It's A Wonderful Life

Despite the fact that the movie takes place at several different stages of the main character's life besides Christmas, it's still considered a classic movie to watch at or around Christmas because of its powerful messages of hope and love.

Loosely based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern, the movie is about a man named George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who becomes deeply depressed on Christmas Eve to the point of suicide. It seems nothing in his life has ever gone the way he wanted it to, and with his company's imminent collapse, he decides the best thing to do would be to end it all.

Thwarting his suicide attempt, however, is his guardian angel, named Clarence, who has yet to earn his wings. Clarence has come to show George what the world would have been like if he hadn't been born at all--a terrible world in which his kid brother died at a young age because he wasn't there to rescue him, his family ends up in poor houses and mental institutions, his wife ends up an old maid who never married, and the his hometown of Bedford Falls becomes a home to gambling and prostitution.

In the end, George realizes just how wonderful his life really is, and Clarence is awarded his wings.

While its tone shifts wildly from uplifting to downright bleak, this film is a gem of the holidays, for it shows us that even in the worst of times, you should look to the things that make your life wonderful---family, friends, and hope.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This short, animated movie is based on the book by Dr. Seuss, and it's about a grumpy green monster named the Grinch who lives on top of the highest mountain, near a peaceful little town called Whoville, where the Whos live. The Grinch hates these friendly people, especially on Christmas, because of all the noise they make and their ridiculous customs. He's been dealing with this nonsense for over 50 years, and he's finally grown tired of it; he concocts a scheme to stop Christmas from coming so that the Whos will be miserable.

His plan involves dressing himself up like Santa Claus and his loyal dog Max like a reindeer, riding down to Whoville on a sleigh, and stealing EVERYTHING that has to do with Christmas--presents, toys, decorations, and even the food for the Christmas feast. When he's done all that, he prepares to dump everything off the side of the mountain, but not before he wants to hear the Whos waking up and crying in misery when they see all of their Christmas things have been taken.

Instead, the Whos wake up, join hands, and begin to sing with happiness, despite the fact that they don't have anything to celebrate Christmas with. The Grinch is puzzled by this, until he realizes that you don't need "stuff" to celebrate Christmas--Christmas is about family, love, and peace on Earth. When the Grinch realizes the error of his ways, his heart fills with happiness, and he gives the Whos back their Christmas things. He even joins them in their celebration, carving up the roast beast.

The animation, courtesy of Chuck Jones, embodies Dr. Seuss's sense of vibrant wackiness. The music is excellent too, from the deviously hilarious "Mr. Grinch" song to the uplifting "Welcome Christmas" song of the Whos.

This is a heart-warming, classic tale, expertly narrated by Boris Karloff (who also voices the Grinch), with a simple message that children and adults alike can enjoy and understand.