The Christmas Movies Tag // Black + White and Color Films to Deck Your Halls

Friends! Neighbors! Maids a milking! Lords a leaping! Readers!

I hope you're all having a lovely winter solstice and having a festive season! I've been on break from school for about 10 days now and have finally started to relax. One way that I've been slowly doing that is noodling around on filling out a tag that Hamlette bestowed upon me! Thank you, Hamlette!

At first I was dubious I'd seen enough Christmas movies to qualify but I've actually seen SO MANY, so let's do this.

The Rules:

• Fill out the prompts (expound as much or as little as you like)
• Tag some friends (however many or few you feel like)
• Have fun (this is mandatory)

The Questions:

 1.  A favorite funny Christmas movie:

Elf (2003). I aspire to be Buddy. He's so pure and sweet and deserves all the maple syrup he wants.

As a writer, the parts about coming up with a story are a HOOT because the struggle is real.

And I'm missing Bob Newhart now. </3

2.  A favorite poignant Christmas movie:

For the answer we all expect: It's a Wonderful Life (1946). I think of this as the best movie ever made. Not just best Christmas movie or best black and white movie or best "old" movie. Best movie, period. It captures a desperation and a duty and how much each and every person is worth in this world. It wouldn't be the same without them.

Jimmy Stewart, need we say more?

For the answer that no one will expect: Beyond Tomorrow (1940). This was ADORABLE but also talks about life and death and cautions against forgetting who you are in the search for success.

No CGI for the win.

3.  A favorite romantic Christmas movie: 

The Shop Around the Corner (1940). This movie and Pride & Prejudice are to blame for why I think enemies-to-lovers is a spectacular device when done correctly.

JIMMY STEWART, NEED WE SAY MORE??

It's actually got such a serious side and I'm here for it! I wrote all about it one year, HERE.

4.  A favorite feel-good Christmas movie:

Home Alone (1990). I just got to see this on the big screen yesterday and it was buckets of fun. I've always been sort of "meh" about this movie, thinking it was just for laughs but no, it's so much more. It's got such a solid storyline about family and responsibility. My little sister is very much like Kevin so I feel for her.

Kevin is so much braver than I am. I'm still scared of grocery stores.

The least "feel-good" part is the infamous section where everyone is getting hurt. I have a hard time watching that, but the rest is a delight.

5.  A favorite movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol:

See, I used to make fun of the Muppets version because I thought it was ridiculous. My sister and I watched it in July a couple years ago which I thought was ridiculous, too. Now I see it's brilliant and I totally want to watch it again. And I also would be here for Muppet adaptations of classic literature. I mean, I can't really complain when I haven't seen Treasure Island, but still!

Source
I'd pay to see all of the above. It applies for classics, too.

The first adaptation of A Christmas Carol I ever saw was the Patrick Stewart version and thought I haven't seen it since that one still sticks with me and is the one that I compare every other version to.

The one I watch most often is Scrooged (1988). I have a friend named Frank who I always feel like the Carol Kane to his Bill Murray.

Manic pixie dream girl?

Okay, to actually decide, I'll go with Scrooge (1970) because "Thank You Very Much" is one of my favorite songs.

6.  A Christmas movie you watch any time of year:

Guys, I'm SUCH a stickler for watching Christmas movies only at Christmas. See above question with the whole reason I was doubting Muppets.

However, Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) has, as my sister pointed out, every season. It was kind of an old Hollywood device but I don't care because I get to see so many awesome costumes. So I'll watch it at Halloween, too.

I love how Tootie chose the biggest chair when she could've sat on someone's lap. Power move.

I recently got to see this on the big screen, too! It was a JOY. The dialogue is so witty, the family dynamics are the most realistic in all of cinema, and I cried in a spot I've never cried before. The friend I went with was also an old movie buff and we were living it up.

7.  A Christmas movie that surprised you:

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) just surprised me that it was just as disturbing and unhinged as I remembered and maybe even more so. I thought I'd played it up in my head to be more than it was, but no, I was just as stunned. It's a cool concept and I'm glad so many people like it, but me, being the literalist that I am, get stuck on certain things. The group I was watching it with was probably really annoyed that I kept complaining about Jack Skeloton having eyelids but HE'S MADE OF BONE?? I didn't get to see the end because of a costume fitting and I don't really remember it so more surprises lurk there. 

Whoever came up with this shot is genius.

I also was surprised that Fred Astaire was purposely unlikable in Holiday Inn (1942)? That was before his hero/leading man era?

I'm totally with Bing on this one.

8.  A favorite "but is it really a Christmas movie?" movie:

Little Women (1994). For years it seems like I watched this on Christmas with my sisters so that's what I associate this version with.

Having done this scene as one of these characters I feel it even more, now. Any guesses about which one I was?

9.  The oldest Christmas movie you've seen:

For exact OLDEST chronologically, I'm going to have to snag Hamlette's answer, too, with The Thin Man (1934). When I think about it I realize, yeah, that's Christmas, but for some reason it feels more like New Years. So I'm more apt to watch it around New Years than Christmas, but who am I kidding, I'm still watching Christmas movies until Epiphany.

