Christmas is upon us, and one of the things we love about the holiday is the barrage of Christmas special movies. Christmas specials are entwined within our hearts and part of memories with our familes, a tradition we pass along to our future families. So many movies around the sentimentality of Christmas are made, and here are five I hold in high regard
1. A Christmas Story
Did you honestly believe I wouldn't put this movie first? Not only is it highly regarded but it has some really genuine moments we can all relate to. The narration is SO good in this movie, and it even has some good laughs. The blatantly unrealistic moments in Ralphie's imagination when he has his BB gun are priceless to watch.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The live action one with Jim Carrey is crap, it seriously fails in it's cheap gags to even be close to sentimental. The animated 1966 movie however is a classic. It's a perfect movie for those trying to find the Christmas spirit, even when it seems the Grinch is going to steal Christmas; the Whos prove him wrong. There's something magical about the singing of "Fahoo Forays" that really gets to me every time I watch it.
3. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Everyone knows who Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is, he's in songs and he is in movies. his movie is his origin story of Rudolph and a story of his unintended journey to save Christmas. The musical numbers are pretty entertaining, especially the "Misfits" bit. Burl Ives, a man known for his timeless Christmas numbers narrates this timeless adventure.
4. Olive the Other Reindeer
This movie is not as high on the list for most people, but I personally recommend it. It seems to be my favorite one for some reason, maybe its because the drive of Olive the Dog is mishearing that Santa needed all of the other reindeer, which she heard as Olive, the Other Reindeer. That is a good chuckle that will stay with you throughout the whole movie. While the animation is nothing spectacular, the imagination of the animators as Santa delivers gifts around the world is pretty entertaining.
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Always been a Peanuts fan, really enjoyed their take on Christmas. Fans of the Peanuts gang debate over Charlie Brown and his redeeming values, many viewers will say "good grief" in this Christmas special. This movie even with all the issues of Christmas still holds true to the meaning of Christmas. Regardless of difficulties at Christmas, the arrival of the holiday brings peace in your heart and a willingness to stand together to enjoy the holiday. Nothing says that more than the touching way this film progresses and ends.
So those are my top five Christmas specials, some are typical and some will not appeal to you as much as others. That is completely fine, in the end its all about the magic, hope, heart and meaning of the upcoming wonderful holiday.
