In all honesty, I’m not really into Christmas entirely. Instead of feeling an abundance of joy, I often feel sadness. My heart goes out to those who are lonely or simply alone. I also don’t subscribe to the “it’s Christmas” so that gives carte blanche to be making excuses for ill behaviours (hey anti-maskers, especially talking to you schmucks – we’re in a pandemic - stop your selfishness!)
For me, Halloween trumps the holidays for many reasons that I won’t bore you with. However, this blog is all about HOLIDAY movies, so let’s get back to it, shall we? I do love a good holiday-themed flick to curl up with on a cold wintery night. The moment December hits, my husband begins mocking me, as I start seeking out all the ultra-cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. Yes, groan if you must, as it is true.
Anyhow, I’ve listed some of my favourites below. A majority you will know well and probably watch every year, but a few I will take a gander and say that you haven’t seen and will want to.
MY TOP FAVOURITES OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Over-the-top hilarity and yes probably a definite exaggeration of holiday hell with extended family, but probably relatable in some fashion too. The good ol’ Griswald’s family Christmas gathering is one not to be missed with blinding lights, fried cats and sh!tters that are full! I don’t think I even have to explain what a gem this movie is. If you haven’t seen it, leave this blog post right now and come back when you do!
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York - One of my favourites as nothing is more nostalgic than Christmas in New York seeing all the beautiful windows decorated, skating at Time Square and shopping at the iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz. Those Wet/Sticky Bandits are on the loose once again though and this time trying to ruin Christmas for all the good little girls and boys...but not if Kevin can help it! Once again, Kevin’s dysfunctional family has left him to fend for himself and so he is stuck in the Big Apple all alone. One of the sweetest moments in the movie is definitely the bond between Kevin and the pigeon lady, played by Brenda Fricker. All the rest is pure zany fun and games until someone gets the final bill on their credit card.
Serendipity - Do you believe in destiny or is life just a bunch of mere coincidences? I adore John Cusack as an actor. I loved the chemistry between him and Kate Beckinsale on-screen. A film for the hopeless or hopeful romantic that I love watching every year.
Love Actually - A film by Richard Curtis that will warm the hearts of everyone young and wiser. Excellent British ensemble cast with stars like Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and the late, Alan Rickman. Plus some of the most adorable moments of innocence. So tell me, what can be worse than the total agony of being in love?
The Holiday - I can’t help but cry whenever I watch this movie. I relate so deeply to Kate Winslet’s character and the movie has so many sentiment moments. I loved Jack Black’s role and although some may say it’s corny, I’m looking for a little corny in my life.
Bridget Jones' Diary - An absolute favourite to watch especially during the holidays. I think in some ways we can all relate to Bridget in one way or another at some point, feeling lost in life, love, and the fear of being eaten by hungry wolves. Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth is just a posh dream boat. I also love the ever-so misogynistic Daniel, played by Hugh Grant. A wonderfully British film that let’s us all know that we don’t have to simply just settle for what is out there, we deserve something more extraordinary than that.
Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors (2007 musical version) - If you know me, I have talked about this film for years! It was one that I saw spontaneously one evening on tv and never could find again. If you have seen the original 1963 Russian fairy-tale by Alexander Row, be prepared for something fresh and unique. It was turned into a modern musical directed by Alexander Igudin that is full of colourful costumes, beautiful artistic performances and weird and wonderful characters. Sadly, I don’t have a clue as to what they are saying, since I cannot find English subtitles, but it’s a wonderful musical anyhow that I absolutely love to watch during the holiday season. I am delighted that it's currently on Youtube so you'll have to go there to watch it.
Listy Do M - Letters from Santa - If you’re familiar with “Love Actually” then you will definitely enjoy this film that has a similar feel yet with it’s own Polish charm. Set in Warsaw, Poland, we find hope from children’s ingenious methods of madness, realization over one woman’s infidelity, courage from a widowed father, acceptance from a life-changing secret, and more. Even with some of its predictability as a majority of romantic-comedies can be, this will put a little jingle in your step.
What are some of your favourites? Send me a message or leave me a comment below!
