December 16 – White Christmas
When a couple of great singers travel to put on a show and romance some women, the result is likely going to be a pretty solid flick, especially when those two soldiers turned singers are some of the most enjoyable entertainers of all time (and the women aren’t far behind). Some would argue that White Christmas is the greatest holiday film ever, and while I wouldn’t go quite that far, I certainly do think there’s some merit to having it in that discussion.
The songs are great, the story isn’t bad, and it’s got everything you could possibly want from a Christmas film. There’s singing, skating, and a whole lot of snow. Sure, it’s corny at times, but a little corny is okay around the holidays, right?
December 17 – The Year Without a Santa Claus
When I hear Santa Claus, I think Mickey Rooney. That reaction was planted by Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, but it was cemented by The Year Without A Santa Claus where he again takes on the titular role. This time though, instead of being wide-eyed and passionate about Christmas, he feels under-appreciated and ready for a vacation.
If Santa really did take a vacation, it would completely ruin the season, so of course, Mrs. Claus steps in to save the day by recruiting Heat Miser and Snow Miser to provide some backup (once they get over their sibling rivalry, that is).
In recent years I’ve noticed a drastic decrease in Christmas spirit, which makes this special more poignant today than ever. It’s a sobering reminder of just what could happen if people really stop caring about the season.
December 18 – Miracle on 34th Street
In one of the most magical portrayals of Santa Claus ever, Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar for his work in Miracle On 34th Street. AFI once ranked the film 9th on its list of the 100 most inspiring movies of all time, but even more than the awards and accolades it received, the movie has been remembered because it’s an incredibly touching tale of Christmas.
When Saint Nick is away from the North Pole, life isn’t all that easy, especially considering most people don’t believe in him. Even with his series of inspiring miracles, people still don’t want to believe. It’s a common Christmas story, but it’s been used over and over again for a reason. The hope that would be inspired by a real Kris Kringle is more than worthy of a film, and should make it a must-watch for you this Christmas.
December 19 – A Christmas Story
Yes, it plays all day on Christmas, but what better way to kick off the last week leading up to the 25th than with Ralphie’s iconic Christmas film? The movie turns 30 this year, but it doesn’t feel like it’s aged a bit.
This is arguably the most popular Christmas movie today, and that may be because of how often it plays on television, at least in America. It’s also due to how relatable of a Christmas story it is. Every kid knows the feeling of seeing commercials and ads for the one gift that there’s almost zero chance they’re going to get. That’s a huge part of the commercialism of the holiday, which these days plays too large a role.
Along with the 30th anniversary, Cleveland is having a convention and celebration of the film. While I don’t know that a trip to that city is necessary, I triple-dog dare you to pop this one in on the 19th, and if it doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas, I think you may be beyond helping.
December 20 – How The Grinch Stole Christmas
He may be as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, but the Christmas season just wouldn’t be complete without Mr. Grinch, and while the live-action movie isn’t a completely terrible choice, you simply can’t beat the 1966, Boris Karloff-narrated special.
As with many Christmas stories, it’s another case of a guy who just doesn’t get the cheer of the season. He’s a grumpy old hermit, without a real friend in the world, and because of that he thinks he can’t enjoy Christmas. He thinks that if he steals everything down to the last can of Who-hash, then no one will enjoy Christmas, and everyone will be wallowing in misery with him.
Of course, that isn’t the case, and his heart grows three sizes when he sees the Whos still enjoying their holiday. That makes it the ultimate anti-commercialism special, but really it’s so much more than that. It’s a beautiful tale of the magic of the Christmas season, and it’s a perfect way to get ready for the last week before the big day arrives.