For me, holidays are the epitome of nostalgia. I don’t know if it’s because family is always together or the great food, anticipation of gifts, the music, the traditions–it all creates an expectancy of good feelings.
When my family gets together around holiday time we like to watch movies. We even have been known to schedule an outing to the movie theater on Christmas day so we can enjoy a new release together. But when we pop in a DVD at holiday time, there is a shortlist of classics that make my holidays brighter. Some old, some new, but all good.
Elf – I can’t do the holidays without Elf. Even though my mother gudgingly sits through this one (she thinks it’s too cheesy), I absolutely love it. There’s nothing better than smiling and laughing for a couple hours straight. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I watch it. And, oh yeah, my sister and I know most of the good lines by heart.
White Christmas I think I love this movie because we watched it every year since I can remember. It makes my parents laugh and smile for a couple hours and I love the music, dancing, and back-and-forth between Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby. There’s nothing like a good old musical.
Love Actually – It’s a love story. What more can I say. Following the trials and tribulations of eight different versions of love is captivating and I love the way they are woven into one story. Great cast in this movie.
Miracle on 34th Street – There are so many versions of this movie but if you want to see the best one, look for the version with the very young of Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara. A story of hope and love overcoming disbelief. Natalie Wood is awesome.
OK, it’s your turn. What are your favorite holiday flicks?
