Christmas is my favorite holiday, opposite my summer birthday. While I detest the commercialism surrounding Christmas, I love the societal shift. It’s as if society becomes one nice person during the holiday season. It’s a marvel to witness!
I wasn’t raised to commercially celebrate Christmas. I was raised to celebrate Christmas as the day we honor Christ’s birth. My mother used to tell me and my sister, “It’s not your birthday. Why should you get a gift?” She taught us to help others less fortunate and to appreciate the family during this time. Living in the same house, my father on the other hand, always asked what we wanted and gave us the most expensive item on our shortlist. My mother, if she gave us anything, gave us something we needed, never wanted. They made sure we knew our gifts were not joint purchases.
In my adult life, my home displays the season in some non-elaborate fashion. One tradition I created for myself, is watching Christmas-themed movies. I’m a huge movie buff in general, so it made sense to have a few Christmas movie favs. Sometime between December 1st and December 25th, I watch the same seven movies every year since their release. It is as if I haven’t seen them before, and they evoke the same emotions received upon first viewing.
In release date order, I present my top seven with no spoilers for those who haven’t seen either film:
Released in 1988.
I thoroughly enjoy Bruce Willis as the lead character, John McClane. With determination to defy authority, save the world, and attempt to save his marriage well, the fusion makes for a wonderful action film. McClane’s one-liners make this movie a comedy for me. Being the movie buff that I am, action films top my favorite genre list. Though this movie has nothing to do with celebrating Christmas, it’s happening during the Christmas season. At one point, McClane wears a Santa hat. HA!
Released in 1989.
I first learned of Chevy Chase acting as Clark W. Griswold in National Lampoon’s European Vacation in 1985. My sister and I laughed so much and so hard throughout this movie for different reasons. While my sister related to the daughter Audrey, I couldn’t get over Clark’s idiotic antics. When Christmas Vacation was released, I was elated, and Clark did not disappoint. His comedy borders along slapstick yet it’s fun for me. Dare I say, the adult version of Home Alone, though no one is home alone. Hilarious!
Released in 2000.
I am a Ving Rhames fan so I will watch any movie he’s in at least once. However, Holiday Heart is not your usual Rhames film. Rhames plays the role of Holiday Heart, a Christian drag queen. Yes, a Christian drag queen. This movie pulls on your heartstrings with regard to love, loss, pain, suffering, family, and protection. It has it all. I’m a sucker for a good cry and this movie gives it to me every time.
Released in 2000.
Vanessa Williams plays a Black female version of Ebenezer Scrooge, as Ebony Scrooge. The overall message in A Christmas Carol always resonated with me because growing up, I knew many elderlies who were lonely, bitter, and mean people. This modern-day twist to such a classic tale is just cute! As a Vanessa Williams fan, I get to watch her act and hear her sing. A double dose of YES!
Released in 2003.
Billy Bob Thornton as Bad Santa is perfect. He plays his role so well; I don’t think he is acting. Bad Santa is an adult movie that should have never been released. Yet, I find it to be one of the funniest, sickest Christmas movies around. It’s crazy a movie can be so bad and so good at the same time. Seriously, this movie is horrible but, I love it!
Released in 2006.
Queen Latifah and LL Cool J, I’ve been a fan of their music and acting all my life. Pairing them together in this movie was adorable. Queen Latifah plays the lead role of Georgia Byrd, a single woman living a simplistic life, playing by every rule ever written. LL Cool J plays her love interest. It’s a love story that makes you remember life is for the living and out there for the taking. Take it! Live it! Enjoy!
Released in 2007.
Lastly, my absolute favorite Christmas movie! There are several storylines I enjoy following, here. Also, it has many funny moments. I am a Chris Brown fan, though many detest him. The way he sings in this movie, oh, it’s something to hear. Idris Elba and Laz Alonzo, great eye candy. Regina King can do no on-screen wrong. The exploration of the Black family dynamic is hilarious, sad, and all too familiar. Honorable mention to the movie Almost Christmas released in 2016, for a similar Black family dynamic worth watching.
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Did you catch a theme other than Christmas? Each movie speaks to togetherness in some, albeit twisted, ways. No matter how far away from the message the movie takes you, the message is clear by the end. The message is what makes all of these movies worthy of rewatching during the season of togetherness.
I hope you take some time and enjoy one, if not all, the movies this Christmas season. We’re in a pandemic so there’s no time like the present.
Writing Waves 