Holiday Film Fest

All images in this post sourced from the Internet

Greetings everyone and Happy December!

We are now in the midst of a magical season filled with possibilities and wonder.  I actually got a little giddy today while cleaning the house in preparation for putting up all our holiday decor.  And I get excited each time the mail carrier delivers another holiday greeting to my door...hooray!  I am definitely in the mood for some holiday cheer.  And what better way to do that than to share some of my favorite holiday films (please note that they are not in any particular order).

First up, obviously, is The Nightmare Before Christmas.  It is our tradition to watch this film each Christmas season.  This film is my favorite of all time.  I could watch it every day, but instead I do choose to show restraint and watch it only a year.  It makes it more special that way.  Of course, I have quite the Nightmarish obsession and try to acquire a new piece of memorabilia each year for my rather large collection.  My new want...Nightmare Before Christmas Operation!!!

I simply adore Elf.  Of course, I am also a big fan of Zooey Deschanel and will watch her in just about anything.  Plus, she sings!  This film is just so sweet.  And it carries a great message, too.   Besides - Ed Asner as Santa?  Totally awesome!  Remember, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.  Pass the maple syrup, Buddy the Elf!

Love, Actually takes place during Christmas and it's a rather non-traditional type of film.  All the different vignettes in the film and how they all weave together was wonderfully done.  Here you see Bill Nighy - who, in my humble opinion, really stole the show.  His aging rock star character is way over the top, but in an weirdly endearing kind of way.  The one thing that binds everyone together in this film is love...and what could be better than that?

Edmund Gwenn is the epitome of Santa to me.  I most enjoy watching this film on Thanksgiving Day.  Little Natalie Wood was wise beyond her years and gave such a great performance as a little girl who was raised to be practical.  Imagination is so important, especially to a child.  And the power to believe in Santa - or the spirit of Santa - is something that young and old should always be allowed to experience.

For some reason, I always enjoy watching Little Women at Christmas - the version with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon.  The enduring love of the March sisters is so heartwarming that it truly makes it a holiday must-see for me.  It was also one of my favorite books growing up.

Home Alone is a favorite in our household - especially with my hubby.  Who doesn't love a wise-cracking 8 year old who can single-handedly take on two bumbling burglars?  It is often the wish of most children to be "home alone," but when it comes right down to it - you always end up missing your family...especially at the holidays.  I always get a tear in my eye at the end of this film.  

Speaking of getting teary-eyed, I never fail to cry at the end of It's a Wonderful Life.  Interestingly, I had never seen the film as a child and was introduced to it when I was in my twenties.  And I fell in love with it.  In turn, I was able to introduce the film to my hubby.  I remember reading that the film was only moderately successful when it was released - but just look how it has endured.  And the message to this film is so very important...that every person alive touches the lives of so many others whether he or she realizes it or not. As Clarence the Angel wrote to George Bailey "Dear Geroge, Remember NO man is a failure who has friends." 

Bing.  Rosemary.  Danny.  Just as I introduced my hubby to It's a Wonderful Life, he introduced me to White Christmas!  What a beautiful film this is.  I adore the music and the dancing and everything about it.  Of course, there is a wonderful moral to this film, as well.  And be ready to have a tissue handy at the ending.  If you've seen the film before, you'll know exactly what I mean!  

One of my favorite tales is A Christmas Carol.  For years, I'd watch the musical version of the tale starring Albert Finney in the pivotal role of Ebenezer Scrooge.  They did such a fabulous job of aging Mr. Finney, who was rather young at the time of filming.  The effects are wonderful, and the songs are catchy and memorable.  I'm rather excited for this weekend since the hubby and I will be attending a stage production of A Christmas Carol.   It will be so much fun to see this classic brought to the stage!

And now for something completely different...Scrooged!  I'm a major Bill Murray fan, and I just adore him in the role of a modern-day television executive who is, well, rather Scrooge-like.  It's over the top and just plain fun.  Plus, Carol Kane, Bobcat Goldthwaith, David Johansen (from the musical group New York Dolls) and Karen Allen star in it, as well.  We actually got to meet Karen Allen a few months ago.  She owns a textile shop in Massachusetts - and she is probably the most gracious "celebrity" you could ever meet.  And she is just as luminescent in person as she is on screen.

And, finally, there is A Christmas Story.  For the longest time, I never watched this film - although it on television constantly!  Once I saw it, I was hooked.  There is so much to love about this film!  Ralphie is such a typical little boy - who dreams of owning a Red Ryder BB gun.  Everyone warns him that he'll "shoot his eye out" - even Santa!  Now please don't anyone try this stunt out at home - because your tongue really CAN stick to an icy cold pole...even if you receive a "triple dog dare!"   My hubby even managed to get himself a "pink nightmare" (aka bunny costume) for Halloween  - although he wasn't able to wear it this year.  Get ready to see photos next year, folks!

And there you have it.  I am SURE that I've missed a few beloved films.  I'd love for you to share some of your favorites!!!

Til next time,

Theresa