We watch a lot of movies at our house. We love Christmas at our house. So naturally, Christmas movies play a pretty big role in getting us into the Christmas Spirit.
We have a Canon of movies we like to watch leading up to Christmas. The order in which we watch them is somewhat fluid but there are certain heavy hitters we save for the last. There are a few that aren't as "necessary" to watch, but are fun to get in if we have the time.
Here they are:
Christmas Vacation (1989)
The most irreverent and sketchy on our list. We like to start the list of movies with this one. Lots of great one-liners and memorable characters. This one fits in nicely into the middle-to-last half of November.
Neptune's Daughter (1949)
The only thing that makes this a Christmas movie is that it won an Oscar for Best Original Song in "Baby It's Cold Outside." It is still a cute love story with some funny moments. Another good one for November.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
I grew up watching the 1994 version which is not horrible, but this one has stood the test of time much better. The kids call it "The Santa Movie."
This one we try to watch around Thanksgiving.
It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
(From IMDB)
A homeless New Yorker moves into a mansion and along the way he gathers friends to live in the house with him. Before he knows it, he is living with the actual home owners.
This is an End-of-November, first of December movie.
The First Presidency Christmas Devotional (Annual)
Not technically a movie, but still very much worth your time. Every year The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints do a one-hour devotional with music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra on Temple Square. The Christmas messages from these inspired men are uplifting and a great way to kick off the holiday season. Can be watched here.
The devotional is done every year the first Sunday in December.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
(From IMDB)
A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas.
Good to watch in early December.
White Christmas (1954)
It may not be technically a Christmas movie and it is possible it was only made to sell copies of the title song. That being said, this is firmly planted in our Christmas Canon of movies. We showed the kids this one again this year and they are starting to pick up on some of the songs.
Any time after December 1 is free game.
A Christmas Carol (1999)
One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was seeing the play version of "A Christmas Carol" at Hale Center Theater. A few years ago I read it for the first time and this version I feel is most true to the story. That and Patrick Stewart is great as Scrooge. I recently found out that in the past he has done a one-man performance of the entire thing. THAT would be awesome to see live. There is an audio recording of the performance on YouTube.
Good to watch any time in December.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A fun Christmas/New Year's movie. Mistaken identities, great characters, and the paperboy. These mashed potatoes are so creamy.
The only one on the list that can be watched after Christmas.
Mr Kreuger's Christmas (1980)
Jimmy Stewart. The Mo-Tab. BYU Dancer's Company from 1980. This one has it all. The Christmas Spirit is epitomized by one of the greatest actors in the last 100 years speaking unscripted to the Christ Child. It has been said that all of the camera men were bawling and the director was praying they captured Stewart's performance.
You can get a free copy from the missionaries. mormon.org/christmas.
Great to watch as a Family Home Evening lesson early on in the month before the excitement of presents start to set in.
Elf (2003)
The movie that introduced the word "Ginormus" into the lexicon. At first I was kinda bothered by the Santa-centric theme, especially with how the movie ends. But when you stop and think how Santa represents a God who gives good things to His children, the discussion on the "Clause-o-meter" takes new meaning. If all the people saw Santa, they would have knowledge instead of belief and the sleigh wouldn't fly.
Any time in December.
Amahl and the Night Visitors (1951)
This one almost gets an honorary place in the lineup. When I was on my mission, Faith sent me a CD with the music from this. As it was not on the approved music list for my mission, I dutifully did not listen to it. A few years ago Faith showed this to the kids. It may take a few years before it gets fully Canonized.
Any time in December.
Home Alone (1990)
For me, this movie represents my Christmases from ages 8 to about 12. My brothers and I watched it a lot during that time. While it is not much in the way of feel-good, spirit-of-the-season material, it brings back fond memories of growing up. That and the soundtrack is quintessential Christmas.
A good movie to have going on in the background a week to a few days before Christmas when you have a bunch of presents to wrap.
A Christmas Story (1983)
So many quotes. So many great moments. Still wondering when we introduce this one to the kids. Not sure if I am ready to hear Lilia say "Ohh, Fuuuuudgggge."
Fits in the week before Christmas.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
In all honesty, probably the best movie I have ever seen. This is one we watched on and off when I was growing up but it has gotten to the point where this is THE MOVIE on the list. I love the message how our lives touch so many others. Jimmy Stewart plays the hero of the everyman and like I said before, he was an incredible actor. The ending gets me every time because it reminds me that everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not the end yet.
This one has to be watched within 3 days of Christmas.
Not in the Canon (Yet)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas -The kids love it. Good message. More of a "filler" movie than anything.
A Charlie Brown Christmas -Same as above but closer to making it to the Canon.
The Santa Clause -Has aged pretty well. We watched it 2 years ago and was surprised how much I liked it.
Die Hard -Just need to get an edited copy. Gotta love John McClain.
1 comment:
"Like!"
Thanks, Spencer! And it's fun to hear that one of your favorite traditions is one of ours - "A Christmas Carol" at the Hale Center Theater. There was one in Glendale, CA, and we saw it annually with Nate's family since Amanda was almost 2 up until we moved. This year we found a production near us but it was not a theater in the round, of course. Still fun, though! Merry Christmas!
Post a Comment