Jon’s Christmas Watch List

For me, as I get older, it’s becoming harder and harder to “get in the Christmas mood”. I sense this is common amongst you too. But for the sake of the holiday, let’s try to get in that so-called mood, and since you’re asking me, here are my movies I’m watching this season to help insert some Christmas spirit into me. So sit back, listen to a little Bing Cosby or Elvis Presley, and let’s watch these films under the mistletoe together.

My Christmas Eve Pick

Mickey’s A Christmas Carol: There’s so many versions of of this story, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. But this 1984 cartoon by Disney has that magic charm sometimes missed in other versions. They spin Charles Dickens’ wonderful novella with Disney characters like Mickey as Bob Crachit, Jiminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Goofy as Bob Marley. While TNT will be playing A Christmas Story all night long, take time out for this 28 minute gem.

My “Because I Celebrate Christmas, Not XMas” Pick

A Miracle on 34th Street (1947): I love this version for a few reasons. I always think of Christmas traditionally with the values displayed here in this film at this time. I know it has a consumerist attitude, yet there’s something wholesome and charming about it, more so than the John Hughes version. Plus, Natalie Wood is so adorable here.

My Christmas Horror Film Pick

Christmas Evil (1980): Oh, Jon, you’re so evil, you say? Well, this little known film packs a lot of holiday spirit in it, regardless of a slasher dressed up as Santa. John Waters calls this movie, sometimes known as You Better Watch Out as the “greatest Christmas movie ever made”. So there.

My Bah-Humbug Pick

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964): Sadly, sometimes we all can’t be in the Christmas spirit, so why not drown out the world, with all those Salvation Army bell ringers, the kissing of young lovers, the knowing that you’re aren’t getting what you really want, with this horrible film. The season sucks, and so does this film, yet you’ll be drunk enough to laugh and forgot about December 25th!

My Christmas Morning Pick

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966): So many films you can watch this day, yet there’s something so fun and warming, seeing the Grinch pout and snarl, with Boris Karloff’s perfect voice. Dr. Seuss’ story is adapted perfectly here with Chuck Jones’ brilliant animation. Nothing makes me want to get up out of bed and be with family more, than this film.

Well, hope you all have a pleasant holiday, and feel free to leave a comment to what you are watching this busy season below! Ho! Ho! Ho!