“Sometimes we forget about how fortunate we are with all the great things we have compared to those who are less fortunate than us, which is why ‘A Christmas Carol’ is my favorite Christmas movie,” said junior creative writing major Kemaura Vance.
While Christmas may be a time for giving, it’s also a time of remembering those in our family who are no longer with us. “‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’ is my favorite movie because it’s funny, heartwarming and my mother loved it,” said religious studies professor David von Schlichten. “Every year we watch this movie in honor of my mother.”
“My favorite movie is ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ because it is a romantic and satisfyingly beautiful narrative of hope, joy and love, which echoes the love of God and the joy that he finds in us as his creation,” said Luke Dice, a sophomore in the physician assistant program at SHU. “I think this is the kind of movie we should be watching with our loved ones on Christmas.”
The countdown to the 25 Days of Christmas began on Nov. 18 on the Freeform network, featuring classics like “Elf,” the “Home Alone” series and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The “Harry Potter” series runs continuously throughout the countdown as well, a Christmas movie tradition for many families.
“‘Elf’ is my favorite Christmas movie because Will Ferrell is hilarious,” said SHU sophomore Spanish education major, Nathan Davis. “Watching ‘Elf’ has become a tradition in my family because we pretty much watch it every Christmas.”
Starring Will Ferrell, “Elf” keeps many people laughing each year. The movie is about a young boy who was raised amongst Santa’s elves, then went on a search to find his birth father in New York City.
Following the countdown, Freeform airs the 25 Days of Christmas movie marathon beginning on Dec. 1. The movies range from the 1940s wooden toy style characters to modern animations, some featuring Hollywood favorite actresses and actors with classics like Shenetta O’Neal’s favorite Christmas movie.
“Every Christmas I always look forward to watching the live action version of ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ because Jim Carrey adds a special spunk and humor to the movie,” said O’Neal, senior nursing major at University of the District of Columbia.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is one of the most famous Christmas movies in addition to other classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.” The movie is about a Grinch who is outcasted by the rest of the town, thus causing him to hate Christmas. He overhears the town singing around the Christmas tree and decides to steal Christmas away from the people in Whoville, but eventually gets a change of heart and returns their Christmas decorations and gifts. If “The Grinch” is your favorite movie and you missed the first showing, don’t worry because it will continue to come on until Christmas Eve.
“Around Christmastime I enjoy watching movies,” said Sierra Logan, elementary education major at University of the District of Columbia. “‘Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer’ is one of my favorite movies during Christmastime because it’s so different from the traditional Christmas movies and the animations are amazing.”
Usually some people have special movie traditions, while others just relax and enjoy their favorite movies that only come on once a year.
“‘Best Man Holiday’ is my absolute favorite movie because it demonstrates family values and shares what Christmastime is really about,” said Jania Lee, freshman sports management major at Morgan State University in Maryland.
There’s nothing like sitting around with family and friends, watching some of your favorite movies while drinking cocoa and baking cookies around Christmastime. Similar to Thanksgiving, Christmas is also seen as a time of giving thanks and being thankful.
“Every Christmas Eve, my mom and I always bake cookies and spend the night watching our favorite movies,” said Chantel Thompson, graduate from University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Christmas is an important factor when it comes to family and happiness, because it’s the best time to share more love and affection through the thoughtfulness of giving gifts.
“My favorite movie is ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ because it teaches a lesson of don’t judge before you know because you never know when you’ll need them,” said West Virginia Wesleyan business marketing graduate Da’Shia Davis. “I always make sure I watch ‘Rudolph’ and ‘Frosty the Snowman’ every year with my mom, sister and little brother.”
Christmas is a time where you just celebrate the togetherness of family and be appreciative for those you do have. It’s also a time for reminiscing happy holiday memories from our lost ones. While there’s the excitement from giving and receiving gifts, there’s also the joy of watching your favorite movies with your family. So grab a cup of cocoa, some cookies, your favorite pajamas and your family to spend the day watching your favorite movies and enjoying quality time together.
Click here to view the movie schedule for Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas.
Published By: Stephen Dumnich