Christmas Movies

There are so many Christmas movies and specials out there. I can never resist watching them when they are on TV. There are some that I just seem to turn to again and again. They are as familiar as the special ornaments that get unwrapped each year to place on the tree.

Here are a few of my favorites. Some are new, some not so new. While my list could go on and on, I'm posting those that I've watched in the past couple of weeks.

Christmas in Connecticut. The classic starring the stunning Barbara Stanwyck. It makes me smile every time I watch it. I love her outfits in this movie. What a movie star she was.

Take Peace, A Corgi Cottage Christmas with Tasha Tudor. OK, OK, yes, I do watch this one all year round. I admit it.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. I love that Linus recites the real Christmas story from the Bible in this and tells Charlie Brown what Christmas is really all about. And Snoopy. When he decorates his house? Come on...that is awesome.

Prancer. So sweet. I just want to hug Jessica and take her home with me.

All the Rankin Bass movies from the 60's...especially Rudolph and Santa Claus is Coming to town...as a little girl I was always enchanted by Kris and Jessica's wedding scene in the woods with the Winter Warlock. I still am.

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. Mmm....maybe not so mean after all, eh? Just a little misunderstood. Plus, my fellow artists and crafters, we must accept him as one of our own. After all, he did make his own Santa suit and reindeer, did he not? Crafting genius at the top of Mt. Crumpit.

While not technically a Christmas movie, "Little Women" with Winona Ryder is one of my favorites. Its got enough Christmas scenes to qualify for a spot on my Christmas movie shelf. Who wouldn't want to 'go a-wasailling' with the March girls?

"A Christmas They Never Forgot" Little House on the Prairie movie. It is a compilation of 'rememberings' by the characters as they are snowed in at the Ingalls one Christmas. It includes the part of the Little House pilot movie where Mr. Edwards crosses the creek to bring Mary and Laura their red mittens just like he got when he was 'just a sprig in Tennessee' and they each got a 'cookie made like a heart and sprinkled with white sugar.' (Insert blissful sigh here...)

The Muppets Christmas Carol. Michael Caine as Scrooge. Classically narrated by Gonzo. Fun musical numbers. Kermit and Miss Piggy. What more do you want?

Love "The Holiday" with Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. I especially love the relationship between Kate Winslet and Eli Wallach's characters in this film. Oh, yes, and Iris's cottage. I believe it was built for the film. Love love love....

Of course, Its A Wonderful Life. My Corgi, "Bailey" was named after George Bailey in this film. Does that tell you how much my husband and I love this one? He still cries at the end every time he sees it. (Which is one of the reasons I love him so...)

What are some of your favorites? Whether you can steal away a few minutes from your Christmas preparations or settle in after the big day with a big bowl of popcorn I hope you get the chance to enjoy a few of these or your own special favorite holiday movies. Let me know if you see a good one! xo xo CS ^..^

Of Sharpie Markers And Shiny Brite Ornament Boxes

I finally finished putting away the last of the Christmas decorations. Please tell me I'm not the only one. As much as I enjoy decorating for the holidays, I just do not enjoy putting it all away. I do like when the last box has been packed away and there is that 'aaahhhh!' moment where things are clear and I can see the walls again, however. Very much. One tradition that I started many years ago was to write sort of a 'year end summary' as I put the last ornament away. It started on bits of cardboard ornament boxes. I'd ask everyone to tell me what they remember most from the year, or any significant things they'd like to write down. Nothing fancy, just short little things about family, school, current events. Little snippets of our everyday life. Precious everyday life. Little joys, big joys, accomplishments, job changes, puppies born, beloved pets who have gone to the rainbow bridge, moves, births, what car we were driving, passing of dear loved ones, all recorded in whatever was available to write with. Green Flair felt-tip pens and Sharpie markers, red crayons and pencils have all been summoned to scribe what came to mind on that day. Then we'd all sign our names.
We'd sign the back of the Christmas tree box, the Shiny Brite ornament box, the paper plate, the Christmas card envelope, the back of the car insurance bill, whatever was used to document the year. In my mind I have envisioned the most beautiful book that all of these memories should go into. But when I see the evolution of a pre-schooler's carefully crayoned name to the quick flick of a teenager's pen written on the pieces of the reality that surrounds us, I can't imagine any fancy velvet book could make these memories any sweeter. As I wrap each ornament, whether hand made by a child or handed down from Grandma or a gift from a friend,I know that when the season comes back around; a memory will surround me as once again it is placed it on the tree. I think that is part of why we all love to decorate so much, don't you? It is about so much more than just decorating. Because our boxes hold so much more than just ornaments. -CS ^..^