Is everyone ready to sing Christmas carols, drink eggnog, sit on Santa’s lap, and get their tongue stuck to an icy pole? Caroling is left up to the choir; eggnog only if it’s spiked; if by “Santa’s lap” you mean the hot gardener from “Desperate Housewives,” then absolutely. And no thanks to the icy pole – I’d rather watch it happen to someone else, especially if it’s Ralphie’s annoying little brother Randy in “A Christmas Story.”Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, and whether it’s celebrating with the Griswolds, singing “The Grinch” with James Earl Jones, or listening to Linus explain the meaning of Christmas, it brings us into the spirit of the season. The best holiday movies make us laugh and warm our hearts, which is why we dub them “classics.” There is no fair way to rank these incredible films; however, the ones most memorable and meaningful for the season are worth talking about. First, let’s visit Who-ville. Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” airing on ABC Family on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., is one of classic cartoon movies many fell in love with as children.
It’s the story of a grumpy old grinch who hates Christmas and tries to steal it away from the Whos. The Grinch dresses up as Santa Claus and takes every present, tree, light and candy cane only to realize later that Christmas cannot be taken away from the ever-optimistic Whos.
Even though the tangible things were taken, the Whos still gathered together to sing their thanks for the special holiday. And what happened then? Well, in Who-ville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.
The Grinch isn’t the only cartoon Christmas flick that teaches the meaning of the holidays. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” scheduled to air on ABC on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., lets viewers understand the true spirit of Christmas according to Linus. “Peanuts” brings lighthearted Christmas cheer to every television set this season.
These two movies, while wonderful for a trip back to first grade, can’t be compared to movies that make us shoot eggnog through our noses.
On NBC on Dec. 19 at 9 p.m., Chevy Chase will fill the airwaves with his impeccable comic timing and love for his family in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Not only is this movie hysterical, but most everyone can relate to a dysfunctional-yet-loveable family.
Another movie that oozes with Christmas charm is “A Christmas Story,” which tells the story of Ralphie, a nine year-old trying to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is an ideal Christmas gift.
“You’ll shoot your eye out” is one of the most memorable lines in the whole movie, and who can forget the Chinese restaurant chorus singing, “Deck the harrs with bourghs of horry, fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra!” Starting at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve there will be 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” on TBS.
The list of classic Christmas movies continues including “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Rudolph,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” With these memorable movies, we cannot only take away a few laughs, but the true meaning of Christmas.