I just love this time of year! One of the reasons is watching and reading old Christmas movies and books. I am very into traditions, so even though my ‘kids’ are now eighteen and twenty, they fully expect to watch each and every one of our favorite Christmas classics. Although the selection has changed through the years as they’ve gotten older, there is still a handful they know we will watch no matter what the age.
Here are a few you may not have heard of or forgot about: The Bishop’s Wife starring Cary Grant, an angel who helps the bishop’s wife raise money for their church. Another is A Midnight Clear staring Gary Sinise about an American reconnaissance unit sent out on a reckless mission on Christmas. The story is even more meaningful with the thought of our troops overseas. Some of the oldies we like are Holiday Inn starring Fred Astaire. Another oldie but goodie is White Christmas Staring Bing Crosby.
The movies and books my kids grew up with are becoming outdated with new stories, but we stick to our regulars such as, Charlie Brown is my daughter’s favorite and Elf is my son’s. A Christmas Story is my dad’s first choice, reminding him of a time when he was a boy. My husband counts Die Hard and Trading Places as Christmas movies but I beg-to-differ. My two favorites are It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol staring Alistair Sim, as they echo the reason for the season. I like to watch them both in black and white although I have the color versions. It feels more real to see movies set back in the day to be the color they were originally. There is no better Scrooge than Alistair and who can top Jimmy?
The book How the Grinch stole Christmas is an all time fav. The Night Before Christmas is one I still like but my teens lost interest awhile ago. I’ll have to wait for grandchildren to read that one again. Some count The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe as a Christmas story and I am one of them, only because I liked the book so much:) I went to The Nutcracker play which is popular on stage this time of year but wasn’t crazy about it, and have never wanted to read the book. The Polar Express was popular but it didn’t grab me either. The Greatest Story Ever Told was a book that I started but haven’t finished. Maybe this Christmas?
It’s fun to find out people’s likes and dislikes and maybe something new! So…what are your favorites?
Have a blessed Christmas everyone!
3 comments:
We have a local film project in our downtown district that shows "artsy" films and old films. Next week, I plan on going to see a big screen showing of It's a Wonderful Life with my family! I've never seen it on the big screen and I cannot wait! It is my all time favorite movie. Period.
My other favorite is a little known Jimmy Stewart movie called the The Shop Around the Corner and A Christmas in Connecticut all from the 40's. Of course, it's hard to beat the original Miracle on 34th Street. I line them all up the last two weeks before Christmas and enjoy!
Merry Christmas you old Bailey Building and Loan!!!!
Hi Beth,
I love A Charlie Brown Christmas, While You Were Sleeping which takes place during Christmas and has always been a favorite. And I do believe that A Shop Around the Corner that Bruce mentions is what they must have based part of "You've Got Mail," on. I saw it and thought it sounded familiar. :) Great movie.
A Midnight Clear sounds great, I've never seen it. Will check it out.
Bruce, I am so jealous! I would love to watch It's a Wonderful Life on the big screen! I'd probably stay and watch it a second time too!! I haven't seen The Shop Around the Corner but with your suggestion I'm going to put it in my Netflix list.
Jill, I love Sandra Bullock! That was a good movie. It seems any movie that has a Christmas scene is considered a 'Christman' movie:)
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