Herald the holiday season with classic movies

November 30, 2009

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, the frenzy of holiday shopping and parties begins to take hold. If you need a breather from all of the hustle and bustle, pop in a few feel-good classics to revive you holiday spirit.

It's a Wonderful Life is 63 years old, but the story of a noble everyman in the midst of a personal crisis still has resonance. Perhaps the film will be particularly popular this year; many Americans will identify with George Bailey's struggle to remain optimistic despite financial difficulties.

Kids will enjoy more recent holiday classics that they might not have been seen yet. Youngsters will love The Polar Express, a sweet Christmas movie based on the classic illustrated children's book of the same name. The older kids (and adults) will appreciate Elf, which stars Will Ferrell, or Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. The latter manages to wrap up Halloween, Christmas and a love story all in one stop-motion animated movie.

Serve hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while everyone enjoys the movies and take a moment to savor all of the good things about the holidays.