I love Christmas. I love Christmas movies. So, needless to say, I’m in heaven when the weather changes and the movies start coming. I’m not going to “rank” them because I believe that every generation has its favorites. I love them all, so this is going to be a Christmas Movies 101, refresher course!
Let’s start with some of the oldies but goodies. One of my favorites is White Christmas (1954) with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. If you haven’t sang along with your sister to “Sisters”, you haven’t had Christmas yet. It makes you want to get up and dance, fake snow and all! Your checklist should also include the regulars, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Holiday Inn (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), Babes in Toyland (1934) and of course, Miracle on 34th Street. If you have children or grandchildren, be sure to watch some of these with them. It’s amazing how the young ones are enthralled with the simplicity of life in a kinder, gentler era.
Enter the next generation…A Christmas Story (1983) is still priceless. We also have The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992), Home Alone (1990), Scrooged (1988) with the awesome Bill Murray and the still delightful National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) starring Chevy Chase. The Santa Clause (1994) with Tim Allen is also worth a trip down memory lane.
So, now we’ve worked our way into this century. Is your head spinning or your pen writing? We can start with How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). im Carrey is scary and funny and eventually charming in this all-time favorite. Kids and adults alike love The Grinch. If you’re a Will Ferrell fan, you will want to see Elf (2003) again. In 2004 we were graced with the genius of Tom Hanks in Polar Express. I still can’t believe they don’t bring this one back to the 3D theaters every year. I’ve written letters but I guess no one is listening. Polar Express on the big screen is totally amazing.
The little ones will love Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) but please, do your self a favor and rent or buy the timeless, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). A little known but absolutely marvelous little movie my thirty something kids loved is Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. This is Jim Henson at his sweetest and most brilliant. Your young ones are sure to be mesmerized.
Now I’m going schmaltzy on you. One of my favorite contemporary films is The Holiday (2006) with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black and Kate Winslet. What can I say; it’s a feel good movie. While I’m at it, if you like the Christmassy feel good stuff watch your TV listings for the plethora of Hallmark contributions. I record literally dozens of them every year to have something to watch on a rainy night with a big bowl of popcorn!
My last recommendation is the reason for the season! You’ll want to watch The Nativity (2006), a beautifully filmed story of Jesus’ birth.
Now you have your December cut out for you…20 of my favorite, all for different reasons. Pop the corn, cuddle up and enjoy. And, oh by the way, you can always email me with your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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