Christmas Movies Time

Hello ladies,

It is only 10 days until Christmas! Who is exciting??? I know. ME!!! This is the time for festive decoration, festive night out, a festive meal, and of course a festive time to enjoy a good movie with the family. I have come up with some movies that you can watch it with your family, friends, or even just by yourself for the holiday.

This time of the year always bring a sense of nostalgia for me. It might be because it is the end of the year and maybe because it is Christmas. When I was younger, I had no idea what Christmas was. My family lived in a tropical country with Buddhism as the major religion so the concept of Christmas was very vague. Catholic was just one of the minority faith brought over by Westerner. Back then, I thought it was just an occasion to go out to eat or see the beautiful decorations that the church put up. I didn’t know the religious meaning, or how it was supposed to be celebrated, or even Santa Clause. Of course I know the Santa Clause is made for holiday celebration but would I have known about it when I was a child, I would be overjoyed. Don’t you think? Now let me walk you through my realization of this holiday and how I came to appreciate it.

I got to experience Christmas in my own way. My first encounter with Christmas concept was brought up through “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”. That was the first time we got a Disney Channel in our country. I remember watching this short movie after I was done with my homework on a December night. I was mesmerized with this version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. That was the first time I experienced the concept of Christmas is a giving back holiday, a holiday to have with family, and the importance of relationship between people. Later on, I watched many different versions of A Christmas Carol but nothing can beat Scrooge McDuck in my mind. Maybe it is the familiarity of the past that I just can’t get over it but the simple delivery of the story with a great sense of humor just hits me with the wow factor. If you’re also growing up watching Disney Channel back in the 90s like me, you’ll know that feeling. Even when I’m older now, I still find myself making time to watch this old animation almost every year. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is a light but meaningful animation that you can definitely watch it with your children, young siblings or cousins.

Next, I watched the “Home Alone” movies when I was probably in 7^th or 8^th grade. I don’t remember learning much of a lesson from this movie other than not accidentally forget your kid when you’re taking the whole family on vacation. “Home Alone” got great success for the first movie that lead to the making of a whole franchise out of it. I still like the first one the most though. If you just want some laugh and entertainment for the night, this movie is for you, my dear. Imagine an 8 year old boy who got left alone in a huge house to fend for himself. Not only did he not get scared, he even managed to trap the two burglars. Boys, do I enjoy watching two grown adults got franked by an 8 year old. I mean it is a movie and all but my god that 8 year old Kevin is such a brilliant brat! When I was 8 year old, I don’t think I could even handle myself but this kid just enjoy his sweet time alone and then set the booby traps like it was nothing. I still enjoy this movie to this day. It is such a great movie that I’m sure it won’t disappoint you.

Now, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic for many Americans or Europeans on Christmas. But Christmas wasn’t even a thing for me when I was younger, remember? So I didn’t get to see this movie until just recently when it popped up in my suggestion movies on Netflix. I guess even Netflix was excited about Christmas. It is a cute story of the Grinch and a little girl through the holiday. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” really emphasizes the importance of being together with family or friends and just have a good time instead of dwelling on gifts, presents, and all that jazz. Yes, I did mention that Christmas is the holiday to give back earlier, but it is not all about the presents. It is the thought that count. Plus, can you honestly say that you love every single present you received up to this day? Don’t lie! Really really think about it. Among boxes and boxes of gifts, someone might just get something last minute without much thought and if we don’t like it, we might choose to re-gift it. I know because I’m one of those sinful people LOL. The present is a way to thank someone for all the help and love that he or she gave you throughout the year. And for me, receiving or giving a meaningful present is far more precious than just an expensive gift without any meaning. For the past couple years, I fell into this circle of hunting for the right present just because I had to or because I am obliged to. To be honest, it’s exhausting and at the end of the day, I might not even remember what I gave to people. This movie really hits the right spot. Therefore, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a good movie to reflect and immerse in the Christmas spirit. Even if you don’t feel like reflecting or anything like that, you can still watch this movie because it is such a great movie to watch and it is quite entertaining to enjoy. Who wouldn’t enjoy Jim Carrey back in the day, right?

I save the best for last. Get ready to go down that memory lane with me brought to you by “Love Actually.” I don’t know what you think of it, but “Love Actually” is a true treasure for my Christmas. I watch it every single year and never miss once. I just love that aspect of a group of people whom may seems like strangers at first but somehow brought together on Christmas. It is just a special thing when you think of Christmas spirit and how people’s lives just magically intertwine without them knowing it. I first watched this movie when I went through puberty. At first, it was just a cute movie with many different love stories acted by wonderful actors. I kept watching it year by year and I felt like I grew with it. There’s a certain lesson, a joke or implication that I didn’t understand back then and now I finally get what it all mean. It feels so nostalgic whenever I watch it! “Love Actually” is not only about Christmas, but about relationships, family, desire and love. When you go through your busy life, you might forgot someone along the line, but it is never too late to pick it up and mend it if there is love and hope. I am usually pessimistic and technically a worrywart, but I have improved bit by bit. What I learned from the relationships in the movie can be learned anywhere else. However, “Love Actually” has this special effect that leaves a longer lasting impact on me compared to others. Plus, do you get that exciting feeling when you discover something new in a movie you’ve watched hundreds times? “Love Actually” is so special to me and I hope it can give you that special moment as well. If not, you can just sit back and enjoy the comedy side of this movie. I mean that scene with Rowan Atkinson wrapping the present. Don’t tell me you don’t think it’s funny. Each movement and each facial expression Rowan made was priceless! That scene never fails to crack me up even though I know exactly when and how it happens. Besides Rowan Atkinson, there are many comedic scenes that I’m sure you would love to see as well. If you lead a busy life like I do, I definitely recommend this movie for you to slow down and appreciate what you have at the present.