track of your spending and devise a budget to account for gifts, food, and other purchases during this expensive time of year. You can even link your accounts to the app so you have all your financial information in one place.

9. Headspace

Ask anyone their most stressful times of year and chances are many people will say it’s the holidays. While it’s supposed to be a joyful time to spend with family and loved ones, often, you’ll have those moments when you really just need a break. Don’t worry — Headspace is here for you. The app offers short, guided meditations that will give you those 10 minutes of calm you so desperately crave.

10. Fireplace Live HD

Don’t have a real fireplace? No problem! Transform your device into a fireplace with Fireplace Live. You can choose from six different HD videos depending on your mood and select your favorite sounds or music as well. It’s the perfect way to set the mood to get into the holiday spirit.

11. Shutterfly

Are you the one who’s constantly snapping photos at every get-together? Then Shutterfly is the app for you. Store all your best shots — and get unlimited free prints, too! Want to use them to create a personal gift for a loved one? You can find tons of products to customize with those smiling faces, from mugs to calendars.