Christmas Isn’t Christmas Without the Movies
by Adrienne Amos
Being a sentimental romantic all year long means Christmas brings it all to one glorious head, and I love it! From the Grinches and Scrooges to the festive music playing everywhere you go, it’s all part of tradition I really can’t do without. When evening comes and it’s time to wind down, Christmas movies are just what the doctor ordered. From touchingly funny to tearjerkers, they all have a special place in my heart and holiday routine.
We can relate to the antics of Chevy Chase and his holiday lights fiasco (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) or Arnie trying desperately to get that special toy (Jingle All the Way). It wouldn’t be Christmas without some telling of the classic A Christmas Carol, though some versions are more fun than others. A few years back Sam Elliot played a single father trying to cope with economic difficulties while raising a daughter devoted to Christmas (Prancer)–that took a whole box of Kleenex to watch. Short cartoon classics permeate the small screen from Thanksgiving onward, and for some it just isn’t Christmas without Rudolph and the Peanuts gang. This year Shrek joined in the holiday cartoon marathon. It was a delightful film that reminded us the best-laid plans are always what the season is all about. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas with a miracle or two, so Miracle on 34th Street is a must.
Miracle on 34th Street via S. Herman. Some rights reserved.
For sheer family joy there are the three Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen. “Hot chocolate and marshmallows coming right up!” is truly The Polar Express, heartwarming and worth watching season after season. Angela Lansbury did a musical Mrs. Santa Claus for Hallmark Entertainment a few years ago, which showed us how important she is to Santa and Christmas. Speaking of Hallmark, they even have commercials like mini Christmas stories that can make me cry and go “awwwwwwww”!
Come Christmas Eve there’s a movie originally done for television with Loretta Young (I know most of you are too young to remember her!) that will have you reaching for tissues often as well. Its premise of a charitable wealthy woman who’s estranged from her grandchildren because of her son touches the heartstrings of anyone who has been far from family at this time of year.
Okay, by now you’ve figure out that I’m addicted to Christmas and Christmas movies! Each serves a purpose and evokes a multitude of emotions. Yet I still haven’t told you which film is my all-time favorite, so bear with me…
Before I reveal my true favorite I must tell you about one more movie. For sheer fun rent Holiday Inn. It’s old and in black and white, but it debuts the Christmas song that later became the title for my favorite Christmas movie, which is White Christmas. Yes, I know it’s ancient and schmaltzy, but then so am I!
Why is it my favorite? The story is pretty simple and basic for this time of year. You know the one—boy meets girl, they fall in love, they separate, and they reunite. But it’s also a story about caring and sharing, and that is the basis for the season.
White Christmas is funny, with this wonderful cast of crazy characters that are like so many people we have known or know. Much of the script has become tag lines for my son and me over the years, so watching it brings him home, if only in my heart. It focuses on mostly ordinary people (even if they all seem to be in better financial shape than many of us). It’s not preachy, nor is anyone trying to convince us they are perfect. Every one of the principle characters makes mistakes along the way. Their concerns are real—a place to live, making a living, and finding their own happiness.
The title song alone can make me cry because of its simplistic beauty, so when it is part of a movie that features other great music I must watch! “Count Your Blessings” is also a wonderful song from this movie. It’s a quiet reminder that we should all be thankful for what we have and not stress over what we don’t.
The dancing isn’t quite the dancing of today, but Vera Ellen as the younger sister is fantastic to watch. Even on my best days when I was in great shape I couldn’t do in flats what she does in high heels. For the older generation there are the legends: Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney (George’s aunt, for you youngsters), and the remarkable Danny Kaye. For the young folk who are unaware, in his heyday Danny was one of the most all-around talented guys in the business. He sang, he danced, he did comedy, and he acted. After the holidays, those of you with children should rent Hans Christian Andersen, which truly showcased his talents.
The show’s finale would make the perfect Christmas card. Doors open behind one of the most exquisitely-decorated Christmas trees ever to reveal it all: the snow is falling, a sleigh comes into view, and the four stars get everyone to join in song. Of course, the guys are dressed as Santa (Bing always looked goofy in a hat), and the leading ladies are in beautiful fur-trimmed red dresses. I think those dresses are breathtaking, especially Vera Ellen’s. Since the first time I saw White Christmas one of my dreams has been to someday have a dress like that to wear–and a place to wear it, if only for one night.
It’s memories of Christmases past and the promise of even better ones to come, all rolled into 120 minutes. I think Christmas traditions are to be treasured and preserved, and to remind us us that some things are best left unchanged. Watching White Christmas on Christmas Day is the perfect reminder for me. It’s A Wonderful Life with bells signaling angels getting their wings as presents are opened, while our bellies are bulging from good food and we’re relaxing with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. In my house that includes watching White Christmas with those I hold dearest. And that is A Christmas Story.
