Christmas Movies

There are many holiday movies out there, and we're into the thick and thin of the season now. Here's my list of favorites and dislikes for the season at the current time. Allow me to remind you that I do have limitations. I seriously lack in my exposure to movies in comparison to others. Watching movies isn't one of my common recreations. I hadn't even stepped in to a movie theater until I was a teen, and I only watch movies occasionally. So, with that confession, I'll continue with the ones I have been exposed to. I have more favorites than dislikes and I may not cover all, but here's what I can come up with:

1. It's a Wonderful Life 5/5: For one thing, I love these old classic movies. Brilliantly executed and the theme is universal. It shows the audience what is really important in life. I love a good story that makes me think about things.
2. A Christmas Carol (variety). There are various versions I have seen, so I'll have to mention the ones I remember the best and rank those: 
• 1951 with Alastair Sim 3/5. A lot of people really like this adaption, but I find the extra scenes a little weird. 
• 1970 Scrooge with Albert Finney 3/5. I struggled to get into the music on this musical adaptation. Only the "Thank You Very Much" song was catchy to me, but I somewhat warmed up a little more to it last time I watched it, so maybe I'll learn to like it better. 
• 1984 with George C. Scott 4/5. I grew up watching this adaption, so I really like watching this one. It's my dad's favorite adaption as well. 
• There is also an old animated one I have seen, but I don't know when it was produced nor who did the voice for Ebenezer Scrooge. I think it was made for television. That one I enjoyed watching also and give it a 4/5.
• Muppet Christmas Carol 1992 5/5: I grew up on the Muppets, and the best part other than the humor was the music. It is absolutely beautiful in this movie, and I fortunately have a copy with the "When Love is Gone" song in it. I was absolutely shocked when I heard they took that out at some point, because makes the reprise at the end that much more meaningful. It has to have that song in it to be a 5/5!
3. Spirit of the Season (2006 Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert) 5/5: The DVD for this is no longer distributed, but I believe it's on YouTube. It's a Christmas Concert held by the Tabernacle Choir with guest star Sissel. Of all the Christmas concerts they have performed, this one has always been among the favorites, because of Sissel's clear and ethereal voice.
4. Charlie Brown Christmas 1965 4/5: This is associated with nostalgia. When we didn't have television or movies for entertainment, we had books, and they entertained us during those early years. We had many Peanuts Gang books among them.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1966 4/5: Another nostalgic movie, because we had Dr. Seuss books at home also. I must clarify that the one I like is the original animated movie. The movie made in 2000 is not my favorite. I would give that one a 2/5. It was ok, but for some reason I never could get into Jim Carrey. His humor was a little bit much for me.
6. Frosty the Snowman 1969 4/5: Nostalgia again. It was a fun story to go along with the song.
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 1964 4/5: Nostalgic. I like the story about how the characters who felt like misfits finally found a place, and I enjoy the music.
8. Polar Express 2004 4/5: The story is a little bit weird, but I think it's supposed to be; otherwise, it wouldn't be magical. To be honest, there are a lot of movies I watch primarily for the music, and I think this is one of them.
9. Elf 2003 4/5: It's quirky, and the quirks make it funny and enjoyable. I'm not normally a fan of Will Ferrell, but I like him in this. The humor is over-the-top, which I usually can't stand, but there's enough seriousness to balance it out.
10. Home Alone 1990 2/5: As I mentioned, I don't do too much over-the-top, and this movie was too much. I'm a weirdo who requires a good solid plot and bonus points if the story comes with a theme or message that is thoughtworthy. This movie has neither. 
11. The Santa Clause 1994 3/5: It's an interesting story. I'm lukewarm on this one. I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either.
12. Nightmare Before Christmas 1993 3/5: I know a lot of people who LOVE this movie. There's a debate on whether this is more appropriate for Christmas or Halloween. Personally, I don't think one or the other. I'd say both, because that's an option, too. I ranked it down, because I'm not a Halloween person, so I didn't love the movie, but I didn't hate it, either.

There are probably more movies, but these are the ones I can think of for now. I don't know if I'll post before or after the holiday next, but for those who celebrate it, have a wonderful Christmas! For anyone else celebrating other things during this time also, I hope your days are wonderful also!

Enjoy this recent song I played with my flute. I made the third verse arrangement.