I’m not going to sugar coat this at all, Christmas is my favorite Holiday. I’m the guy that starts listening to Christmas music on November 1st. Sorry, but that’s me. That being said, it should be no surprise that my favorite thing to do this time of year is watch Holiday Movies. Some people enjoy the decorations, the lights, the food. After a long day of work and taking care of the essentials, for me nothing beats sitting down and watching my top 6 Holiday Films/TV shows. I can remember what a big deal it was when I was a kid, and they would announce that Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was going to be airing. Yes, that was the old terminology, if you missed it, you would be waiting till next year to see it again! There was no DVR, there wasn’t even a VCR yet. Well, besides showing my age, I think some of you might remember those days and the excitement it ensued.
I know how easy it is now to stream these holiday masterpieces all year round, if your so inclined. However, that takes away some of the magic. I also know a lot of reviewers like to just list their favorite Holiday Shows, but I like to watch them in a particular order and at specific times to achieve maximum enjoyment. Allow me to be your Christmas entertainment guide and I will explain. Run and get your milk and cookies and away we go!
Right after Thanksgiving I will start with the original 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street. It starts with the Thanksgiving Day parade and gradually gets you in the mood. This film still holds up today. It stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn. The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. It’s just a charming film that takes you back to a simpler time.
The following weekend it’s got to beHome Alone. It stars Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John heard, and Catherine O’Hara. The film follows Kevin (Culkin), an eight-year-old boy, who must defend his home from two burglars, Harry and Marv (Pesci and Stern), after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their vacation. When this film was released in 1990 it just became an instant classic. Written by John Hughes, who pretty much narrated my childhood existence, and the music comes from the great mind of John Williams. I am sure everyone knows his body of work, from a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. How could you lose with this one? Seeing those two crooks go through Kevin’s traps just never get old.
Following up young Kevin is a more modern film but also a recent staple, Elf. The film was released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, written by David Berenbaum, and starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay, Bob Newhart, and Ed Asner. Elf centers on Buddy, a human who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. He learns about this and heads to New York City to meet his biological father while also spreading Christmas cheer in a world of cynics in the process. This film is not only hysterical, but it also gives nods to Christmas films that came before it. It almost feels familiar and is still such a unique story, it’s hard not to include in any Holiday list. There is even a cameo from Peter Billingsley, oh you didn’t know. Yes, that’s Ralphie from A Christmas Story all grown up in that elf costume. Plus, you also get to see where the world’s best cup of coffee is made!
As we get closer to the special day, the Elf has already arrived and is on your shelf. Now it’s time to meet Santa! Who better to become the jolly old man himself? None other than Tim Allen in Disney’s The Santa Clause. Released in 1994 and the first in the Santa Clause film series. Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who accidentally causes Santa Clause to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve. When he and his young son, Charlie, finish St. Nick’s trip and deliveries, they go to the North Pole where Scott learns that he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed Santa Claus. This film was certainly a hit and became a great vehicle for Tim Allen as two other films followed.
The next film is highly relatable, especially if you’ve had a Christmas where you wished for a special gift. In this case it’s a “Red Rider BB Gun” and everyone you tell says, “You’ll shoot your eye out kid.” dashing all hopes and dreams. If you’re not in the mood yet, this one will set you over the top. In 1983 the world met Ralphie and his bunny suit. Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. I don’t think any film since has ever made a turkey look so good. Those Bumpass’ dogs really had a great meal that year.
Finally, you started with your Thanksgiving Day Parade, got left home by yourself, met the Elf, Santa Claus himself, and asked for your Christmas Present. Now it’s time for a Griswald Family Christmas. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American family, comedy film, it is the third installment in National Lampoon’s Vacation film series and was written by John Hughes. Yes, another John Hughes film! As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs. This film contains one of the most iconic Christmas scenes with Clark trying to light up his house. Who can forget the moment of triumph in his face when those two extension cords come together, and his masterpiece is revealed?
If you have made it this far you are in for the bonus treat! Now it’s really time to lick that frosting off the Gingerbread house. These can be spread out during the weeks in between films. They are not long but if you want the full effect you must include these favorites. The 1966 classic Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the 1969 Frosty the Snowman, and the 1964 Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer.
We have arrived at the end of our candy cane journey. If you followed my suggestions, you have achieved maximum enjoyment. I hope everyone has a safe and healthy holiday season. I know things are a little different this year so getting in the spirit might be what we need right now. Let me know what you think! If you do it differently, I would love to hear. Otherwise, I’m gonna give you to the count of ten, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead! 1, 2, 10!