I know a few weeks back I spoke about one of the unsung Christmas movies – Bad Santa – in my Gleaner column (which you can seee here on the facebook page) but since it’s actually Christmas Day I’d like to revisit the idea of Christmas movies.
I know that I failed at my 12 Days of Christmas series, but I hope in this season of forgiveness you can look into your blogging heart and forgive a busy writer.
It’s well known that every year Hollywood has to release a film for the season. So as you would imagine there’re a lot of movies to pick from if you’re looking for something to sit with your family and watch while you try to let that big dinner settle in your stomachs.
The lessons that we learn in all of these films are generally the same. However, if we pay attention to the details there’re a lot of unwritten rules that I’ve found out about Christmas from seeing way too many movies and I’m here to share them with you here.
So in no particular order:
1. Don’t Put On The Suit Unless You Mean It (The Santa Clause)
In 1994 Tim Allen was at the height of his popularity and I remember going to the theatre with my parents to see this movie. In the film Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) surprises Santa and he falls off his roof and dies. Thinking that this isn’t real he puts on the red suit and immediately has to take on the role of St. Nick. It’s one of the most easily understood rules of Christmas in my mind; don’t put on the show of St. Nick unless you really mean it and are really going to stick to it for the sake of all around you.
2. Singing Makes It All Work (Elf)
It’s not one of my favourite Christmas movies but it definitely has a point. What keeps Christmas alive isn’t all the ribbon and wrapping paper that we think we need, but the feeling that makes you just a little bit merrier for no other reason than it’s that time of year. When we forget that and start to make Christmas a chore as opposed to a joy then it isn’t Christmas anymore. Just like the final scene in Elf sometimes singing is all we need to realize that it’s a time to be happy and brings up our spirits just a little bit more. Also having a Zooey Deschanel singing in the shower scene wouldn’t hurt your chances either.
3. Don’t Rain On Everyone Else’s Parade (Miracle on 34th Street)
It’s not my job to tell you what to believe in, as well as it’s not your job to tell me what I believe. If I believe in Santa then I’m going to believe in Santa. So why can’t he be a real person, who actually is a department store Santa Claus – except on Christmas Eve of course. It’s not the state’s job to call this man insane, but rather to allow for us to believe in him. If we refuse to believe then it doesn’t exist and Christmas is over.
4. Charity Should Be Your Business (A Christmas Carol)
There are so many versions of this story it’s insane. I feel that every couple days the studio feels they need to make another. However, the main theme from the story remains the same no matter which version you watch – including my personal favourite Scrooged– which is to always be generous. We know that running a business means not giving for giving’s sake, but when Christmas comes around it’s time to show that you do care for those other than yourself.
5. Be Thankful For What You Have (It’s A Wonderful Life)
It’s one of the most famous movies ever made and it’s about Christmas. There’re so many themes running in this film which are strong and definitely relevant. However, in the end what George Bailey (James Stewart) learns is that it’s not as bad as he thinks it is. He has an epiphany after an angle grants his wish – that he never have been born – and he realises that he has lived a wonderful life and he should be grateful even though it’s been a hard life.
6. Don’t eat after midnight (Gremlins)
Ok so this isn’t the biggest rule of the season, but I think it’s very important. Being a time of year where we (hopefully) will all be feasting with our families it’s important to know your limits. I say when the clock strikes twelve it’s time to give up the cake and ham, at least until tomorrow.
So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes around from me personally and have a great time.