The weather

outside is frightful. Well, at least annnoyingly nippy.

So, why not

curl up with your loved ones and watch some great holiday films? Here

are some suggestions.

"Rudolph

the Red Nosed Reindeer" The story of a young reindeer with a physical

deformity who is ostracized by his peers until his defect turns into an

asset on a foggy Christmas Eve. This is a classic holiday feature and

is a favorite among many people.

"Frosty

The Snowman" An animated feature about a snowman who comes to life,

thanks to a magical hat and some nice children. Frosty entertains the

children and brings fun and excitement to the world, but all snow must

melt one day. Though definitely not of the modern era, this cartoon appeals

to the young at heart of any generation.

"A Charlie

Brown Christmas" The Peanuts gang in possibly one of their most beloved

holiday specials. Charlie Brown and friends learn the true meaning of

Christmas, set to the hip, jazzy stylings of a Vince Guaraldi score.

"How

The Grinch Stole Christmas" (animated) A festive feature about a

grumpy, green creature who despises the Christmas holiday and the Whos

in Whoville that celebrate it. Boris Karloff narrates and sings.

"How

the Grinch Stole Christmas" (live action) Jim Carrey stars as the

Grinch in Ron Howard's fantastic live action film. True to the main story,

with several great additions to the tale, this film is truly awe-inspiring.

Fun for the whole family and destined to become a holiday classic. Rated

PG, because the Grinch might scare the wee, little ones.

"A Christmas

Carol" There are several versions of this holiday classic and all

are highly recommended. Mickey's Christmas Carol stars Scrooge McDuck

as Scrooge, while the Muppet Christmas Carol features Michael Caine as

the miser. The Muppet version may be too intense for the younger children

but is a treat for muppet fans of any age. There are also versions featuring

George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart and a musical version starring Albert

Finney called Scrooge.

"Scrooged"

This one is geared more toward adults. it features Bill Murray as a mean

network executive, who changes his ways after a night with three ghosts.

Carol Kane, Bobcat Goldthwait and Karen Allen also star in this very funny

film. Rated PG-13.

"A Christmas

Story" If you haven't been living in a cave for the last two decades,

you know the story of Ralphie and his burning desire for a Red Ryder B.B.

Gun. This is a fabulous movie about the holidays and appeals to everyone.

Rated PG.

"Home

Alone" The first part of this film is my favorite, as it shows how

real families behave during the holidays. The second part, what I consider

the Tom and Jerry part, wears thin the more times I see it. This is a

fun movie, though, and Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci are pretty funny. Rated

PG.

"Miracle

on 34th Street" There are two versions of this film, an old one in

black and white, and a new one. The original is better, but the stories

are generally the same. A little girl does not believe in Santa Claus

until she meets the real one at a department store in new York City.

"It's

A Wonderful Life" Jimmy Stewart plays a man who is down on his luck

and decides he'd be better off dead. An angel named Clarence shows him

what the world would be like without him in it. Perhaps the most classic

of all holiday films, you will probably be considered un-American if you

never see it.

There are many

more films out there that have a holiday appeal, such as "Prancer,"

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," "The Santa Clause,"

"Babes in Toyland," "Edwa rd Scissorhands,"

"Gremlins" and, yes, even "Die Hard." Use your discretion

in choosing a film that will be appropriate for the audience you are watching

the film with.

Back

to the Top of the Page