Christmas Classics

For many people, myself included, it has become an annual tradition to watch TV movies and specials that are considered Christmas Classics. I enjoy the new ones that have come out in recent years, but my favorites are definitely the ones that I've watched every year since childhood. Sure, they seem corny now (my family gives me a hard time about being such a silly fanatic!) But I just love how the simple sweet storylines bring on the Christmas spirit, or the more serious ones have overtones that remind the viewer of the importance of striving for Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men. Here's a list of programs I can't bear to miss:

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! - like the first robin in spring, when Charles Schultz's iconic story appears on the TV schedule it's a sure sign Christmas is coming! Linus' monolog delivery of the story of Jesus' birth is a soulful herald of why we celebrate this season. Then who can resist pulling for the underdog, Charlie Brown, as his faith and the magic of Christmas transforms a poor little stick of a tree into a glorious one with strong boughs dripping decorations and lights. And you're not a REAL fanatic unless you get up and join in the "shoulder shrug" dance during the Christmas play rehearsal scene!


Miracle on 34th Street - usually airs about the same time, right after Thanksgiving. An already beautiful child star Natalie Wood as the serious young girl, Susan, learns (and reminds us all) that Santa Claus exists in the heart of every child, and every child-at-heart, who believes. I especially love the work of Edwin Gwenn as Kris Kringle (a/k/a You Know Who.) None of the later remakes of this wonderful movie hold the same charming effect of this black and white 1947 version.


Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer - the one with the voice of Burl Ives as the snowman narrator. Could there be any other?! Of course the moral thread is that everyone is important, no matter how strangly unique or different they are. The characters created by the animators are quirky and cute in a 1964 sort of way. There are lots of memorable ones besides Rudolph, Sam the Snowman (and Santa, of course) like Hermie the elf who would rather be a dentist, or Yukon Cornelius the prospector searching for silver where there is only snow as far as the eye can see. There are lots of neat quotes too, like "A toy is never truly happy until it is loved by a child." (according to King Moonraker, sovereign of the Island of Misfit Toys)


A Christmas Carol - the first version I remember seeing was the live TV studio "Shower of Stars" production starring Fredrick March as Ebenezer Scrooge and Basil Rathbone as the ghost of Bob Marley. It was really pretty spooky, but I became mesmerized by the story. Then came the 1951 version (my favorite) with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. There have been many other versions, including a cartoon one featuring the bumbling Mr. Magoo as Scrooge, but the 2 "oldies" really do classically and convincingly illustrate Dickens' tale based on the Bible lesson about reaping what you sow.


It's a Wonderful Life - nevermind the fact that I've always had a crush on Jimmy Stewart (who looked a lot, particularly in his younger years, like my husband does!) Stewart is totally believable as George Bailey, a man who feels he's lost everything and plans to commit suicide on Christmas Eve until his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, shows him how different life would have been for everyone around him if he'd never been a part of their lives. Donna Reed was also a perfect casting choice as George's wife, Mary. The chemistry between the two is precious. And little Karolyn Grimes as their youngest daughter, Zuzu Bailey, is a scene stealer for sure - remember her tiny voice in the final scene, "Look Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings." This 1946 Frank Capra classic was later colorized - but watch the black and white original to get the true feel of the era.


The Little Drummer Boy - Sadly, to my knowledge this program is no longer shown. It was one of my favorites as a child. Yes, it was a rough and jerky animation but, like Rudolph, that technology was the latest thing in the 60s and I loved it! Of course we all know the story based on the story of Jesus' birth in a manger, how kings came from far away with precious gifts, and how lowly shepherds came in from the hillside to see the blessed baby. The Little Drummer Boy takes the story further, focusing on one shepherd boy who wants to honor baby Jesus but who has nothing to bring as an offering except to play his drum and sing a song. This innocent tale reminds us that the Lord prizes the gifts of our heart as highly as silver and gold.


So, I guess it's obvious that (1.) I'm a child of the 60's, (2.) I'll always be a child at heart and (3.) I hope these Christmas Classics are around forever, so lots of other children - big and small - can experience and appreciate them. Most, if not all, are available now on DVD - so rent them for your family or just for yourself, settle down on the couch with a steaming cup of Peppermint Tea, press "Play", and enjoy!