By John C.

Two weeks ago, I profiled some of the many great comedies that are recommended to be watched around Christmas.  Last week, I spoke about the TV specials that are staples on the airwaves this time of year.  With the big day coming at the end of this week, today I’m looking back on a few of the many classic movies that are often watched as part of the festivities.

Like with anything else, Christmas movies are often judged by a matter of personal opinion, but I think we can all agree on at least some of these classics.  I should also mention that some would put Tim Burton’s brilliant stop-motion musical The Nightmare Before Christmas on a list of classics, but I personally see it as one more suited to Halloween.

We’re all familiar with George Baily’s descent into depression, but most memorable is his final appreciation for every second that he’s been alive.  Although some are critical of this 1946 Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life is a complete and entertaining package of multi-layered storytelling and thought-provoking sentiment, that in many ways grows stronger from year to year.

In 1947, Edmund Gwynn became the only actor in history to win an Oscar for playing Santa Claus.  With great performances by Gwynn and young actress Natalie Wood – coupled with an excellent screenplay – Miracle on 34th Street remains an incredibly entertaining holiday classic.  It’s also a charming and timeless story about belief that should be watched at least once every year.

Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen, White Christmas is perhaps most loved for its music.  As a movie, it could be considered dated, but with several memorable songs (including the title track), it still holds up as a classic musical.  Also starring Bing Crosby, The Bells of St. Mary’s is another classic that is often watched this time of year.

By far the most recent film on this list, some would not even consider this among the perennial classics.  But Robert Zemeckis’ 2004 big screen adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s beautiful picture book, The Polar Express, is one of my personal favourites from year to year.  Part dream, but equal dose nightmare, the film strikes a note that manages to be haunting, nostalgic and sentimental.  Many audiences still remain blind to this masterpiece that Zemeckis has lovingly crafted, but it’s one that I find newfound appreciation for every year.

One of your favourites wasn’t on this list?  Leave a comment below, and please come back on Friday (Christmas eve) for my special appreciation of Charles Dickens masterpiece, A Christmas Carol.