For Your Christmas Viewing Pleasure...

As much as I love Christmas music, I also love Christmas movies and specials!  There are a few that I just can’t miss every year.  They can be divided into three categories:  movies, short specials, and special TV episodes.  First, I’ll start with the movies.

The Gathering – This is a very non-traditional Christmas movie that was made for TV back in 1977.  It stars Ed Asner as a successful businessman who is estranged from his wife and four grown children…and finds out that he is dying.  He wants to “take care of unfinished business” but doesn’t have enough time.  His wife (wonderfully played by Maureen Stapleton) suggests a Family Reunion Gathering so that the kids will come to him, being none the wiser of his condition…but WILL they come?  One thing I love about this movie is, while the fact that he’s dying is a major plot point, they really don’t go on about it; you never even find out what specifically is wrong with him!  It also is very, very light on the schmaltz; it’s sweet without being sticky.  It’s a little dated (one of the sons is a Vietnam draft dodger) but that doesn’t hurt its charm.

The Nativity Story – This movie is a gorgeously filmed depiction of the story of Mary and Joseph: how they meet and become betrothed, the visiting Angels, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and, of course, their trip to Bethlehem for the census.  Heavily speculated, the characters are all charming and human.  The relationship between Joseph and Mary grows naturally.  Also, the Three Magi are an absolute hoot!

A Christmas Story – “You’ll shoot your eye out!” “Fra-JILL-lay,” “Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra…” “I can’t put my arms down!” Bunny suit.  B-B gun.  Orphan Annie secret decoder ring.  Visit to Santa.  Nostalgia upon nostalgia, without a slow spot in the run.  Nothing but fun.

It’s a Wonderful Life – Who doesn’t know the story of noble, humble George Bailey at the end of his rope and hope?  What can be said about this movie that hasn’t been said endless times in endless articles and blogs?  And yet, I always manage to find SOMETHING new every year.

Next, the specials:

A Charlie Brown Christmas – While not the BEST-drawn cartoon, it has more heart and soul than most modern releases.  Linus’ recitation never fails to give me chills and makes my heart leap…”That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey – This one can be considered a mix of Dumbo and Rudolph: Nestor is a donkey born with abnormally large ears and is unmercifully tormented because of it, but finds his role in life when he is chosen to bear a very special person on their journey.  The words, “Ears, Nestor,” never fail to bring me to tears.

The Little Drummer Boy – From the people who brought you “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and the aforementioned “Nestor,” this is the story of Aaron, the orphan who hates all people and travels with just his drum and three animals, until he is forced to face his anger and hurt by facing the One who heals.

Bill & Opus: A Wish for Wings that Work – From the mind that brought you the comic strips “Bloom County” and “Outland” brings the story of Opus the Penguin and his wish for flight.  It’s hilarious and heart-warming.   Side note: Robin Williams voices – uncredited – a lovelorn kiwi.

A lot of television series had special Holiday episodes, and there are a few that we have either recorded or purchased for repeated viewing.

7^th Heaven – In this 6^th season episode, Simon Camden’s fiancée and a friend are staying with the Camdens as the family celebrates by giving their time to others.  This episode touches upon Santa, the Birth of Christ, AND the legend of St. Nicholas.

Walker, Texas Ranger – A gang steals a bunch of collectible toys that were donated to a church, severely injuring the Pastor in the process.  A former gang member who attends this church seeks revenge.  There is also a young couple expecting their first child; their names are Jose and Maria.  Yeah, subtle, but enjoyable just the same.

Sue Thomas F.B. Eye – The Team is charged with trying to solve a rash of robberies being done by someone in a Santa suit.  Meanwhile, Bobby ends up facing a pretty reporter with a huge chip on her shoulder and an ax to grind, and Sue dreads a visit from her overly-controlling mother (and sweet, understanding father).  Sue singing & signing “Silent Night” is beautiful.

The Monkees – The guys are hired to “babysit” a young boy who is older than his years and extremely cynical.  They try to help him find his Christmas Spirit.  You will never hear the song “Deck the Halls” the same way again!  They also sing a gorgeous a capella piece, “Riu Chiu”.

Gilligan’s Island – This 1^st-season episode is a combination Holiday episode and “flashback”, as Gilligan makes a Christmas wish that they would be rescued while they remember their first day on the island.  It has a cute little “twist” ending.

Merry Christmas, and happy viewing!

