Written by Charissa Roberson
One of the best parts of Christmastime is snuggling up with a great holiday movie. The best movies truly capture the spirit of Christmas and remind us of what should be important at this time of year.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart, is a beloved black-and-white film that shows how one man, thinking himself unimportant and worthless, is reminded of his value and restored to his family and friends. Another all-time favorite among adults and children alike is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a story of how a pessimistic loner discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, we can’t forget the timeless “A Christmas Carol.” This story has also seen many adaptations. A short recap of this tale sounds similar to “The Grinch”—an old miser with a grumpy attitude discovers that love, generosity, and friendship are the secret to joy, especially on Christmas Day. Finally, we can consider a film which stars Bing Crosby and one famous holiday song: “White Christmas.” In this charming musical, two friends find out that their former army general, now a lonely innkeeper, has run into financial difficulties. The plot of the film then becomes the two friends arranging a way to bring guests to the lodge, reminding the general of how greatly he is appreciated.
In all of these beloved Christmas classic films, a similar theme appears: someone is on the outside, lonely and despairing, then, as Christmas approaches, that person is shown abundant love and generosity. As a result, they are brought into a family circle and able to discard their bitterness to embrace the selfless spirit of Christmas. This Christmas, enjoy movie nights with your loved ones, and let these classic stories remind you to seek out those in your life who may be waiting for someone to welcome them in.
