My to-do list at any given time has 150-200 items. With the holidays approaching, this goes up exponentially! My body needed a break. My husband, Doug, turned on the TV, and we were binge-watching Christmas movies before I knew it. We watched A Christmas Story Christmas (sequel to A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsly), Four Christmases (Vince Vaughan & Reese Witherspoon), and Candy Cane Lane (Eddie Murphy).
I was amazed at the emotions in each of these movies. With A Christmas Story Christmas, it brought up nostalgia for the way Christmases used to be. Four Christmases showed how 2 people dating for 4 years didn't know much about each other until their families exposed their darkest secrets. Candy Cane Lane it explores a darker side of Christmas as a family man tries to win his neighborhood Christmas decorating contest with unexpected consequences. (This movie was my least favorite.)
Why do people love Christmas movies so much? Here are a few ideas as to why…
1. Nostalgia: Christmas movies often take us down memory lane. They remind us of simpler times when our biggest worry was whether we'd been good enough for Santa to visit. These films often feature familiar scenes and stories we've grown up with, making them feel like old friends. Watching them can evoke comfort and warmth, like a cozy blanket or hot cocoa. A Christmas Story is that movie for me. I remember it being filmed in Cleveland, OH when I was in junior high. Doug loves the movie because it reminds him of his family.
2. Holiday Spirit: Christmas movies celebrate the holiday season. They're filled with images of beautifully decorated trees, houses covered in lights, and towns blanketed in snow. The characters in these films embody the spirit of Christmas, demonstrating values like love, generosity, and goodwill. By immersing ourselves in these festive stories, we can't help but catch the Christmas spirit ourselves.
3. Relaxation: The holiday season can be hectic. There's a lot to do, from shopping for gifts to preparing meals and hosting parties. Amid all this chaos, watching a Christmas movie (or several) can provide a welcome respite. It's a chance to unwind, forget our to-do lists, and enjoy the season's magic.
4. Family Time: Binge-watching Christmas movies isn't just an individual activity; it can be enjoyed by the whole family. These films often appeal to a wide range of ages, making them perfect for family movie nights. Watching together provides bonding as you laugh at the funny parts, sigh at the romantic moments, and maybe even shed a tear or two at the emotional scenes.
5. Tradition: Many people watch certain movies every Christmas, without fail. These might include classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" or newer favorites like "Elf." This tradition becomes part of the holiday season, like hanging stockings or singing carols. It's something to look forward to each year, adding to the anticipation and excitement of Christmas. Doug and I have spent our last couple of Christmases watching A Christmas Story and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. What's not to love about Cousin Eddy?
Binge-watching Christmas movies is more than just a way to pass the time. It's a means of connecting with our past, celebrating the present, and creating new memories for the future.
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