Fall term is nearing its end and winter break is approaching fast, along with the holidays celebrated during that time. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is watching my favorite films that encapsulate the season. I’d like to recognize that a majority of these films are associated with Christmas.
“A Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992) is the greatest adaptation of the Charles Dickens story. Michael Caine’s incredible performance as Scrooge adds so much heart and believability to the character’s redemption. Also, the performances of the puppeteers make this wacky world incredibly immersive and believable, and even heartwarming at times. The music is also incredible and I get excited to listen to the soundtrack each year.
One film that hits incredibly close to home is “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” (2000). This one hour “Arthur” holiday special is one of my family’s favorites and we try to watch it together each year. Essentially, the film is about Arthur hoping for the “perfect Christmas,” although none of his hopes turn out. At the end, Arthur learns the true meaning of Christmas. What I really love about this special is that it includes other winter holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, highlighting their importance as well.
Another favorite of mine is the 2007 comedy “Fred Claus” about Santa Claus’s troubled brother. While this film is a comedy, the message makes me choke up every time. Throughout the film, as Fred and Nick (Santa) rekindle their relationship, everyone at the North Pole realizes that there should not be a Naughty List. The kids that are deemed “naughty” are really just hurting inside and everyone deserves a present at Christmas.
Another iconic Christmas comedy is 2003’s “Elf,” the story of a human raised by Santa’s elves who travels to New York in search of his real father. On top of being a hilarious fish-out-of-water story with Will Ferrell’s amazing performance as Buddy, it is a great film about the importance of family during the holiday season.
This next film may not technically be a holiday film, but it is one in my heart. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (2005) is the incredible adaptation of the C.S Lewis book of the same name which tells the story of the four Pevensie siblings who travel into a magical land and must help save it from the White Witch. This film has been one of my favorites since I was a kid, with the fantasy setting, the music and the fact that there’s a talking lion. Why do I see it as a holiday film? Because Narnia starts out as a winter wonderland and Santa is in it. Need I say more?
Well, these are five of my favorite holiday films. If you haven’t seen any of these films, I highly recommend you give them a watch! Happy holidays everyone, and see you next term!