The Magic of Holiday Movies

There’s magic in watching holiday movies, isn’t there? It’s not hard to see how the Hallmark Channel has created a lucrative (if formulaic) business model in Christmas movies. But why does this happen?

Christmas movies make us remember a time when things were simpler. Everyone remembers “the good old days” because everyone’s good old days were when they were kids and things were more fun and less stressful—there was no worrying about finding and buying gifts, paying bills, scheduling parties, or navigating family relationships. Holiday movies promote nostalgia and are therapeutic in the comfort they bring us by letting us bask in escapism, even if only for a couple of hours. You might say that we find comfort and joy in watching, rewatching, and remembering simpler stories and simpler times.

As we approach the holidays and a bit of a break from the routine of everyday life, the team at 2 Fish Co. decided to tell you about our favorite holiday movies.

Shelly’s Favorite Christmas Movie—Fred Claus (2007)

Fred Claus (2007) is a Christmas comedy about Fred, the bitter and mischievous older brother of Santa Claus, who is summoned to the North Pole to help Santa prepare for Christmas after getting into legal trouble. Despite his initial reluctance, Fred gradually reconnects with his family and the holiday spirit, helping to save Christmas from an efficiency expert’s plans to shut down Santa’s workshop. In the end, Fred learns the value of family, love, and redemption.

This movie offers a blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and holiday charm. The dynamic between Fred, a cynical underdog, and his famous, generous brother, Santa, adds a relatable sibling rivalry element. The film also offers a message of redemption, family, and embracing differences, which resonates well during the holiday season. It also has some funny slapstick—comedy that shows someone falling is just right for a house full of boys and a sassy girl like ours. I can taste the hot chocolate and warm blanket that accompany the viewing now.

Adam’s Favorite Christmas Movie—Gremlins (1984)

When you think of holiday classics, your mind may jump to the heartwarming message of “Miracle on 34^th Street”, the cozy warmth of the Hallmark Channel, or even the soothing tones of Christina Aguilera’s “My Kind of Christmas” (widely considered to be the single greatest achievement in holiday culture throughout the storied history of humankind*). For many of us, the films, shows, and music that we surround ourselves with at this time of year help to ignite the spirit of joy and giving, transporting us into worlds of magic and cheer.

Then there’s Gremlins crashing in like a drunk uncle with a fruitcake and a kazoo to remind us that there’s more to the Christmas season than peace and goodwill. And what better way to pay tribute to the modern holiday experience than by serving up a blend of chaos and pandemonium (with a dash of carnage) that, when it’s finally over and you have survived it, you still inexplicably look back on and say, “I can’t wait to experience that again next year!”

*By me.

Scott’s Favorite Christmas Movie—A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

As a Gen-X kid, there was nothing more exciting than the sound of the CBS Special Presentation bumper. Those drums and horns meant that an amazing animated short was about to start. In these modern days of on-demand programming, it’s impossible for our children to understand the level of anticipation the holiday season brought to us when we were kids. My daughter Faith has inherited my love for holiday specials and begs almost nightly to watch one starting in October. But we wait! And there really is something special in waiting. The act of anticipation only heightens the specialness of what’s about to happen.

In my case, the big show for me was (and really, still is) A Charlie Brown Christmas. This show first aired in 1965 (which means it will be 60 next Christmas!), so by the time I could understand language and pictures, somewhere in the early 70s, I was hooked. A Charlie Brown Christmas’ evaluation of popular culture was eviscerating at the time (Tin trees! Commercialism!) and still is. But it is presented in a gentle way that couldn’t help but shape my values. Love and respect, while lost at first, are abundant. The show, like the comic strip source material, placed the focus on the children, rendering adult voices with an unintelligible, muted wah-wah sound. And the children wrestle with the big stuff of life: “What is Christmas all about?” Great stuff. Bonus points for real children as voice actors, the manic antics of Snoopy and Woodstock, and the greatest dance scene ever put to film (and I’m looking at you, Dirty Dancing!).

Kathy’s Favorite Christmas Movie—While You Were Sleeping (1995)

How do you pick a favorite movie? Is it the one you watch on repeat? The one you watch when you are feeling sad? The one that has taught you the most? It’s too hard to choose just one!

But when we started the office conversation about our Favorite Christmas Movies, I immediately picked While You Were Sleeping. While not a movie about Christmas, per se, this romantic comedy is set during the holiday season and focuses heavily on family relationships, complications, and interactions. Sandra Bullock, as Lucy Moderatz, gives the audience an emotional look at what it means to be alone during the holidays. And Bill Pullman, as Jack Callaghan, offers the counterpoint as the middle son of a quirky family who is trying to leave his father’s business.

Maybe I love this film because of the age I was (a recent college graduate), or maybe I love this film because it’s set in Chicago, a city I love. But I think I return to this film every holiday season because it shows everything good about the holiday season: families who love so deeply they offer second (and third, and fourth) chances; deep and abiding friendships across differences; the hope of love; and the magic of surprising encounters.

“Guys, I’m eating junk and watching rubbish! You better come out and stop me!” (Kevin McCallister played by Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone)

We would love to hear what your favorite Christmas movies are! What are the movies you rewatch every holiday season? And what are the movie-watching traditions you have to follow every year, like watching Die Hard or binge-watching the extended version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy?

Happy Holidays, everyone! May your season be filled with warm snuggles, hot beverages, and good Christmas movies.

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