The semester is almost over, and Christmas is right around the corner. I cannot wait to cozy up on my couch with a nice cup of hot chocolate and watch some of my most-loved holiday movies.
One of my favourite Christmas movies from my childhood is He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985). Two children from Earth end up on Eternia while cutting down a Christmas tree, and it’s up to He-Man and She-Ra to get them home in time for the holiday. It’s a great crossover of the two series and a wholesome Christmas story, even if it’s a little cheesy at times. Rewatching the movie now just fills me with that warm nostalgia and childlike wonder all over again; it’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks what my favourite Christmas movie is.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970) is a stop-motion Christmas special that follows Kris Kringle as he becomes Santa Claus and struggles to gift presents to the children of Sombertown. It’s inspired by the Christmas song of the same name and the story of Saint Nicholas, who shaped many of the holiday traditions that are followed this time of year. Full of songs and Christmas cheer, it’s no surprise that it’s become a classic. Also I just love how silly the name of the mayor is: Burgermeister Meisterburger.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is a movie I only appreciate more as I get older. The story of the Grinch, the grouchy outcast who plots to steal Christmas from Whoville, has been remade over the years but the live action remains my favorite. As much as I love gifting presents to friends and family, the consumerism around Christmas has always bothered me, and that’s only worsened over time. I love that in the end the people of Whoville realize how much they had warped the spirit of the holiday. Christmas should be about togetherness, not consumerism.
A silly Christmas movie I love is A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011), which follows two estranged friends reconnecting over the holiday. The Harold & Kumar movies have always been fun stoner comedies, and their Christmas movie is no exception. They get into their usual shenanigans after Harold carelessly throws a joint out of a window because he doesn’t smoke anymore and accidentally lights a Christmas tree on fire, leading to the two scrambling to find a new one on Christmas Eve. The former friends reconcile by the end, and the last shot is Santa hitting a bong before wishing everyone a merry Christmas. It’s hilarious, but it’s also heartwarming watching them reconnect.
The Polar Express (2004) is the adventure of a boy who is doubting the existence of Santa Claus, only to be whisked away on a magical train to the North Pole. The film uses a mix of live action and motion-capture computer animation, which does give off an uncanny-valley vibe to the characters. However, the scenes on the train and at the North Pole feel so immersive and magical I can forgive how creepy the people look. It follows a kids’ Christmas-movie formula where the child doubts Santa only to meet him and regain their love of Christmas, but I think it does this well. Also, the hot-chocolate scene on the train is so fun and makes me want to jump into the movie for a cup.
These are the movies that, to me, capture the holiday spirit and get me in the Christmas mood. Hopefully some of these either remind you of your favourites or give you some suggestions for what to watch this holiday season.