December 21 – Frosty The Snowman
Based on the 1950 Gene Autry song, Frosty The Snowman is one of the best animated specials around. At its core, the story is about the power of a little Christmas spirit and one black top hat. That combination can do many things, but nothing quite as remarkable as bringing a snowman to life. He dances around, leads the kids through the streets of town, and brings them a story that they’ll remember forever. It’s a heart-melting special in the truest sense of the phrase, but there’s still hope at the end, knowing that Frosty, just like Christmas, will be back again some day.
And if you’re feeling really ambitious, the sequel isn’t half bad either.
December 22 – Elf
Arguably the best Christmas movie of the 21st century, Will Ferrell put a whole new spin on how the general public views Santa’s little helpers. Of course, it can be said that Buddy the Elf isn’t actually an elf, but by the end of the movie it’s clear that being an Elf isn’t about your birth, it’s about your heart.
Elf is a story of pure, unadulterated Christmas joy in today’s world where Christmas spirit is at an all-time low. It’s also the role that Ferrell was born to play. I’m not really a fan of the insane, immature, naive characters he’s frequently cast as, but it works to perfection in Elf. His performance is also helped along greatly by the incredible chemistry that him and Zooey Deschanel have in the film.
This is the Christmas movie for a new generation, the generation that was too young for even the likes of Home Alone and The Santa Clause. That doesn’t mean it can’t appeal to people of all ages, because it can, and that makes it a perfect holiday movie for when the whole family is in town.
With only a few more sleeps until Christmas day, you don’t want to miss out on Elf.
December 23 – Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, and by this point in time, you should probably know their red-nosed companion as well. The best of the Rankin-Bass classics, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer is the perfect choice as you approach Christmas day. Hopefully by this point in time you’re off for the holidays, ready to sit back and enjoy all the Christmas spirit coming your way. Start that with Rudolph.
Telling the tale of the most storied of all Santa’s sled-pullers, this special has worked its way into the hearts of almost everyone whose seen it, in large part because of its memorable characters. From Hermey the Elf, wanna-be dentist, all the way to the Bumble, it’s almost impossible to even begin to choose a favorite character. Of course, most of the characters at the North Pole are complete jerks, including the man in the red suit himself, but Rudolph ultimately finds a way to save the day and bring Christmas cheer to those who need it most – and that’s what Christmas is all about isn’t it?
I understand that it may be impossible for you to wait this long before popping Rudolph in, but it’s the perfect choice for the final day before Christmas Eve, so even if you aren’t able to wait, you’ll probably want to revisit it on the 23rd.