My absolute favorite time of year is Christmas. It’s a long and convoluted cycle of how that came to be, not important here. No matter what else is happening around us–illness, worries, the sad happenings in our world, the spirit of Christmas, religious or not, lifts me up and inspires me to think “Peace on earth, good will towards (all) mankind.” Central to the blogs for the next 12 days will be thoughts about some of my favorite holiday movies.
Last year I wrote about my 12 Days of Christmas Writing Books https://etheleemiller.com/twelve-days-of-christmas-classics-books-on-writing/
This year, it’s movies. Yes, some of these movies have been classic books as well, but I fell in love with the power of the words and visuals of the movies.
You’ll know the eras that have influenced me. There are no Santa Clause or Jingle All the Way titles. My love affair with Christmas began in my childhood, grew in my young adult years when I began adding and subtracting traditions that made the celebration of Christmas my own. Thanks to my parents, sisters, relatives, college friends, teacher friends, writing colleagues, and neighbors for not only introducing me to the movies, but to the surrounding magic of getting ready for and thoroughly enjoying the spirit of Christmas.
For the next 12 days stop by to get a bit of the plot of the day’s title, the lure of the story, and some of the words that caught my attention by sound, image, or message.
Here are the titles:
- Miracle on 34th Street
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Holiday
- Love Actually
- White Christmas
- The Bishop’s Wife
- A Christmas Carol
- Going My Way
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- The Polar Express
- One Special Night
- Christmas Eve
What are your 12 Days of Christmas Movies?
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
I prefer the 1984 version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with George C. Scott as Scrooge, and I would like to suggest the 1966 movie ‘The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t,’ based on a story from and starring children’s entertainer Paul Tripp.
George C Scott version is my favorite too- for the production and acting. I have to check out the 1966 “Christmas That Almost Wasn’t.” That’s new to me and I pride myself on knowing the ‘oldies.’ Thanks, Steve.
You’re welcome! 🙂
https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/
“A Christmas Story” makes my list.
Growing up during that era, my siblings and friends can relate and look back with laughter.
But, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is at the top.
Yes, I agree it’s a favorite. I have so many quotes that can be repeated with friends and we all know exactly what movie it is. I confess this ought to be on the list. As an author I loved the idea that Gene Shepherd narrated “A Christmas Story.”
“You’ll shoot your eye out.”
“Triple dog dare.”
So many more.
We have seen and loved some of those old-time favorites. I made a copy of
the list to check out on Netflix. Also, there are many movie nights here all
year long and Walt especially wants to see “Rebecca next Friday evening and
“Four Christmases” on Saturday, which I have never seen. I think I saw
“Rebecca” a long time ago and will know for sure when we see it. Anyway,
thanks for adding to our list. We will look forward to it and I will understand your
love of words and where that came from even better.
Love to you and Hank, Elizabeth
I have to check out Four Christmases. That’s a new one for me. I love getting new ideas for Christmas viewings. Merry Christmas.
I was so happy to see “Love Actually” on the list. This is a modern favorite!
Merry Christmas
“Love Actually” is such a good mix of tenderness, hip dialogue, quick one-liner jokes, and, in my opinion, clever weaving into a grand time at the movies.
I’ll let you know what I think after we have viewed Four Christmases and would
love your reaction, too.
Merry Christmas