This Month’s Featured Article

Who doesn’t love cozying up on the couch in their PJ’s on the weekend, getting snowed in with a fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and watching their favorite Christmas movies? Well, I’m right there with you, and here are some of my favorites. 

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Released in November 1998, starring Home Improvement’s heartthrob (or maybe just mine), Jonathan Taylor Thomas, as Jake Wilkinson. After declining to be home for the holidays, Jake’s dad makes him a deal to be home by 6:00 PM for Christmas Eve dinner in order for his dad to give him his 1957 Porsche 356. As a college student in California, Jake makes plans to travel back to New York with his giftfriend, Allie, played by Jessica Biel. Sounds like a sweet story line, that is until Jake wakes up the morning of the trip in a Santa suit due to midterm exam cheating gone wrong. This poses a few obstacles to get home. But will he make it in time? As you laugh your way through the movie, you’ll find out. 

Four Christmases

Going above and beyond to plan and convince their families they will be doing “charity work” in Fiji for the holidays, Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon as their characters, Brad McVie and Kate Kinkaid, plans are halted due to dense fog. After their lie is exposed on live television, Brad and Kate are forced to attend their divorced parents’ Christmas celebrations. Four Christmases sounds fun! What could possibly go wrong? 

Buckle up as Brad and Kate have us in stitches as they experience four very different household Christmases. The couple learns a lot about each other, and if they are even really meant to be together. Will four Christmases make or break them? 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Mr. Grinch is arguably one of the most iconic Christmas characters. As many of us do, I too grew up watching the 1966 animated TV special. But in 2000, with the very talented director Ron Howard and Jim Carrey as the Grinch, the cartoon became a live action film. The angle of this film of course was about the Grinch stealing Christmas, but also emphasizes Cindy Lou Who’s role and really finds out the backstory of why the Grinch is the way he is. Although it might be seen as “scary” to some young children, which is understandable, it’s ultimately a film we all grow to love and appreciate. 

The cast and crew of this movie pulled out all the stops from makeup and wardrobe, all the way down to props. Oh, how I’d love to hop in one of those cars and just ride around Whoville looking at all of their festive decorations! One last request, can Max ride shot-gun? 

Eighteen years later, a more “kid-friendly” version was released of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. At first, I honestly didn’t like it. I was too accustomed to the original TV animation and the Jim Carrey version of the film. My daughter has this movie on repeat during the holidays and I must say, I’ve really grown to like it. Let’s add this to the must watch films for Christmas time. 

The Polar Express

I’ll take a cup of mint hot chocolate for this one! Like many, there comes a time in your childhood when you start questioning the magic of Christmas and if Santa Claus really exists. Tom Hanks is the voice of many characters in the 2004 animated movie and of course masters them all; from the conductor to Saint Nick. Picking up children doubting their belief in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas, the magical train brings them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Throughout their journey to the North Pole, there are many adventures, which ultimately rekindle the spirit of Christmas and believing. A film appropriate for all ages and to ignite the Christmas spirit. 

Elf

What is Christmas without Santa’s helpers? Will Ferrell, better known as Buddy the Elf, was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood by Santa’s elves. Buddy never felt like he fit it and as an adult, traveled from the North Pole to New York in hopes of finding his biological father. Dressed as an elf the whole time, this awkward and hilarious storyline ultimately brings father and son together all while saving Christmas. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” 

The Santa Clause franchise 

Tim Allen was cast as Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who accidentally becomes Santa after the original Santa falls off his roof. What seemed like a dream at first becomes reality as Scott’s appearance slowly changes and his son, Charlie, continues to remind him of that magical night delivering presents and making their way to the North Pole – really making Scott Calvin, Santa Claus. The Santa Clause 2 puts pressure on Santa Claus to find a Mrs. Claus by Christmas Eve. On top of that pressure, Charlie made the naughty list. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause puts pressure on Santa as his family is growing all while his rival, Jack Frost, tries to take over Christmas. This is a Christmas movie marathon I’m not about to lose!

The list could easily go on, but I hope you enjoy some of my favorite Christmas movies as much as I do. Happy holidays everyone!