He looks like a deranged Easter bunny
Welcome to the films and TV that make it feel a lot like Christmas to me
Christmas has forever been one of my favorite times of the year. I love it so much. The lights. The decorations. The decked out trees. The feelings of peace and goodwill that tend to bubble up during the holidays. Selecting the perfect presents for loved ones and their reactions when they open them. My own sense of childlike wonder reveals itself every year without fail.
And, of course, there are the Christmas movies, specials, TV episodes, music, books, and overall pop culture that are rolled out so that you can enjoy the watchlist/playlist/reading list of your dreams.
My parents instilled my love of Christmas in me from a very young age. They always loved the holiday, which practically guaranteed that I would follow suit. As far as I'm concerned, what’s not to love about the season? I suppose there is one thing. This time of year has become bittersweet since my dad passed away last year. My mom and I don’t love Christmas any less — far from it — but his absence looms even larger than usual in November and December.
So this year, in the spirit of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music (a movie my dad and I used to watch annually as we loved it so much), I’m going to share some of my favorite Christmas things when it comes to film and TV. Those staples that really make me think, “Now, it’s Christmas,” whenever I watch them.
WRITER'S NOTE: No kittens' whiskers or bright copper kettles were harmed in the making of this list.
FILM
The Bishop’s Wife / Miracle on 34th Street (1947) / White Christmas
This is my holy trinity of Christmas movies. My dad and I would make sure we watched this trio together no matter what. I adore these films; they will be playing every year without fail. It’s not definitely not Christmas without these three.
One of the best romcoms ever. That it happens to take place over Christmas is just a bonus. Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan’s chemistry is the gift that keeps on giving.
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” I adore Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder Carbine-action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. My mom and I even saw the stage musical in New York. It’s not Christmas until I see that kid in his pink rabbit onesie.
The Muppet Christmas Carol / Mickey’s Christmas Carol
I love Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. It's timeless. These adaptations just happen to be two of my favorites. And yes, I prefer the uncut version of The Muppet Christmas Carol that includes the song "When Love Is Gone."
Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas
I’m still bummed that Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, the series starring Jane Levy, was canceled after two seasons. At least we got this surprise present afterwards. My friend, who’s a fellow Zoey-aholic, and I have made watching this every season a tradition. (Team Zimon forever! IYKYK)
TV
Pretty sure I’ve loved the Peanuts gang my whole life. I make sure to watch the Halloween and Thanksgiving specials without fail, too. However with the Christmas special, Charles Schultz perfectly encapsulates what the season truly means and why it’s important never to forget.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Embracing the true spirit of the season is always a timely reminder. Like the Grinch, I’ve never forgotten that it comes “without packages, boxes or bags.” Boris Karloff’s dulcet tones as the narrator and those charming songs, paired with Chuck Jones’ classic style have contributed to my love for this story. Also, Max is freaking adorable!
What’s not to love about spending the holidays with not only the Muppets, but also with the peeps from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock? Sprinkle in a Muppet Babies shout out and a cameo from creator Jim Henson, and we’ve got ourselves a Christmas classic.
Rankin/Bass Christmas specials
I grew up watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas every year with my parents. More than part of my childhood, they are essential viewing. Not to mention that the stop motion animation feels like a lost art.
My best friend and I are huge Supernatural fans. We’ve seen every episode over its 15-year run; the show is a bedrock of our friendship. As a result, we make it a priority every year to watch this season three episode. Nothing says holiday cheer like Sam and Dean staking two pagan gods with branches from a Christmas tree.
Want more Christmas viewing suggestions from yours truly? Check out this roundup:
I hear you broke your hip chasin' a blonde
I adore Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Elf, A Christmas Story, and even have a soft spot for Love, Actually. They are my Christmas viewing perennials. Some years though, I need to shake things up a bit and give certain films a rest. There are so many amazing Christmas flicks available that you need to make time to revisit those you’ve been neg…
May your holiday season be merry and bright!
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