Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas is Coming

I love, love, love Christmas books and movies. They really help me get into the holiday spirit. Here are my favorites:






Movies

A Christmas Carol

There are many versions of Dickens's classic (including a lovely and surprisingly faithful adaptation by the Muppets!), but the 1984 television version starring George S. Scott is my favorite (in fact, I watched this last night). It's a beautiful production that captures the essence of the story. If you intend to watch it as a family, be warned that the introduction of the Ghost of Christmas Past is quite dramatic, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is very creepy.






Meet Me in St. Louis

It's not technically a "Christmas movie," but it boasts one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."






Little Women


Again, not a nuts-to-bolts Christmas movie, but it begins with a beautiful Christmas scene.






A Charlie Brown Christmas


This annual classic has an amazing story behind it: it was hated by television executives, Schulz was pressured to take out Linus reciting from the Gospel of Luke, and some of the child actors were so young that they had to be read their lines one by one.




Books






The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


Not only is this hilarious and a fun read aloud, but it also captures the essence of the Christmas story.






Ramona and Her Father


Christmas will be even tighter this year for the Quimbys, now that Mr. Quimby has lost his job. The funny and touching Nativity scene that concludes the novel never fails to move me.






Silver Packages


I can't read this aloud because I never fail to tear up at the end! A sweet story from Rylant's Appalachian heritage.


Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone! Posting will resume after January 2.

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