Whenever the
holiday season comes around, I always bring out my collection of favorite Christmas
movies and specials. It’s simply impossible to go a year without those beloved
pictures like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street”. I’ve done a list of my personal favorite
holiday specials of all time once before, but for this list, I’m going to take
a look at all the treasured moments that make these films so wonderful. Those
warm scenes that just put a smile on my face and bring to life the joy of the
holiday. I’ll have some familiar moments that many know, and I may even have
some surprises that you probably wouldn’t expect, but hey, these are just my
personal favorite holiday moments, nobody has to agree with me 100%. Do
feel free to comment on what some of your favorites might be, and lets begin the countdown.
#10 “Walking
in the air” from “The Snowman” (1982)
With its
light as air storytelling and rich atmosphere, the 1982 short titled “The
Snowman” is simply one of the greatest holiday gems of all time. The story revolves
around a snowman that’s brought to life through the magic of Christmas, and he
spends the night with the young boy who created him. The highlight is a scene in
which the snowman actually flies the boy through the night sky, all set to a
magical song titled “Walking in the Air”. It’s just a beautiful segment, the
music is so warm and uplifting. Plus, it’s just awesome that this kid gets to
fly around the world on Christmas in a way that’s unique, but also in the spirit
of the season.
#9 “There is
a Santa and he exists within Kris Kringle” from “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
Obviously
the original 1947 “Miracle on 34th Street” is the superior holiday classic,
however ... in my opinion, it’s the 1994 remake that actually has the stronger
ending. This is the story of a seemingly ordinary man who believes himself to be
Santa Claus, which results in him being put on trial to prove his sanity. While
no clear facts are made to support his claim, the judge still gives a passionate
speech about the collective faith of people who believe in something greater
then themselves, like the belief in God, which is based solely on faith alone
without any real facts. He then determines that by a similar example, there is a
Santa, and that he exist within a man named Kris Kringle. It’s just a really
touching ending, and the overall theme of faith over fact is a wonderful
addition that the remake took full advantage of.
#8 “When Christmas Comes to Town” from “The Polar Express” (2004)
“The Polar
Express” is another personal favorite that I love to watch every year. I just adore the animation, the atmosphere, and the simplicity of the experience. For
some reason, the scene that always stands out to me is when a lonely boy sings
about the simple joys he desperately wants to feel around Christmas. This leads into a duet between him and a young girl, as they sing "When Christmas comes to Town". It may seem just a little corny
to have these children signing, but I just love this song, I love the melody, and really love all the colors and visuals that are displayed in this moment.
It’s simply a touching little scene with these two kids, and it just adds a
little more magic to the experience.
#7 “All is
Right with the World” from “A Christmas Story” (1983)
When you’re
a kid, getting that special gift for Christmas is the only thing on your mind,
and that’s the charm which this movie captures so well. It’s all about that
wonderful time when we were kids, and Christmas was a magical time of the year.
It’s just one of the best feel good moments of any Christmas classic, seeing
those kids get that special gift. The best individual moment of all is that final scene
with the mother and father sitting by the lit up Christmas tree as they watch
the snow fall, which just seems to sum up the spirit of the holiday in only 30
seconds.
#6 “Calling
a Size Fire” from “Joyeux Noel” (2005)
Based on the incredible true story set during the First World War, French, German and
Scottish soldiers are neck deep in the trenches, and ready to kill one another. Then, one single soldier comes out of hiding while singing “Silent Night”,
reminding everyone that it’s Christmas Eve, and that they should share the
peace and love that Christmas is all about. This leads to all three groups
calling a Size Fire in light of the holiday. They leave their bunkers, exchange
gifts and even hold a mass. It further emphasizes what a powerful time of year
this is, and how it affects us as individuals. It’s such a powerful moment
that’s brought to life beautifully in this movie, and its well worth seeing if
you haven’t already.
#5 “The Birth of Jesus” from “The Nativity Story” (2006)
Well, kind of an obvious choice, what countdown of best Christmas moments could possibly be more special then the event that started it all. While I freely admit that the 2006 motion picture of the Christmas Story isn’t the absolute strongest, it’s still respectful of its biblical source material, and this films version of the manger scene is sensational. I like that it's depicted it in such a subtle, yet uplifting manner. We don’t really see the quires of angles in the sky, and there isn’t an over blown orchestra, instead its kept rather quiet, with a simple musical score filling up the atmosphere. However, I still feel the size and the importance of the moment just from everyone’s reactions, and it always leaves a subtle impact. It’s arguably the greatest moment of the greatest holiday themed story of all time, and it would have ranked higher had the scene been as strong in it's execution as the following scenes.
