As the days get shorter and the chill of frost settles in, the holiday season brings joy and a sense of connection among friends and family. Traditions, old or new, can be gift-giving and decorating for special celebrations. While Christmas holds a specific date every year, how can you tell when it’s time to celebrate regardless of the calendar? Maybe the iconic Hershey Kiss commercial brings you back or nostalgic childhood favorites begin airing on TV, which spark the fuzzy feeling of fond memories. For me, t’is the season for hot chocolate and classic holiday movies. To kick off this magical season with a sprinkle of cheer, here are some movies you might enjoy watching.
The movie was first animated in Japan and was produced using composition rubber. Rudolph’s little nose was custom made from a 12V light bulb. The movie was directed by Larry Roemer and Kizo Nagashima.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) is a classic film that has a yearly tradition of being aired every year since its debut 60 years ago. The story was initially inspired by a poem by Robert L. May written in the 1930’s and rose to fame in the 1940’s, thanks to the popular song based on Johnny Marks’ poem. Crafted using stop motion animation, this cherished film has become a beloved favorite among families for generations. The film features a reindeer with a distinctively bright nose, leading Santa’s sleigh through a rough blizzard on Christmas Eve. The old movie radiates the essence of joy and will be aired on Freeforms “25 Days of Christmas” Celebration from December 7th at 9:10 PM to December 25th 11:00 AM EST.
(CBS; Ron Batzdorff/Imagine Ent/Kobal/Shutterstock; Illumination/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) was based on the beloved book by Dr.Seuss and directed and co-produced by Chuck Jones. It tells the story of a green grump who despises Christmas until he discovers its true meaning. This timeless film emphasizes that the essence of Christmas lies not in gifts or material possessions but in cherishing moments spent with loved ones. If you’re looking for a more modern version, the movie has gotten 2 additional revamps. Featuring famous actor Jim Carrey, who also played the character Stanley Ipkiss in the movie The Mask (1994), The Grinch (2000) is featured in live-action, still ruining Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. The latest version of the movie produced in 2018 features vibrant animation skills and a very festive soundtrack featuring Tyler, The Creators singling two popular songs: “You’re a Mean One, Mr.Grinch” and “I Am the Grinch”.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) produced and directed by Bill Melendez, premiered on the CBS television network on December 9, 1965, as a Christmas Special. Starring many of Charlie Brown’s friends, the delightful animated feature is a great choice for anyone seeking some lighthearted entertainment during the holiday season. The movie short is a perfect mixture of tradition and novelty showing an attitude that accepts and welcomes change. Many of the songs featured in the movie portray the children’s friendship and love for each other. Unfortunately, A Charlie Brown Christmas will no longer air on cable TV due to being bought by Apple, but you can still watch it on Apple TV+. (Rest in peace Lee Mendelson, who passed away on Christmas in 2019. He was the Producer and Lyricist for the Special.)
Another classic, Home Alone (1990), is a comedic gem that is no doubt the funniest Christmas movie to enjoy with friends, family, or even just by yourself. The movie offers plenty of funny scenes, along with a short valuable lesson. The story follows 8-year old Kevin McCallister, who is coincidentally forgotten at home during his family’s Christmas vacation to Paris, France, after making a wish during an argument with his mother. Initially joyous for his newfound freedom, Kevin soon finds himself having to defend his home from two burglars attempting to break in.
For my last holiday movie, I chose The Polar Express (2004).
This enchanting film captures a dream many children wish to experience. It features an American 2-8-4 Berkshire Type Steam Locomotive traveling to the North Pole, carrying kids along the way. Packed with witty remarks, delicious hot chocolate, and of course Santa Clause, the movie offers an amazing experience. Motion capture used in the film allowed a stunning 3D world in each scene. A fun fact, interestingly enough, Tom Hanks’s voice and body movement was used on 7 characters in the film, including Santa.
Concluding my article, the Christmas holiday holds a significant place in everyone’s heart for those who celebrate it. It should be a time of joy and happiness, even for those who don’t participate this holiday on a religious level. Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that coincides with Christmas. While the celebrations differ, the focus of family is something they both emphasize. Movies alongside hot cocoa is just one way families can be brought together.
Wishing everyone a joyful and cozy holiday season!
Works Cited:
- Jackson, M. (2024, December 3). Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Returns to NBC: Everything to Know About the Christmas Classic. NBC. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-what-to-know
- Westlake, E. (2022, December 8). The Story Behind How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, written & illustrated by Dr. Seuss — Little Biblio: Curated Children’s Books. Little Biblio. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.littlebiblio.com/books/howthegrinchstolechristmas
- 50 Classic Christmas Movies – Best Holiday Films of All Time. (2023, December 13). Town & Country Magazine. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/news/g962/the-most-classic-christmas-movies/
- Vargas, C. (2022, December 15). The Polar Express: All 7 of Tom Hanks’s Characters | PS Entertainment. Popsugar. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/polar-express-movie-tom-hanks-characters-48065073
- Guaraldi, V. (n.d.). A Charlie Brown Christmas (TV Movie 1965). IMDb. Retrieved
- Eglis, N. (2023, December 9). Where to Watch Every ‘Grinch’ Movie This Holiday Season. People.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://people.com/where-to-watch-every-grinch-movie-8411350
- Capriati, A., Rossi, C., Palit, A., Snell, C., & Protheroe, B. (2022, November 29). A Charlie Brown Christmas: 10 Little-Known Facts About The Animated Special You Didn’t Know. Screen Rant. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://screenrant.com/charlie-brown-christmas-little-known-facts/
- December 11, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059026/
- M&M Christmas Commercial (1996)
- Hershey Christmas Commercial (1989)
