Getting into the Christmas Spirit: Watching Movies
In our previous installment, we mentioned some classic Christmas films that you might bond with your family over. Below are some great family recommendations, some classic and some modern, mixed with our staff recommendations and classics:
Family Man, Justin’s pick
Justin’s pick for a family Christmas movie to help get into the spirit is Family Man. This Nic Cage flick is definitely one of our favorite during the holiday season. Justin noted that “it’s a story of Christmas transformation and the value of family versus success, money, and work.” How true! Not only does it provide a heartwarming story of reinvention and transformation, but it also happens to be a funny family-friendly comedy you can watch for a Christmas movie night!
Charlie Brown Christmas
For many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Charlie Brown picking out that famous tree of his. What people tend to forget is that Charlie was depressed and alone in the beginning, which is what led to him taking over as director of the play. Charlie’s attitude about the tree, and the way everyone around him responds to it in the end, is an uplifting outlook and a great way to think about ourselves. Sometimes we can feel like that tree, barren, alone, or rejected. But just like Charlie saw more in that tree than anyone else could, there’s more in us too, and we just need a little love.
It’s A Wonderful Life, Mike’s pick
Our practice manager Mike’s pick of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life shows he clearly likes the classics. Of the 1947 film, Mike commented that it “it an amazing film that upholds and supports the Catholic ideals of charity, hope, and forgiveness.” We couldn’t agree more! It also demonstrates a time when our culture believed in the goodness of humanity. In these dark days, what better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than by reminding ourselves of these important ideas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, 2000), Nicole’s and Abigail’s picks
Whether it’s the classic cartoon (1966) or the Jim Carrey version (2000), Dr. Suess’s Christmas classic is sure to warm hearts. Who doesn’t love a story about the true meaning of Christmas? Some prefer the 60s cartoon, others love the Jim Carrey version. Whether you’re old school or new school, when the Grinch’s “small heart grew three sizes that day. And then the true meaning of Christmas came though”, every viewer is also reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Dr. Seuss definitely had his pulse on the heart of Christmas.
A Christmas Story
Rounding out our family picks is the classic A Christmas Story. It’s a story everyone can relate to. Not only are the kids relatable but the parents are too! If you haven’t seen this amazing Christmas film, be sure to check it out with your family this year. We’re sure you’ve seen the scene where the boy gets his tongue stuck to the pole, and the leg lamp has become iconic, but A Christmas Story is so much more. It’s a fun, heartwarming, nostalgic look back at Christmases past. It’s sure to stir up memories, and it provides you a chance to connect with your kids by sharing your own Christmas story with them.
The Holiday, Dr. Jamiee’s Pick
Dr. Jamiee went with the contemporary classic, The Holiday. Often overlooked, this is one of the feel good movies that also just happens to be about self-discovery, reinvention, and grief. The whole family can enjoy it, and there’s stories for all ages, as one woman’s journey to LA intersects with lonely and aging Hollywood legends. Friendships form, relationships deepen, and the true meaning of family and Christmas comes to light. What more could you ask for?
Home Alone, Tim’s Pick
Kevin Macallister had a really bad day. First he was told that he had to share a room with his cousin, then his brother ate the last slice of pizza. He just wished his family would disappear. And did they ever! Kevin woke up in this family friendly flick, alone! We all know the story. It was one of the biggest hits of the year when it came out. Families lined up in the snow outside cinemas to get a seat for this classic Christmas movie. In the end, Kevin and his family are re-united, and Kevin helps both his neighbor reconnect with people, but also gets to realize the importance of family in his own life. That’s what we call a hum-dinger! So Polka-Polka-Polka over to Home Alone and enjoy this week as we embrace the Christmas spirit, both as a practice, and as a community.
Think we missed something? Let us know! Connect with us on Instagram. We hope these selections help you connect with us and your loved ones. Why not ask your friends and family what their favorite films are and have a movie night some time this week where you get to share with each other your favorite?
Need help with other strategies and forming bonds with your loved ones? Give us a call! One of our specially trained clinicians will be more than happy to help.