#4 “Maybe Christmas means a little bit more” from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is hands down my favorite animated holiday short of all time, I love all the colors, the music, the rimes and more than anything, I love seeing the mean-spirited Grinch discover the true meaning of the holiday. Without question, the absolute best scene obviously is the ending, in which our villain finally realizes that … “Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more”. It’s one of the simplest, yet touching scenes I’ve ever experienced in an animated production, and it still gets to me even as an adult. I think it works because it doesn’t come off as overly preachy with the delivery of its message. It just conveys it’s moral, we see how it impacts our villain, and we see what he takes from the lesson he learns. It’s nostalgic, it’s cheerful, and can turn any grouchy frown upside down.
#3 “Merry Christmas George Bailey” from “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Okay, who doesn’t watch this movie every year, and still on repeat viewings get the same impact from this finale. It's the story of one mans ordinary life, and how it affects the life of countless others, which is just as heartwarming, as it is influential and thought provoking. Of course, its the ending that everyone remembers, when all the towns people come to Georges aid, and give him their money that really gets to me. It's also beautiful as it parallels an earlier scene during the great depression, in which it was George giving the towns people all his money. Another little moment that always sticks with me is when Georges little brother Harry gives him a toast, and claims that he’s “The Richest Guy in Town”. This statement is aimed at a man who never went on to fame, fortune and just had a quiet life with a terrific family. It further highlights how beautiful the little things are, which so many have taken for granted. It’s a moment that I try to capture so often in my own life, to be surrounded by family, loved ones, and to just take that second to respect how rich the gift of life really is. Of course, that final group shot of everyone singing, paired with James Stewart winking to his guardian angel just gets me in the warm feels every time.
#2 "Heavenly Reunion" (Disney's The Little Match Girl) (2006)
This is a very personal entry on my list, because the story of "The Little Match Girl" is one that my late grandfather read to me all the time when I was a child, and it was a story that always touched me for how somber, yet beautiful it is. This animated 2006 short from Disney in my view is the absolute best visual adaption that captured the emotional impact of the tale perfectly. It's the story of the final hours of a little girl living out on the street ... she's out in the cold, can't find shelter, and her only warmth are her matches. Igniting them conjures memories of a Christmas she shared with her late Grandmother, and how it was the most warmth she's ever felt. She falls so deep in this vision that it mingles with her reality. What started as a warm memory of her grandmother giving her a hug has become the grandmothers spirit, and now she's carrying the child's soul into heaven. It's the moments that merge sorrow and joy into a whole that always leave the biggest impact on me, and this scene is about as dramatic, yet as beautiful as they get. I’m not the kind of guy who cries during movies, let alone cartoon shots, but this ending is an exception in which I always find myself getting terry eyed, not just for the context, but for rekindling warm memories of my own loving grandparents who've long past.
Before I reveal my #1 favorite, here are some honorable mentions ...
“The Gift of Friendship” (Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury)
"Family Reunites" (Home Alone)
"Looking Back at Childhood Videos" (Christmas Vacation)
"Finding a Home" (The Small One)
"All the music I'll ever need" (Mickey's Once upon a Christmas)
#1 “God Forgive me the Time I wasted” from “A Christmas Carol” (1984)
Just like the Grinch, it’s such a treat to see the bitter Mr. Scrooge have a change of heart and understand why this time of year is so special. There are several renditions of “A Christmas Carol”, and everyone of them have a heartwarming ending paired with the famous line "God Bless Us Everyone", and each version lifts my spirit, and put's me in the loving holiday mood. However, while the reformation in general is always great, there's one stand out epilogue from the 1984 version that just tips it to a higher level. It's when Scrooge reconciles with his nephew and for the first time meets his nephew's wife. He apologizes for the mistakes he’s made, and finally becomes one with the family on a more personal note then any other version. Both the acting and direction in this scene is pitch perfect, and there's these subtle inflections from the couple as they are over joyed to have him their, and make the Christmas feel complete. The big take away moment for me is when Scrooge hugs them both and says “God forgive me for the time I’ve wasted”. It’s such a powerful moment that really hits home, and in my opinion is the most emotional moment from any version.
Thanks for reading my countdown, and ... Merry Christmas!
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