Hey Oles! You’ve almost reached the light at the end of tunnel – just a few more days of finals and then you’ll be back home, sleeping until noon and relishing the thirty-second walk from your bed to the kitchen (without having to step outside or walk through any nasty wind tunnels!). Winter Break is the time for relaxing and recharging, so go ahead and hole up with a pile of blankets, some hot chocolate and enjoy one of these classic Christmas flicks. Happy Holidays!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966 TV Special)
Based on the beloved children’s book by Dr. Seuss, this is the tale of a grouchy creature known as “The Grinch” who attempts to take away Christmas from the people of Whoville. The film focuses on the true meaning of Christmas, and features some great songs that have weaved their way into pop culture. A live version of this classic was released in 2000, but seeing Jim Carrey stomping around half-naked with green fur makes it more terrifying than anything else.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964 TV Special)
The longest-running Christmas TV special in history, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tells the story of a young reindeer who was born with a red, flashing nose. Teased by his friends, Rudolph and Hermey the elf run away and are met with plenty of adventure. The stop-motion animation of this telecast is what gives it so much character, and the heartwarming story has made it a classic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Can it really be considered a holiday until there’s been a Charlie Brown television special? With a deep underlying message criticizing the commercialization of Christmas, Charlie Brown and his friends participate in a Christmas play, tell the story of Jesus’ birth and give a sorry-looking tree some love. Urging viewers to reevaluate their obsession with materialism during the holiday season and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, this TV special sends a message through the lovable Peanuts gang.
The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this film is about a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he finds a train waiting for him outside his home that takes him, much to his surprise, straight to the North Pole. Although a few of the scenes are slightly creepy, probably due to the animation, the movie as a whole has a charming message and is a great watch.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970 TV Special)
Ever wonder how Santa Claus came to be? Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town tells the tale of Kris Kringle and his quest to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. Like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, this TV special was filmed using stop-motion animation.
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, and oversized elf who discovers that he is actually a human. In an attempt to reconnect with his father, he journeys to New York City, and in the process finds out the hard way that the real world isn’t as sweet as the North Pole. Full of laughs and silly one-liners from Ferrell, this movie has become a holiday classic.
Home Alone (1990)
We all know the holiday season can be stressful, but it reaches a whole new level with the McCallister family when they forget their son Kevin at home while on their way to Paris. Kevin enjoys fending for himself, until it means having to defend his home from two simple-minded burglars. Starring Macaulay Culkin and directed by John Hughes, this film was such a hit it was followed by four sequels.
Photo Credits
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