Some of my Favorite Things

One of the "good things" (as Martha calls them) that has come out of my Holiday confinement, is that I've been watching a plethora of "Holiday Films".
Having little else that I've been capable of, I've been basking in each and every Christmas movie that I can find.
In years past, I've been so busy in so many activities and committments (most of which I enjoy, btw) I really haven't caught much but fragments of the Christmas fare that I embrace.
Usually, I put on a movie or feature while I'm wrapping, addressing or baking, catching only moments of Rudolph exclaiming "I'm CUUUUTE!" , or Ebeneezer exclaiming "If I had my way, every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled in his own pudding with a stake of Holly in his heart!".
Not so, this year. If , sometimes, in the course of our human lives, we need to be laying down to "look up", I have been forced to "lay back and look forward".                                                                                      It's given me the opportunity to revisit some, long neglected, Christmas friends, reconsider some , once seen Yule Tidings, and experience some new (to me) offerings.                                                                            So, I ask you to join me on the whimsical, profound and sometimes tearful Christmas-tide journey.
It's a Wonderful Life -Definately my Husband's favorite Christmas film, I usually endure the emotional tenor of this movie, until it's conclusion. I try to postpone the tension of holding back the floodgates of this film, until Walt will no longer be denied, and find myself descending (fighting all the way) into the lovely cadence of James Stewart's voice, and Clarence's endless hope for wings.
I had the opportunity to see this Christmas Classic TWICE this year, in the same 24 hour period. Once was at 3:00 am, as I sat in the ER for treatment. I found myself uncomfortable captive and then emotional volunteer to the comfort and sentiment of Frank Cappra's magic.                                   It's so surprising that this was NOT a hit when it first came out, and really only became a Christmas Classic after it started showing on television.
Watching this, made me remember that I really do believe that "every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings".
The Nativity-This under my newly seen category. I purchased this several years ago, when it was all the rage. Each Christmas since, I have vowed to watch it, and shunned the opportunity on each Christmas. I confess myself bewildered about this. I am someone who watches (unflinchingly) doccumentaries of the Crucifixion and The Passion, each Holy Week since they we're released. But a story of joy and hope and triumph? Oh well. I did (watch it) this Christmas.
Watching "The Red Tent" put me in a "Bible Times" mood, and I did find this offering, surprisingly attention keeping, in it's story telling, I found the casting estute (especially the Antipas family) and the timeline reasonably authentic to cannon. So I would recommend anyone wanting to get in touch the the original "Christmas Story" to give this a view.
Mister Magoo's A Christmas Carol- If you are close to my age, you might remember the bombastic character of Jim Baccas' creation singing "I'm all alone in the world." My first (and still favorite) introduction to a musical rendition of this Dickens Christmas classic.                                                     Viewing this with a more critical (adult) perspective, I must say, I'm surprised at how this stands up to the rigors of time and improvements in animation.
I found myself singing along with the ballad "Winter was warm" and "We're despicable" . I found my spirit lightened by the song "The Lord's Bright Blessing" (sung by Bob Cratchet and family). If you, like me, haven't visited this old story and old production in a long time , or (heaven forbid) have never seen, it is time for a look-see.
What IS Razzle-berry-dressing anyway?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas The 1965 animated feature (not the Jim Carey version).                          This too, has been lost to too many-a-busy Christmas. My husband and I are both fond of quoting many lines from this (the book AND the feature) . "Little Cindy-loo-who...Who was no more than two." "And his fib fooled the child. Then he patted her head,
And he got her a drink and he sent her to bed.
And when CindyLou Who went to bed with her cup,
HE went to the chimney and stuffed the tree up!"
"Maybe Christmas, He thought, was a little bit more!"
What is more endearing than Max's clueless sha-grinn?
Or more infecteous (pardon the allusion) than the Who's gripping hands in joyful chorus of "Rah-who-dorez"? (which oddly reminds me of latin for some reason).
Each time I see this, I ask God to Bless Ted Geisel and his prodgeny, just as I feel blessed by his story.
Well, I also need to mention Boris Karloff's brandy and molasses voice and Thurl Ravenscroft (who sings "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch--and was the voice of Tony the Tiger) I have to say it. He's GREAT.
A Christmas Carol- 1999  with Patrick Stewart, Joel Grey and a host of English character performers who are a delight to behold. YES Another Christmas Carol graces my list . Is it really a surprise to anyone that I love a good ghost story?                                                                                          When I first saw this, I confess, being a fan of Star Trek TNG, Patrick Stewart was the attraction. I didn't love it. Citing that the production blew most of it's budget on the effects for The Ghost of Christmas Past (Joel Grey), forcing them to find someone's Chiropractor, burlap and electronic eyes for the Ghost of Christmas yet to come. (Only Ed Wood fans will truly understand the "chirpractor" allusion). But some years later, I like Patrick Stewart's Scrooge. I am most captivated by Richard E. Grant's portrayal of the impoverished and hopeful Bob Cratchet.  
Those who are sticklers for "historical accuracy" that there are some "oops" here. Chief among them several songs: "We're all havin' a-go" proffered by Mrs. Crachet, and Silent Night Sung by Tiny Tim was not penned until 20 years after the writing of Dicken's A Christmas Carol.

Honorable Mentions: Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 verion. I love Natalie Wood chewing gum, reciting blithely "I believe, it's dumb, but I believe".
National Lampoon's : A Christmas Vacation introduced to me by my husband Walt, and now I scarce let the season go by without watching it, at least once. Worth it just to see the neighbors "Margaux and Todd" ..and of course, the run-on rant by Clark (Sparky) Grisswald, which ends "Alleluejah! Where's the tylenol?"
Happy Viewing all,
Until Next time
Eat something wonderful and cherish a Christmas worth loving.
-Kim