With the winter season in full charge right about now a lot of either have, or are expecting, the very nasty word that starts with ‘s’. Some might argue that the ‘s’ word of things that fall from the sky during these winter days are sparkly, pretty and even downright festive. Even though it might look appealing, and even fun to play in, it sometimes can leave you feeling chilled down to the bone. (Yes, I mean…s-snow…)
So far this month my articles have centered around that of new faces; but in a season filled with traditions (new and old) and sometimes even nostalgia memories it is only fair to rejoice with the likes of long-time friends. There is so much content with themes being directly or even indirectly revolved around the holidays and their meanings.
For the sake of being very selective this list is running of the based only off films that either released in theaters or direct to video formats. Holiday themed specials, episodes and made for television will be part of a separate list as they are on a different level of the medium and therefore cannot be held to the same caliber as a feature film.
These are, of course, only a very small sampling in an ever growing sea of fiction. As always these list are in no specific or rated order. Now, here we go.
Christmas Carol
I can almost guarantee that the second you seen the two words above on your screen an array of various versions of this tale. What began as a simple novella (about an older gentleman by the name of Scrooge that learns the errors of his ways after encountering a series of ghosts) by the late and great author Charles Dickens has seemingly taken on seemingly a life of its very own. Even after originally published back in 1843 the tale has surpassed the hands of time and always managed to become a trope.
There are not that many works of fiction that can claim to have a separate Wikipedia page just for adaptations based off the source material.
With that said unlike other titles in this list it is hard to very specific as to what variation of this classic tale is a feat alone. Seemingly every form of media has done something with it. Sometimes keeping close to the original vision and others allowed their own hands to craft a new tale. Perhaps it is for that reason alone the tale of a Christmas Carol is to thrilling, to see so many visions of what it could be.
But you can never go wrong with the live-action 1951 version, or even Mickey’s Christmas Carol. You be the judge and explore all the plays on this tale.
Elf
Despite only having been released a little over ten-years ago, Elf has proven itself to be a massive favorite with fans and become a staple of the season. As much so as to lead into the creation of a Broadway musical and even a stop-motion animated special.
Elf, if you have not seen the film, centers Buddy an elf. Or so he thinks, after living a childhood among his elf family Buddy counts himself as elf and leads a happy life. However when he is faced with the reality that he is not an elf, but rather human Buddy sets out on a quest to find the family he never knew in a strange new world, New York City.
There is a lot of reasons why this film resonates greatly with fans of all ages. Naturally the reasoning can vary from considering one a fan of the cast, the humor present, or simply how greatly it can be related to.
The Santa Clause (Series)
With all the returns this year I must say it surprises me we have not heard as much a word of an additional film. But now that I say that, well… who knows.
Despite being older than Elf, and younger than Christmas Carol this film- er, series of three films- proves itself to be a true staple of the season. After all when you air as often as this film does on networks like ABC Family year after year and still get fantastic ratings there is something to be said.
The Santa Clause follows the likes of Scott Calvin, a divorced excusive father that finds his life- and that of his son’s, Charlie- after Santa falls off his roof. Resulting in Scott donning the famous red-coat and delvers Christmas to the world- and you know, becoming Santa himself.
During the course of both that of the first film and the following two, The Santa Clause really has a strong focus on relationships with families in ways that are common (conflicts between child and parent, dealing with an ex, ect.). With semi-realistic family dynamics, heart and great humor it is not shocking why this has become such a beloved series that fans pull out of their collections or watch whenever it comes on year after year.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Much like that of A Christmas Carol, It’s A Wonderful Life is a very classic tale that has worked its way into become a trope that we often see played with a wide range of media on screen and on stage. Even though everything has the capabilities of become much darker, the classic 1946 version of this tale is not quite as warm and fuzzy as most holiday themed works. But yet it also allows conversations to open up whereas they might not come about.
It is far from uncommon to have someone, both that of fictional or not, question their self-worth nor even go as far as the extreme of just wondering what life might be like if they had not ever entered the world. It is that line of thinking that the core of the tale comes about.
After giving up dreams of his own a man by the name of George is about ready to give up- that is until he is visited by his guardian angel that shows him just how much he has in fact done- and even what life would have been like if he had never been born.
Even if you are not keen on the 1946 version, there are lots of other works that play off the trope that are worth seeking out.
Join the conversation: These are only a small handful of the films out there so be sure to tell us what your favorite is. Stay tuned for our list of holiday specials.