Ready or not, folks, the holiday season is once again upon us. It’s not as if were shouldn’t have been prepared, what with Christmas music on the radio since November 1 and tinsel and garland next to the Halloween costumes. Kinda takes some of the specialness out of the season, doesn’t it?
What better way to put some oomph back into your Christmas spirit than by sitting down with a cup of hot chocolate (spiked or not, your choice), a bowl of popcorn and a holiday-themed movie? Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.
It’s a Wonderful Life – George Bailey struggles with the path his life has taken and gets an eye opening look at how things could have been from his guardian angel, Clarence.
The Santa Clause – If you were Tim Allen and you found Santa flat on his back on your lawn and reindeer on your roof wouldn’t you “put on the suit”? I love the way this film give an old tale a fresh look.
White Christmas – Not only does this classic movie have a great score and top notch cast, it has Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye rolling up their pant legs, grabbing feather fans and singing “Sisters” to help out a pair of pretty sisters. And they get to put on a show and save the day for their old WWII commander.
Rudolph – Do I really need to explain why this one is on the list?
The Town Santa Forgot – I doubt anyone remembers this one. The movie’s message was about spoiled brat Jeremy Lake, being greedy and giving rather than receiving. But for my son, who had been particularly obnoxious that day, it was an eye opening reminder that Santa didn’t bring toys to kids who were bad.
I could go on and on:
Christmas in Connecticut (1945 version) – Food writer Barbara Stanwyck has lied about being the perfect homemaker and now finds herself hosting her boss and a soldier for the holidays.
Miracle on 34th Street – Edmund Gwen is Santa Clause. That’s all I gotta say
Elmo Saves Christmas – Elmo loves the holiday so much he wishes it could be Christmas everyday. He soon learns it would take the specialness out of the holiday and keep people from doing their everyday jobs, everyone would also miss out on all the other great holidays.
What are some of your favorites?
Keep in mind what my husband always says: If you believe, you shall receive.
Maryanne Barsotti 
Dec 06, 2013 @ 16:06:20
White Christmas is one of our faves, too, but the best one of all time is Holiday Inn.
Dec 07, 2013 @ 15:13:34
Kathy, you’re so right. That’s a great movie too, and one I’ll have to add to my list. Love the old black & whites.
Dec 07, 2013 @ 04:00:56
Great list! I love Deck The Halls with Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick, makes me laugh every time I see it. Also Santa Claus The Movie with Dudley Moore.
Dec 07, 2013 @ 15:15:09
I’d forgotten about Dudley Moore’s movie, Lisa. There are just sooo many good ones (and not so good ones) out there. Sounds like I need to visit IMDB and update my list.