She Strengthens

The Comfort of Christmas Classics

For many of us, the holiday season just isn’t complete without revisiting our favorite Christmas movies. But why is that? One reason is nostalgia. We don’t watch these films to appreciate their cinematic mastery; we watch to relive the feelings we experienced during our childhood – warmth, excitement, joy, and sometimes, even fear.

Timeless Favorites

Some classic titles evoke a sense of comfort that’s hard to resist. Here are a few:

• “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): This animated special’s iconic jazz soundtrack and lovable characters make it a staple of the season.
• “Home Alone” (1990): Who can’t relate to Kevin McCallister’s desire for independence and his clever antics to defend his home?
• “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992): This Muppet twist on the classic Dickens tale brings laughter and joy to audiences of all ages.
• “Gremlins” (1984): This dark comedy-horror film offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and mischief.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): This heartwarming tale of redemption and the importance of human connection is a true classic.

Other comfort-filled classics include “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Die Hard,” “Love Actually,” “Elf,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Christmas Story,” “The Santa Clause,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Newer Gems with Nostalgic DNA

More recent titles have also captured our hearts with their nostalgic charm. Here are a few:

• “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (2020): This Netflix original combines music, magic, and family reconciliation for a heartwarming holiday tale.
• “Klaus” (2019): This beautifully animated Netflix film tells a unique Santa origin story with a focus on friendship and passion.
• “Let it Snow” (2019): Based on the novel, this Netflix rom-com follows a group of high school seniors as they navigate love and relationships on Christmas Eve.
• “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003/2020): This Japanese anime, re-released in 2020, combines stunning animation with a classic buddy adventure and relevant themes.
• “Anna and the Apocalypse” (2017): This horror-comedy musical spoofs the zombie apocalypse on Christmas, blending danger, laughter, and song.

Other recent gems with nostalgic appeal include “The Christmas Chronicles,” “Arthur Christmas,” “Holiday Rush,” “The Night Before,” “Rise of the Guardians,” and “The Man Who Invented Christmas.”

The Power of Music

What makes these movies truly unforgettable is their music. Whether it’s Vince Guaraldi’s jazz pieces in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or the catchy tunes in “Jingle Jangle,” the soundtracks evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia that’s hard to resist.

This holiday season, take a trip down memory lane and revisit your favorite Christmas movies and soundtracks. Allow yourself to indulge in the comfort of nostalgia, and let the magic of the season wash over you.