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.
7th
Heaven – In this 6th 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 1st-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!
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