By Jessica Nguyen, Brian Pham & Natalie Tran
As winter break approaches, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays, whether it be Christmas or Hanukkah. Even though the holidays won’t look the same due to the COVID-19 outbreak, here are some movies to get you into the holiday spirit.
“Little Women”
What qualifies a movie as a Christmas movie? Does it have to be set entirely during Christmastime, or can it be a film that simply embodies the spirit of Christmas? If you believe in the latter, “Little Women” may be your best pick to kick off the holiday season.
The 2019 coming-of-age film adaptation of the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott takes place in the 1860s in post-Civil War America, where the four March girls—Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth—undergo a journey from childhood as they mature into womanhood.
The plot features each of the sisters’ stories as they work to conquer their personal obstacles. Jo, the tomboy protagonist, must learn to tame her wild nature while pursuing her passion for writing. Her older sister Meg must learn to follow her heart instead of marrying for wealth. Beth, the shyest in the family, must put aside her timidity and become more confident. And Amy must learn to move on from her selfish desire for the aristocracy and appreciate the life she has.
Through each of their stories, the film features themes of hope, selflessness, family and love, which is what the holidays are all about.
“The Polar Express”
If you’re someone who enjoys reveling in the magic of Christmas and believes Santa Clause is real, “The Polar Express” is the perfect movie for you. It’s also a Christmas classic.
Based on a 1985 children’s book, “The Polar Express” tells the story of a skeptical young boy, Hero Boy, embarking on a mysterious train to the North Pole. On his expedition, he meets other pajama-clad children that share his doubtful thoughts about Santa. Little do they know, they are in for a surprise: a meeting with the man himself.
The conductor of the Polar Express urges Hero Boy to get on the Polar Express, and we urge you to do the same and watch “The Polar Express” this holiday season.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Christmas can also be scary and thrilling with “The Nightmare Before Christmas”!
This stop-motion film follows the misadventures of Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king Jack Skellington, who plans to control Christmas by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over. Jack soon realizes that things don’t always go the way that they are planned, especially with mice and skeleton men.
With an amazing soundtrack and creative plot and theme, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a perfect and timeless movie to get you into both the Halloween and Christmas cheer. It is a movie for all ages that you should definitely watch if you haven’t already.
“Home Alone”
If you’re in the mood for a Christmas comedy film to watch with your family, a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, watch “Home Alone”!
The movie follows the McCallister family as they prepare to spend their Christmas in Paris, France, but in the rush and confusion to get to the airport, they leave Kevin, the youngest Mccallister, behind. Kevin must protect himself and his house from Old Man Marley, a rumored serial killer, and Harry and Marv, two burglars who attempt to break-in.
“Home Alone” blends touching moments, an engaging story, family fun and memorable characters into a classic and must-watch Christmas movie. “Home Alone” also has a just as funny and endearing sequel called “Home Alone 2.”
“The Grinch”
Relive your childhood with the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”!
An animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” this movie follows the troubles of the Grinch and his dog Max as they try to ruin the holidays for the town of Whoville. The movie further expands on the backstory of the Grinch and gives more characterization of the character Cindy Lou, who helps the Grinch realize the true meaning of Christmas.
“The Grinch” is a great movie to watch to relive some childhood nostalgia while also getting into the holiday spirit.
“Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale”
Adding onto the endless adventures of the beloved duo Tom and Jerry, this movie shows us their Christmas adventures.
The story is a semi-adaptation of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A Hoffman and follows Jerry as the Nutcracker and Tom as a henchman of the Mouse King, who has been switched to a cat in this version. The story starts with Jerry watching “The Nutcracker” with his nephew. After the play ends, Jerry goes onto stage, and eventually, the stage transforms into a wonderland, which is eventually crashed by Tom.
