The Katywompus Journal Observing Life's Little Quirks by Diane Moody |
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Entry #18 - Egg Nog & Popcorn
What's your favorite Christmas movie? Which one warms your heart like a crackling fire on a winter's night? What's on your Annual Must-See list this time of year? I thought it might be fun to take a few minutes out and talk about all those great seasonal movies we love during the holidays. I'm sure we all have our favorites and more than likely, none of our Top Ten lists would match up perfectly. But why not make yourself a nice cup of hot tea or a steaming mug of coffee and let's compare. It's a Wonderful Life deserves a spot somewhere near the top of the list. I'm not sure I'll ever get tired of watching this one. Yes, it's corny in spots, but I still cry at the end when the whole town pitches in to help George Bailey. (And don't tell anyone, but I think I'm the only person on the face of the earth who actually enjoyed the 1977 remake with Marlo Thomas and Wayne Rogers called It Happened One Christmas.) Another classic is the Bing Crosby favorite, White Christmas. I've watched this movie every holiday season since I was a little girl. It's such a dated movie in so many ways, but I still love it. Don't you? When they surprise the retired general with a reunion of his troops, I still tear up. I'm such a sap. The list continues with classics like The Bells of St. Mary's, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Christmas Carol. In fact, Dickens' story of Scrooge has been retold in over 25 different film and animated versions through the years. Some insist the best was the original 1951 movie starring Alistair Sims as Scrooge. Others prefer the 1984 George C. Scott version or the 1999 Patrick Stewart remake. Bill Murray fans will remember Scrooged, the 1988 contemporary spin on this story. The Muppet's Christmas Carol belongs in every home collection with its delightful characters and unique brand of humor. A whole library of wonderful children's movies must not be overlooked. Remember the familiar voice of Burl Ives narrating Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Brings back a few childhood memories, doesn't it? This stop-action animated favorite has entertained children for almost 40 years now. And who doesn't remember A Charlie Brown Christmas? I still get misty-eyed over that sad little tree. The original Home Alone, back when Macaulay Culkin was a decent kid, is another great holiday movie. It was fresh and creative, and he was adorable in the role of Kevin. There are a few Christmas movies I don't personally care for. I can't watch A Christmas Story anymore. My parents love this movie, but I freak when that kid gets his tongue frozen to the flag pole on a dare. I've got chills just thinking about it. And I have to admit I didn't really enjoy Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. My friends Bill and Jane love this stop-motion animation with a slant toward dark comedy. They're two of the most creative people I know. I must be missing something. And even though I was impressed by the special effects, Ron Howard's How The Grinch Stole Christmas didn't do much for me either. A green Jim Carey made me nauseous after awhile. There are lots of other great movies like The Preacher's Wife, starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. A sweet story with a great soundtrack. My friend Sally says her personal holiday favorite is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. (She's a little warped, that one!) And The Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen are always good for a laugh. Naturally I feel compelled to tell you my own personal favorite Christmas movie. You might not remember it. Named for the best-selling book of the same name by Barbara Robinson, it's called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The 1989 TV movie starred Loretta Swit and a gaggle of children working on a pageant for a local church. The Herdmans, a family of six horrendously undisciplined kids, decide to get involved. They bully the other kids, cuss, smoke, torture the animals and drive everyone crazy. Never mind that they've never even heard the story of Christmas. I have vivid, precious memories of reading this book to my kids when they were little, and I still cry when Imogene Herdman, playing the part of Mary, finally realizes what Christmas is all about. The movie adaptation brings together the sometimes hilarious and sometimes touching moments of this story in a way sure to make this a favorite in your family too. Do me a favor. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy a few of these treasures in the next few weeks. Make some popcorn and treat yourself to a little holiday magic. I promise you won't be sorry. Click HERE to send Diane an email. She welcomes your comments and suggestions. She's Flying the Coop Blessed are the poor... Back to School It All Started With Eve It's Almost Here! 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