It’s that time of year again, the time when we are all trying so desperately to remain happy and joyful because Christmas is coming (you know, the best time of the year). In reality, what we are really feeling is stressed, rushed, irritated and maybe even angry. Who can blame us?

Best Movies to get you in the Christmas Spirit

Deadlines at work are tighter than ever, the jerk in the mall parking lot almost rear ended you, and your budget just doesn’t stretch far enough for all the gifts you need to get this year. And no matter how many times you watch Charlie Brown ask about the true meaning of Christmas, you

find yourself relating more to his question than happy in the retrieval of his answer. Fret not, the solution is to take a break and get lost in a good movie right before Christmas. Depending on what you are going through this holiday season, there is a perfect movie to help remind you of the season-induced happiness we are all supposed to be feeling now.

Christmas Film Review by Jessica Ploumis

For the LOVER:

This Christmas whether you are happy in love, alone in love, looking for love, coming to the end of love, or genuinely consumed with the notion of love –Love Actually (2003) is the perfect movie for you. The characters in this film are all in different types/stages of relationships.

The multiple story lines delicately intertwine as we watch each character fumble through the holidays while trying to find their one true love before Christmas. This is a refreshing take on a romantic comedy by exploring more than the classic “boy meets girl”. Love Actually shows us

the relationships between best friends, strangers, coworkers, parents and children, even celebrities and their fans. Take comfort this season, and watch a film that has characters as caught up in love as you are.

And most importantly remember that – “Love actually IS all around”.

For the DOWNTRODDEN:

It seems like the more you give, the less you have to show for it. It gets hard to be stay true to your goodness and remain steadfast with hope when it feels like the world around you is falling apart . . . especially at a time like Christmas. Then you need a dose of good old George Bailey.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is the story of not so lucky George, and how he continuously puts the well being of his family and community first. Every time George does his part to help his fellow man, he ends up getting further and further away from his own dreams. Finally, George

reaches his ultimate low and gives up on life. But not before a sweet angel named Clarence, reminds George of what is really truly worth having in this life and the hole that would exist in the world if George wasn’t there to take care of his family and friends. George learns his true value, which puts all of his worrying and doubt into perspective.
While watching It’s a Wonderful Life this Christmas, remember that “No man is a failure who has friends”

For the TRADITIONALIST:

In all the hustle and bustle, you just want to take a minute to get cozy with your hot chocolate and listen to your favorite Christmas songs. And every year it becomes harder to get the family together because no one can agree on where to meet or what to do. Fret not, this should do the trick! Get your nearest and dearest together and watch White Christmas (1954).

This is a chance to make your favorite Christmas memories, new memories for the little ones in your family. The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming story of two “dynamite entertainers” giving back to their beloved army general, and reminding us that true joy comes from what we can do for others. The amazing songs, funny characters, and electric dance routines will keep your entire family glued to the TV.

Enjoy every minute of this film, and dream of having your own “White Christmas”.

For the Scrooge:

Sick with everyone’s over the top merriment? Do you find yourself getting more irritable and reclusive as Christmas day gets closer? The solution to this may be a bit obvious . . . but . . . you should watch A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). There are many versions of the classic Dickens

tale, but this one is my favorite. The well written songs (particularly “Marley and Marley” as well as “When love is gone”) and funny Muppets help take the sting out of what is in fact a ghost story. Not to mention Michael Caine’s depiction of Ebenezer Scrooge is brilliant. With the Great Gonzo and Rizzo the rat as our narrators, we are guided through the story .Watch Scrooge go back and realize all the steps he took in life which brought him to his current unhappiness. We may not be visited by three spirits this Christmas Eve, but when can take a lesson from Scrooge and choose to change and be part of the good that can be missed in the world. And perhaps it’s a comfort to remember “The love we’ve found we carry with us, so we’re never quite alone.”