Have you been watching Christmas movies this season? I haven’t. It’s only because I have the attention span of a 2 year old when it comes to movies. This is especially sad for my husband, who likes movies. He says I used to like movies before we got married. I think the reason I “liked” movies before we got married was because seeing a movie together meant being together, but now we’re together frequently, so I don’t need the pretense of going to see a movie, you know what I mean?
But I digress. I recently saw some of A Charlie Brown Christmas (yes, I realize the whole thing is only 30 minutes, but I couldn’t stare at the TV for even that long!), and I liked what I saw. I like that at the end (so I’m told, because I didn’t get that far) the real reason for Christmas comes out when Linus recites to the depressed Charlie Brown the nativity story from Luke 2. I’m impressed that they didn’t say the real meaning of Christmas is “family” or some other mumbo jumbo.
The latest version of Miracle on 34th Street came out my freshman year of high school. After seeing it, my best friend and I were so inspired that we decided to wear either red or green to school everyday until Christmas. I’m sure she succeeded, because her wardrobe was much bigger than mine. I think I managed by wearing various Christmas earrings.
I do enjoy A Christmas Story. I’ve never seen It’s A Wonderful Life.
Last year, Matt and I saw The Nativity Story in the theater, and were really impressed. It’s consistent with the Scriptures and really brings the story - these events that actually happened a long time ago in a different place - to life. Sometimes it’s hard for me to picture what Mary and Joseph were like, and that they were human, with feelings and hopes familiar to us. I found that The Nativity Story greatly increased my faith, and I decided we should make it a tradition to watch it each Advent season. As our kids get old enough to sit for a movie, we plan to have them join us. Hmm, but if my movie ADD is genetic, that may never happen. Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
My one issue with this movie is that the angel Gabriel looks like Cat Stevens, so says my husband. I didn’t know who Cat Stevens was, so I guess it wasn’t my issue. Still, you’ve been warned.
What are some of your favorite Christmas movies, and why?
December 18th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
You HAVE to watch “It’s a Wonderful life”. It’s my all-time favorite. I watch it every year and cry throughout the whole thing. It is sooooo amazing! I also really like Love Actually, but it’s a wee bit racy to recommend on this site.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I liked Love Actually, too. I know - I really should see It’s A Wonderful Life.
December 19th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I liked Love Actually. I can never get all the way through it’s a Wonderful Life these days.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I really like Love Actually, too. White Christmas is still a holiday favorite for me. An oldie, but a goodie!
December 24th, 2007 at 12:34 am
I love the newer version of “Miracle on 34th Street”. That little girl is just too cute!!
As for “It’s a Wonderful Life”…I like just watching the last 30 minutes or so when he starts going all around town saying how he loves the tree, mailbox, store, etc. And then the whole “every time a bell rings an angel gets it’s wings!” That’s just classic!