Between Sundays

[This is intended to be the first in a series of Christmas posts for the week. I have been anticipating Christmas for some time, yet am only now trying to slow down enough to enjoy the season before it is over.]

I can't reach back far enough in my memory to remember a time when I didn't delight in Christmas. My mind is filled with images collected over the years and each seems to add more wonder and warmth to the Christmas season rather than cause my sense of awe to diminish. Some of these memories center around movies that have become a part of Christmas tradition. My dad tells me that Mickey's Christmas Carol is the first film he ever took me to see at a theater. Many a December night was filled with the family gathered around the television to watch the old black and white version of Dicken's Christmas Carol. I still remember showing It's a Wonderful Life to Summer for the first time when we were still dating. And recently I've been able to share The Polar Express with Ethan during this time of year. Perhaps you have a collection of holiday movies that have risen to the level of annual tradition in your own family. While I don't get the chance to watch all of my favorites every year, below are the five films that stand above all the rest for my Christmas viewing.

5. The Polar Express (2004)

A young boy on the verge of disbelief is transported to the North Pole aboard a magical train along with other passengers in need of some Christmas magic. In the end, the young man receives the first gift of Christmas from Mr. Claus - a bell from Santa's sleigh. The message of the movie revolves around belief, for only those who truly believed could hear the sound of the bell and understand the magic of Christmas. The closing words of the movie sum it up best: "At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe." A good lesson on belief in the midst of doubt. This movie will forever hold a place in my heart because of Ethan's love for trains.

4. A Christmas Story (1983)

Perhaps the legacy of this movie has been diminshed a bit by its continual airing for 24 hours on the cable station TNT, yet the wonder of a child dreaming of Christmas morning and longing for the perfect gift never gets old. I think that this movie holds great meaning to me because I remember watching it with my dad growing up. Great quotable moments and scenes that still make me laugh. Who knows, I might just watch a few minutes with my dad this Christmas eve.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Could a Macy's departmental Santa be the true Kris Kringle? The debate rages around town and eventually goes to court, but the true story center's around Santa's interaction with a jaded and cynical little girl (played by Natalie Wood.) The court rendered its verdict in favor of Kringle, but it was conquering the little girl's heart that was the true victory here.

2. Scrooge (1951)

Still the best adaption of Ebenezer's guilt and redemption captured on film. Alistair Sim's performance is amazing and by the time he becomes a new man, you truly feel the change in his heart. There is something nostalgic about the black and white version that screams out Christmas to me.

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

George Bailey's journey through life is both gripping and entertaining. George Bailey's vision of what would have been without his presence is haunting and moving. Capra at his best and Stewart in a career defining role. This film still causes my eyes to mist at the climax of the film.

So there are my top five Christmas films. I didn't include Christmas specials because I may look at them later. Perhaps you have others that make the list. Hopefully sometime in the next week you can gather around the screen at least once, pop some popcorn, and have a family movie night to share in the season together.