You’re done with finals and are finally back at home in time for the upcoming festivities. While you help your mom, dad, friends, etc. decorate the house, make cookies and wrap presents, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy the following holiday themed specials.
“A Christmas Carol”
There’s a version for everyone — old, new, cartoon and Disney. Personally, my favorite is the one featuring The Muppets. A wonderful tale that is not only a classic but reminds everyone that Christmas time is not all about receiving the very best of gifts.
“The Santa Claus” (1994)
Make sure to read the entire contract including the fine print. Not doing so may land you with the biggest job of them all as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) finds out in this seasonal comedy. After accidently killing Santa on his yearly delivery, Scott dons the red suite and finishes delivering the presents. It isn’t until afterward that he learns doing so has put into effect the Santa Claus, meaning he’s the next “big guy.” This movie will entertain the whole family as the kids watch and wonder why anyone wouldn’t want to be Santa Claus.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
The live action film derived from the beloved children’s book delves deeper into the characters’ backgrounds while still keeping true to the story and the moral at the ending.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
When a Macy’s department store Santa Claus claims he’s the real deal, his attorney Fred Gailey must quickly come up with credible evidence to convince the court before his friend is locked away forever in an insane asylum. This lovable classic has entertained many generations exploring a very important question that children, adults, and skeptics ask every year: What proof is there that Santa Claus is real?
“Elf” (2003)
After finding out that he is a human, Buddy the elf (Will Ferrell) leaves the North Pole and heads to New York City to meet his biological dad, Walter. Buddy’s bubbling personality manages to infect everyone he meets except for Walter — who isn’t into the Christmas spirit at all. While this film explores a much repeated story about dealing with quirky family members, the Christmas theme gives it an original feel.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is not having a good Christmas season. He’s picked on by his family and blamed for anything that goes wrong. Two thieves have been robbing the neighborhood houses and Kevin’s sure his house is next. But the biggest problem he has to deal with? Due to the large family rushing to the airport for their holiday vacation Kevin was accidently left behind. Home alone with no adult supervision, Kevin must prove himself resourceful — especially when defending his house from the Wet Bandits’ next heist. While not exactly a holiday classic, this comedy is filled with laughs and interesting home security lessons tied in with Christmas lessons on the importance of family.
Aly Soto can be reached at [email protected]