My favorite things about the season are
1. Wassail {I will post the recipe. It’s like cozy in a cup}
2. Christmas music
3. Christmas movies
There are a lot of great Christmas flicks out there and I am always looking for new ones… SO, with that, I’ve put together my cheers, honorable mentions, and jeers for Holiday movies. Feel free to share the ones I’ve missed! {Warning: Loooong Blog Alert!}
Cheers {still 4 days left to watch them all}:
1. White Christmas – Every time I watch this, I think of my Grandpa Nelson. Bing Crosby’s voice makes my heart melt. My sister and I acted out the song “Sisters” over and over as children. This is my all time fave. If you haven’t seen this, you likely aren’t American.
2. Love Actually – This could tie for first. By far the best modern day holiday movie…and one of my faves of any genre out there. Great casting, great story, great movie score.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life – I have to admit, I saw this for the first time 4 years ago. I never knew what I was missing. I cry every time I watch it. Jimmy Stewart is just superb as George Bailey and he makes every person watching believe that they are just where they are meant to be.
4. All I Want for Christmas – My sister, our friend, Abby Workman, and I watched this movie every year. It’s totally cheesy and if you’re watching it for the first time as an adult, you’ll likely hate it. But I own it. And love it.
5. Elf – Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color? In my opinion, this is the funniest Holiday movie out there. So many good lines and Will Ferrell in tights is just priceless.
6. Muppet Christmas Carol – Tis’ the Season to be Jolly and Joy-oy-ous. We watched this movie every year in band {thank you, Mr. Workman} and it is definitely a Muppet masterpiece. Do not get confused and choose “A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie”. Not nearly as good.
7. The Holiday – As hokey as this film is with Cameron Diaz’ fake crying and Kate Winslet’s somewhat over-dramatized acting, I am a huge fan. How can you not fall in love with Arthur Abbott and even, Jack Black. Great happy ending story and the English accents really complete the cuteness of this film.
8. The Family Stone – From the perfect movie house to the slamming ensemble cast, I love every little morsel of this movie. Some people found it too depressing. I don’t mind a good cry every once and awhile. I love SJP’s annoying throat clearing and I think Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson are a parental match made for movie heaven. If you grab this one, grab a box of kleenex, too.
9. Meet Me in St. Louis – Nothing sweeter than hearing “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Judy Garland. The song was actually first written for the movie. If you haven’t seen it and you like old musicals, it’s a must.
10. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation – If you do not think this is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, you have no sense of humor. Priceless humor.
Honorable Mention {If you’ve got extra time}:
1. Holiday Inn – This one came before White Christmas and is in black and white. Another great musical featuring Mr. Crosby and twinkle toes, Fred Astaire. Just charming.
2. Miracle on 34th Street – I will usually watch this once a year, for good measure.
3. Polar Express – Outside of the homeless man, this is a goody. Tom Hanks is fabulous…even in animation.
4. Santa Claus the Movie – Another one that was likely better because I first saw it as a child … but really, Dudley Moore as an elf… you just can’t go wrong.
5. Home Alone – Oh the years before McCauley separated from his parents and was befriended by M Jack.
6. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Perhaps even better than its predecessor, I love the crazy bird lady {who, as I may have mentioned, I’m convinced is a sister to Susan Boyle} and the scenes of the city.
7. Dan in Real Life – There may be debate as to whether this is truly Holiday. We especially like to watch it around the Holidays and I think it’s one of the best movies around so I’m putting it on my list.
8. Trading Places – Dan Akroyd drunk. In a Santa suit. This is an often forgotten festive flick.
9. The Santa Clause – I know you might hem and ha on this one but Barrett’s godfather, Anuj, says this is his fave Holiday flick and he doesn’t even celebrate Christmas. So I think that’s saying a lot.
10. The Bells of St. Mary – Another Bing classic. Features Bing belting out Adeste Fideles. Love.
Jeers:
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – I was totally miffed when I saw this movie. I was good with the animated version and then Jim Carrey had to go and ruin Christmas. And, now seeing Little Cindy Loo Hoo all grown up as Jenny on Gossip Girl takes away any sweetness from that character.
2. Frosty Returns – Barrett has this on a two part disc. It’s awful. It’s one of those movies where they attempt to gear the humor towards adults … and totally miss the mark.
3. Edward Scissorhands – This movie just freaks me out. I know Johnny Depp can do this sort of thing and get away with it but it’s just too fantastical for me. I like for my Holiday films to be sweet or sentimental. Not scary.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas – Totally freaky.
5. Fred Claus – Shoot. I like you, Vince Vaughn but this was not your finest hour.
6. Deck the Halls – Again, I’m a huge fan of Matthew Broderick but really, shoulda stuck to Broadway. This is one that gets a lot of play time on TBS, etc. I’m over it.
7. Christmas with the Kranks – I don’t get it. It’s an adaptation of a book that I found to be written in a very different tone than this overly cheesed out film.
8. Four Christmases – Again, I really love Vince. And, even moreso, love Reese. But even these two greats couldn’t save this struggling screenplay.
9. Jack Frost – A movie about a boy whose dad dies and comes back as a Snowman. A very angry looking snowman. I just think it’s weird.
10. A Christmas Story – I saved this for last. Nobody will agree with me on this. I just don’t like it. I don’t find the kid cute. I don’t think everyone needs to have a leg lamp. I don’t get the fascination.
I didn’t mention any of the clay-mation business. Those are fine but for me, I’m a fan of the real thing. So, pop in a DVD, pour a mug of wassail, and snuggle up on the couch with your sweetie {or stretch out by yourself}. Tis the Season!!
Wassail {Dodie’s Recipe}
1 can frozen Orange Juice
3 cans water
3-4 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
1 quart Apple Cider
1/2 can frozen lemonade
2 cups strong brewed tea
In a large pot, combine 1 can frozen orange juice, 3 cans of water, 3-4 cinnamon sticks, and 10 whole cloves. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain out spices. Add in 1 qt of Apple Cider, 2 cups of strong brewed tea and 1/2 a can of frozen lemonade. Let simmer. I leave the pot on for hours and the whole house smells delicious!
You might also like
A Letter To My Three Sons {2nd edition}
January 13, 2016
YOUR Christmas Playlist
December 24, 2015
My Favorite Moments
September 9, 2015
