Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Thoughts On Christmas Movies

There was a point in my life where I was glued to the TV during the holidays to try to watch every Hallmark Christmas movie I could.  Then, it hit me one day; they're all going to end the same.  The single mom, who although is struggling financially, has impeccable style and a variety of peacoats and scarves, will end up with the handsome, kid-loving neighbor, just in time to have a picture perfect Christmas Eve.  Oh, and it will snow.  It always snows in the end.

There are a few Christmas movies that I do look forward to every year though.  I'm going to travel through these movies Ebeneezer Scrooge style, and show you my favorites from the past, the present, and a few that I think we'll revisit in the future.  


When I think of my favorite movie from the past; the movie I looked forward to every year...I think about Miracle on 34th Street.  But, no, not the classic; the remake.


That movie came out in 1994, so technically I was a teenager and not a kid, but I do remember watching it when I was younger.  I also really looked forward to Christmas specials on TV, which technically aren't movies, BUT I had to watch them when it came on, because we didn't have a DVR, kids.  Also, it meant we didn't have to fire up the ol' VCR.

I really looked forward to A Garfield Christmas every year.


And, I still look forward to A Charlie Brown Christmas.




There are a few movies that we watch every year now, too.  Our very, very favorite movie that we (as a family) set aside a whole night devoted to watching is...drum roll, please...Christmas with the Kranks.  I know it's not a classic or anything, but it cracks me up every time we watch it, and it's definitely one of Kendall's favorites, too.  


I cannot pick a favorite part of this movie; I love it all, but Kendall's favorite part is the frozen cat...


And, my husband's favorite part is the Hickory Honey Ham fiasco...


I guess, if I'm being honest, I love the happy, sappy ending.  I would tell you all about it, but you have to watch the movie to see what happens (that was said in my best Reading Rainbow voice.  Anyone get that reference?).

Polar Express is another movie that gets a whole night, too.  It's a pajama, hot chocolate kind of night that we all look forward to.  In fact, this year, we are actually boarding the Polar Express in Grapevine, Texas in a few weeks.  We haven't told the kids yet, so I can't wait to see what they think of it!


Four Christmases is definitely not family friendly, but always seems to be on when I'm up late wrapping presents, so it's become of favorite of mine and Mark's.  In fact, we quote it quiet often.




I don't know the future, and what new releases we may fall in love with, but I can tell you a few movies that my little kids haven't seen that I can't wait to introduce them to this year.

First up, Home Alone.  I see a little Kevin McAllister in my son, so I may be a tiny bit nervous to introduce him to this character, but hey, I'm not planning on leaving him home alone, so I think we'll be fine.


I also see a little of fancy pants Eloise in my youngest daughter, so I have a feeling she is going to love Eloise at Christmastime for years to come.  


Not to put a thorn in your mistletoe, but just in case you care, my very least favorite movie (and song...because as if it wasn't bad enough, it needed it's own song.  I think there's even a book.  Ugh!) is Christmas Shoes.  


I'm not talking about the acting, or the story-line, or even the setting.  No, I'm just talking about sadness.  I don't want to watch a movie or hear a song about sadness.  I just can't, there's enough sadness int he world, I don't need it for entertainment.  Give me Hickory Honey Hams and children left at home alone, any day.  

Are you interested in reading about more Christmas movies?  I am linking up with my blog pals, Shelly and Katy for Spiel the Beans with the Queens.  Be sure to check out their posts, too!



18 comments:

  1. Oh wow! Thanks for reminding me about these great Christmas flicks! Do you remember what the Crank's is rated? Wondering if we might try a new this season. I remember Wayne and I going to the theater to see it when it was released, but of course, that's been quite a while ago! I'm trying to get caught up on all my blog reading! Life has been oh-so busy and fun lately!

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    1. It's rated PG. I think Alise would be the perfect age for it. Hope she loves it!!

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  2. I just watched that version of Miracle on 34th Street with the girls the other day and they LOVED it. I also prefer the remake too. We are trying to watch as many Christmas movies as we can!

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    1. I haven't seen it in years, but I use to adore the little girl in it. Such a sweet character!

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  3. I'm cracking up....you are the 3rd person I've seen to list the Christmas Shoes as the worst. Four Christmases is definitely one Keith and I can watch together and laugh about. Thanks for linking with us!

    Shelly||The Queen in Between

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    1. I thought I was the only cynical person to dislike Christmas Shoes. Ha! My husband always sings that song just to annoy me! Ugh!

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  4. LOVE Christmas movies!! I am also a sucker for all of the Hallmark Christmas movies (Kate will even watch them with me). My all time favorite is still Christmas Vacation.

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    1. Christmas Vacation is really good!! Did you see the new Movie House on 121 is showing it & Home Alone right now?

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  5. Oh my goodness, you've got it right on the Hallmark movies. I love watching a few, but there is definitely a common theme that carries through all of them. I will have to check out Christmas with the Kranks!

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    1. I still watch a few Hallmark movies, just not like I use to! Definitely check out Christmas with the Krank's. It would make a great family movie night for your kids.

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  6. I have to say, I'm not a fan of the Hallmark Christmas movies... I've never even seen one all the way through because they're just too cheesy for me. Haha. I do love all of your suggestions here, though! HOme Alone is our very favorite and that version of Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever!

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    1. I watched a Hallmark movie over Thanksgiving with my mom that starred the actress from Sabrina the Teenage Witch...I can't remember her name, and it was pretty good, but I just can't watch too many of them. I do love to see the variety of pea coats and scarves, though!!

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  7. I've never seen Christmas Shoes but curiosity may get the most of me because more than one person listed it as "The worst!!" - I do love me some Eloise - can I live in the Plaza, too? Thanks for linking with us, Emily! Merry Christmas!

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    1. That is too funny that I'm not the only one to dislike Christmas Shoes!! I just really hate sad movies, songs...anything like that. I don't want to be sad when I'm being entertained!! Eloise is way more my speed!! She's got it made!

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  8. I have never seen the Christmas Shoes, but I will take your word for it! Ha! Also, Garfield's Christmas (and all of his holiday specials) were something I looked forward to watching each year and still do. I bought a cheap DVD a couple of years ago and my kids love watching them. That took me way back :) I love your list!

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    1. We're planning on having a pajama and movie night tonight to watch a few of those TV specials that have been on this week. I can't wait!!
      Oh, and please don't watch Christmas Shoes! It's way too sad!!

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  9. I love you.and the way you write...makes me laugh every single time I get to read your stuff...

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  10. We love Christmas movies! Our favorites are Elf and Home Alone.

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