Christmas is all about feeling warm, joyous and lots of merriment. But in our busy, stressed out, achievement driven lives, the ‘merry’ tends to take a while to kick in. Of course, cake helps and oh, the chocolates sure make us joyous. But if you’re still not feeling Christmas-y enough Nilanjana Dutta lists out a few movies, which will help set you right on track.
A Christmas Carol
If it’s Christmas, you have to watch a grumpy old Ebenezer Scrooge learn the importance of the festival in this spooky and magical Christmas fairytale by Charles Dickens. The story is an enjoyable narrative of the visit of the past, present and future ghost to set the grumpy Scrooge straight. It is something to watch with the family, your girlfriend or if you are working then you can even hold an office screening and teach your Scrooge (read boss) a lesson. The story has been adapted multiple times, so whatever your taste, a 1951 classic or a Scrooge McDuck version, it is available out there.
It’s a Wonderful Life
A Christmas classic, with its simplistic storyline is a must watch on the Christmas, especially if you are feeling a little low. The story of George Bailey’s suicidal moment on Christmas eve and his realisation of how bad things could have been if he was never born, with the help of his guardian angel will prove to be your guardian angel and infect you with the right kind of Christmas spirit. The movie is a timeless classic filled with morals and emotions you probably didn’t know existed. Best enjoyed with lots of cake.
Miracle On 34th Street
The concept of Santa Claus is just as believable as a kid as it is unbelievable as an adult. This Christmas movie brings forth that concept when a department store Santa claims to be the real Santa Claus and the consequences that follow. It’s a light heart flick with a little magic, a pinch of miracle and a little food for thought. Whether you are a believer or a cynic this movie is bound to strike the right chord.
The Santa Clause
When a dad accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he enters the ‘Santa Clause’ where he must fulfil Santa’s duty before next Christmas. As any of us, he believes it to be a dream and doesn’t follow up only to gain weight and grow an unstoppable white beard, in short, ‘become Santa’ despite all his efforts. This is not your regular Christmas merriment movie, this dwells deeper with a more practical backdrop to a magical story.
The Nightmare before Christmas
Something to be enjoyed with kids and younger siblings and to bring alive your kid-ish side, this story follows Jack Skellington’s, the king of Halloweentown, evil plan to take over Christmas and kidnap Santa. The plot line is interesting as it brings in a refreshing touch by introducing a little Halloween scare in the Christmas cheer. If you think you are too old for this, this movie will change just that. Best enjoyed with a cosy blanket and chattering family members all around.
