Thursday, December 04, 2008

Christmas Movies

I was listening to the radio today and they posed the question, “What is your Top Ten favorite Christmas Movies?” I came home and started listening to Martina McBride’s White Christmas CD. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dawn Writes. She had a giveaway and I won. Martina has a lovely voice and sings many of my favorites. But I digress because this is about Christmas movies.

There are many movies out there, but I’ll list my Top Five. Keep in mind with the exception of The Nativity, most Christmas movies deal with the theme of Christmas or the holiday of Christmas rather than the birth of Jesus. I’ve never seen The Nativity, but I hear it was fabulous, so I’ll add that as the Number One Christmas movie on my list, especially since it got the whole reason for the season aspect correct. If you would like to play along either leave a comment with your favorites or post and let me know. Here are my other four in no particular order:

The Bishop’s Wife. Two words – Cary Grant. I don’t need to say more, but this is much better than the remake with Whitney Houston because of Cary Grant. I’m a big fan if you haven’t guessed. In an off way Cary Grant helps the Bishop and his wife realize what is most important to them – each other.

It’s a Wonderful Life. Classic black and white (no colorized versions please) story of the appreciation of life and the difference one person makes in the lives of many and how those people pull together to show their love.

Miracle on 34th Street. I’m talking about the classic black version with Natalie Wood. Who doesn’t fall in love with Natalie Wood as a little girl who doesn’t believe in Santa and her journey to believing?

Scrooged. Even though this one is in color, it does have Bill Murray. Totally off beat story of the classic A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray just makes me laugh. I love watching the transformation of Scrooge.

So what are some o your favorites to watch? Let me know.

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

18 comments:

Brenda said...

Ok, I'll play.

1. The Santa Clause 1 (2 & 3 are good, too. I like them all especially because they have the same characters for all 3)
2. Miracle on 34th St. new version
3. Elf
4. Muppet Christmas Caril
5. Charlie Brown Christmas
And for some reason I like to watch You've Got Mail at this time of year, tho' it's not specifically a Christmas one.
There you have it!
God bless,
Brenda :)

palmtreefanatic said...

ummm...
Every year up until a few yrs ago( my moms side of the family) would play National Lampoons Christmas vacation and we would go as an open house watch this laugh with the family enjoying popcorn and snacks...it was alot of fun, though it is an offbeat comedy!
Its a wonderful life is a must see
we just seen Fred Claus which is good too, we liked Elf and miracle on 34th Street!

Loved loved THE NATIVITY! I took the kids to see it at the theater a few yrs ago on christmas Eve! It was a special time!

Anonymous said...

Ooo love the Muppets Christmas Carole. And Charlie Browns Christmas. Ooo and Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer!

I love Christmas!

And the Grinch that stole Christmas but the cartoon one!

Bex said...

Cary Grant ... yum!

Yes, Muppets and Charlie Brown are on the list. And Elf too, that one was great...

Here are three more to add from my DVD shelf:

Scrooged (Bill Murray)
Click (Adam Sandler)
Shrek The Halls (Shrek)

Scarlet said...

I love all the TV specials from childhood and the classics as well. We love Christmas Vacation and all the wacky holiday movies, but you've reminded me, I need to add a few Jesus flicks into the mix.

I haven't seen The Nativity, but I gave it to my father last year for Christmas and he enjoyed it, so I'll have to borrow it from him this year.

I'll let you know how I like it.

Jennifer said...

1. Its a Wonderful life
2. White Christmas
3. Miracle on 34th St. (the original)
4. A Christmas Story
5. Jingle All The Way
6. Meet me in St. Louis
There you have it.

Dawn said...

We used to always watch the goofy Chevy Chase one on Christmas Eve - before grandkids came along, that is. No time now!

I love the old White Christmas and Holiday Inn - I saw Holiday Inn last week-end On Demand - it was such fun. Black and White. There are so many now that it's hard to even imagine watching them all! But you're right about the only one having the real reason for the season and I haven't seen it.

a woman who is said...

White Christmas!!!!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let is snow!

Tammy said...

I so agree with most of your picks, Nadine...and yep, no colorization, please! It's a wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th street...can't get much better than those classics!
(And I like Bishop's Wife too only because almost anything with Cary in it is good!)

I loved seeing the Nativity Story...

Here's one that is lesser known but SO charming! They usually show in on Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in Connecticut. Made in the 40's, it's a romantic comedy with really sharp writing...I absolutely have to watch it every year!

If I'm in a silly mood, I love the modern movie, Christmas with the Kranks...so cute!

Have a great weekend...and hopefully with a good movie in there! :)

Tammy said...

Oh, and I'm not counting the Christmas specials...I love those, too, though!

But back to movies...I almost forgot...Little Women... and Meet me in St. Louis...
(I could go on and on...HUGE classic movie fan here if you didn't already know!) :D

Steph said...

Love these:

*The Santa Clause
*Christmas w/the Kranks (I'm reading "skipping Christmas for the 5th year in a row--love that to kick off the season!)
*Christmas Vacation
*Elf
*The Christmas Story
*White Christmas
and, of course Miracle on 34th St and It's a Wonderful Life

So fun to see others' favorites!

Blessings...

Jill said...

I love Miracle on 34th Street, too...but sadly my ability to watch any movies during this time of year is nil. I have been hearing about the Bishop's Wife lately...had never heard of it before. Maybe I can watch it in June! ha! Happy movie watching!

Louise said...

~Miracle on 34th (new version)
~Elf
~Santa Clause
My kids love ~Home Alone.

HUGS dear!

Anonymous said...

My favorite Christmas movie is The Santa Clause

Dianna said...

Hi Nadine!!!!
I love the Grinch (original version) and I get teary when they start singing at the end. I love Miracle on 34th (both versions), A Christmas Visitor, While You Were Sleeping, Wonderful Life, Scrooged, Muppets,...I'll be watching Christmas shows every night!
Love You tons!
Di

Christina said...

Great choices. I only saw The Nativity about 3 weeks ago. I had it on my dvr forever and it was just as good as everyone said it was. I watch Christmas stuff like crazy this time of year so I am not sure if I could pick a top 5.

Lala's world said...

the Nativity, Scrooged, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, and Meet me in St Louis!

hope you are having fun getting ready for Christmas!

Anonymous said...

A Christmas Story
Charlie Brown's Christmas (I know. I know!)
Love Actually
Elf
Home Alone

Now I want to watch them all!!!