Merry Christmas! My prayer is that this day is filled with the wonder and reality of Christ, His birth, and the reason He came.
So you might think it’s a little strange that I’ve talking about Christmas movies. Ever since I researched 1940s Hollywood for Stars in the Night, I’ve been a bigger fan than ever of classic movies. Growing up, my favorite movies were from the 30s and 40s…that hasn’t changed. There’s something I love about the simplicity of that time that shines through in movies that make me laugh and feel. So today I thought I’d share a few of my favorites.
- White Christmas: I adore this relatively simple story set during the post WWII years. I love the theme of honoring those we admire…even at great cost to ourselves. The ending scene with the general makes me tear up every time. And hearing Bing Crosby croon White Christmas? And Danny Kaye is the perfect comedic foil. Sing with me “Sisters, Sisters….” Perfection! My family adores this movie.
- Holiday Inn: This is more than a Christmas movie because it features 13 Irving Berlin songs that are set around the holidays. Fred Astaire’s fire cracker dance has always been a favorite of mine, but I love the theme of letting a loved one go so they can chase their dream. Happy sigh.
- It Happened on 5th Avenue: I shocked some folks last year, because I’d never seen this movie. Oh my! They were all right. I love it! It’s the story of a rich girl who stumbles on some homeless men who are living in her father’s seasonally abandoned mansion in NYC. She joins them and their friends, and before long her dad and mom have joined them — while pretending to be people other than they are. This is a story of realizing the hold things and money can have on us and turning instead to the value of people. A beautiful story.
- It’s a Wonderful Life: I have to admit that I watched this so many times growing up, it lost some of its appeal. But my husband loves this movie, and it’s growing on me again. Who hasn’t felt like their dreams died and in the process their life didn’t matter. I love the way this story shows the long-lasting impact we can have on people without realizing it. The imagining what life would be like without us. It’s a definite keeper and one to watch each year for the reminders that we do matter — even when we feel like our story has no meaning or value.
Is there a favorite holiday go-to movie in your family?
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An award-winning author of more than 40 books, Cara is a Clinical Associate Professor in business law and ehtics to graduate and undergraduate students at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, four children, a perfect cat, and a sweet yet rambunctious shelter puppy in Indiana.
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We like Home Alone 1 and 2. Also the Polar Express. From the classics I like Miracle on 34th street.
Shirley
From the classics, Miracle on 34th Street, the original, is my absolute favorite. My husband likes The Christmas Story with Ralphie. I guess there’s a memory there with the Red Rider B B Gun. Modern I just love National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Something about Uncle Eddie, LOL. I watch White Christmas mainly just to see the unbelievable size waist on the actress that plays opposite to Rosemary Clooney.
I have never heard of It Happened on 5th Avenue! Added to my Amazon watchlist… Thanks, Cara!
…”there were never such devoted sisters.” White Christmas with the quirky personalities and even more charming relationships between the four, holds a special place in my heart. But I am ashamed to admit that it has only been there for the past two years.