Hark! The Angels Sing! Christmas Songs.

Music has always been an important part of my life, but I love Christmas music in particular.  I love it so much that I actually limit myself so that I don’t run the risk of getting sick of it.  I don’t listen to it except for between the day after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.   Admittedly, I’m more of a fan of true CHRISTMAS (as in Birth of Christ) songs than Santa songs.  I also like some versions better than others.  Here are a few of my all-time favorites, in no particular order.

“Hark the Angels/Carol of the Bells” by SheDaisy – While their entire “Brand New Year” album is easily my favorite full-length Christmas recording, and picking just one is a chore (I HAVE to give an “Honorable Mention” to “Jingle Bells”…you’ll never listen to the song the same way again), this medley is sheer perfection.  While not a fan of rap, the rap in the center by guest vocalist Toby McKeehan of dcTalk is incredible in its power.

“It Was a Starry Night” (Traditional) – This is a gorgeous duet, which I had never heard before being picked to sing it with one of my favorite people, my daughter’s Godmother.  I was also very pregnant with our second daughter.  However, I never felt more beautiful and had no trouble hitting the high notes.  It’s a memory I treasure; I only wish someone had recorded it.  I found out later that I actually have a copy of the song (on a “Daily Bread” Christmas CD that I don’t even remember where or when I got it)! 

“A Strange Way To Save the World” by 4Him – This is a sweet and unique song, told from Joseph’s perspective.  When he asks, “Why me?  Why him?  Why Her?  Why here?”  you know he’s not complaining…merely overwhelmed.  The vocals and tune add a poignancy to a man given a great task, and is willing to do it, but is just wondering…

“Mary, Did You Know?” by Kathy Mattea – This song is beloved in its many, many versions.  Just about everyone has recorded it (with mixed results).  Kathy Mattea’s beautiful country alto keeps it simple, but no less effective (although I have to give an “Honorable Mention” to Mark Lowry’s version, with its powerful harmony in the bridge; it gives me chills every time).  Like with SheDaisy, Mattea’s “Good News” album is a must-hear every year.

“They Saw a King” by Teea Goans – If you haven’t heard Teea sing, you’re missing out on so much.  While she’s “old country”, she’s not super-twangy.  Her voice is as clear as a country stream, and her dynamics are perfection.  This is an original song, written by Larry Gatlin, and it’s gorgeous.

“The Christmas Guest” by Johnny Cash – This is more of a spoken-word piece, but I’m a sucker for story-songs, and the story combined with the deep, clear voice of the Man in Black never fails to bring me to tears…particularly the ending.  I actually read this out loud to an audience once, but had to draft my daughter to read the last part because I knew I’d be too busy sobbing.

“Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth” by Bing & Bowie – Who doesn’t know this song, with its combination of beautiful, distinctive vocals and wave of nostalgia?  My love for this song wasn’t lessened by learning the fact that Mr. Bowie actually hates the song “Little Drummer Boy” and so did the “Peace On Earth” bit instead.

“O Holy Night” (Traditional) – I have no fewer than 6 versions, by as diverse artists as Debby Boone to violinist Taylor Davis.  I sang this, a cappella, at a work Christmas party years ago, and it’s been kind of special to me ever since.

“Silent Night” (Traditional) – I have 8 versions of this one, including one by the Jingle Cats!  I won't spoil it by explaining; look them up.  A particular favorite is "Silent Night (Lord of My Life)” by Lady Antebellum.  I absolutely love closing Christmas Eve service with this one, sung by candlelight.

“Thistlehair the Christmas Bear” by Alabama – Once again, my love for story songs brings in this adorable Christmas fable about a teddy bear who wishes to spread the Good News to all the boys and girls.  The “La-La-La” child chorus at the end is simply adorable.

I’m also not above the occasional Novelty Song:  “12 Days of Christmas” by Straight No Chaser; “Snoopy’s Christmas” by the Royal Guardsmen; “Here’s Your Sign Christmas” by Bill Engvall; “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas” by Jeff Foxworthy; “Twist of the Magi” by SheDaisy (I’m telling you; their album is awesome); and the old traditional, “The 12 Pains of Christmas” by Bob Rivers”.

A few other "Honorable Mentions":  "Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill; "Time For Me To Come Home" by Blake Shelton (and his mother!); "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé; "Holy Lamb of God" by the Integrity Worship Singers; and, last but not least, "Shiny Christmas" by...ME!