We will never been Myrna Loy fashion fab.

Other than that, I have a couple from 1940, but I've already mentioned them.

10.  The newest Christmas movie you've seen:

Godmothered (2020). It felt like it was trying to be Elf (2003) too much? Looking through pictures for this, I guess I remember what happens but not what it looks like.

Pretty dress take 2? 

Thanks for the tag, Hamlette! Because I'm trying catching up from my school-induced hiatus I don't know who's done this, but I'll tag:

Along the Brandywine

Revealed in Time

Tales of a Triple Threat

I was amazed at how many of these movies I've reviewed! Now it's bothering me that I haven't reviewed all of them, so let me know which ones you think I should tackle.

I have some other Christmas post ideas in the works but I'd like to talk about what you guys what to read! I either want to compare:

•  Home Alone (1990) to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) 

OR

• Love Actually (2003) to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). 

One of those probably seems more common sense than the other but maybe that's the fun in it...

Thank you so much for reading! What are some of your favorite Christmas movies? Have you ever seen a Christmas movie (new or old) on the big screen of a movie theater? 

Chloe the MovieCritic

The Winter Wonderland Tag // Revealing My White Witch Side

Friends!

Merry Christmas to you all! How's it going? I am on break and am having a jolly good time doing nothing for the first time in months.  I have too many posts in the works to count, but I have been tagged! By Sam! And it's about winter! So of course I'm abandoning everything else in favor for that.

As much as I dislike this movie (too sad!), this is real footage of me.

If you're new here, you should know that I am a snow enthusiast. I love it, and it is one of my absolute favorite things. I call myself Jadis the White Witch, Frozone, or Elsa, depending on the day.

The Winter Wonderland Tag:

Rules:

Link back to The Storybook Journal (the creator of the tag)

Answer the questions; think Winter-y thoughts! Include pictures, if you like.

Tag at least 3 other bloggers, or more if you're feeling ambitious.

1. Name a few things you love about Winter, and a few things you don't love so much about it.

SNOW. I am so obsessed with the snow. I will put up with anything when there is snow.

What I don't like that much is driving in it. Not that I ever do that as I have chauffeurs (aka my parents). But, it is necessary where I live to plow snow. And while that is just about my worst nightmare, it is the life I've chosen, so I must be brave. 

When I first got back, I hadn't driven a car in many months so my plowing was terrible (why is going backwards so confusing?) but a week later I was much better because I wasn't so drastic in all my movements. My dad does all of it besides my futile attempts, but I'm his sidekick, his apprentice.

If anyone were to ask...

2. When you were a child, did you "believe" in Santa Claus?

When? Did? Why is this all in past tense, folks? I think the legend of Santa Claus is an amazing tradition. The whole idea is that you have been given so much in life that you give back without any want of recognition or thanks. It is truly a humbling and kind thing. In my house, my parents always taught me that if you do something nice, you don't brag about it. It's a secret. It's hard. That is the message of Santa, so I believe it is an amazing practice.

3. Is there a book or movie that you really love to read in the Winter as opposed to other times of year?

I would love to read Spinning Silver - by Naomi Novak again and again in the winter. I started it in January this year and finished it in May, so I would love to read the whole thing in winter months. I also think of Anna Karenina as very wintery (I read it between January and March), and, as basic as it is, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

As for movies, Anastasia (1997) is definitely a winter one. And Murder on the Orient Express (2017).

Dancing bears once upon a December, you know.

4. Is there a particular Christmas movie that you watch EVERY year as tradition?

Well, it depends on who's in charge. If it's my younger sister, it's White Christmas (1954). If it's my dad, it's A Christmas Story (1983). If it's my older sister and my mom, it's A Child's Christmas in Wales (1987) (even though usually only they watch it). And if it was up to me, it would be It's a Wonderful Life (1947). Usually my younger sister (to my mom's dismay) and my dad (to my younger sister's dismay) win.

This year, though, we were all a little burned out on those. So we decided to watch a movie that had a Christmas scene somewhere in it. For some reason we landed on Sleepless in Seattle (1993) which I had never seen. I was not impressed, folks.

5. Do you usually get a real tree or a fake tree for Christmas? Who's in charge of decorating it at your house?

Always real. I'm in charge of helping to get it. In previous years I've dreaded this because it is an all day thing. Usually my dad and sister and I go to our usual spot (out in the woods), find a great one, then spend the next few hours looking around for another one anyway. I will say that I usually write some of my best scenes in my WIP in my head while doing this.

This year, though, it was the fastest we've ever gotten one! It was on Dec. 16th (usually we put it up on Dec. 17th so it wasn't that late for us, but usually we've gotten it a few weeks earlier), and we drove around, saw one, snowshoed to it, and voila.

We all decorate the tree together, though my younger sister has commandeered putting the lights on. And she's usually the one who does any additional decorating around the house.

6. Does your family usually stay home or go visiting (relatives, friends, etc.) on Christmas Day?

We have always stayed home. In years past we had some friends come visit us, but usually Christmas is a really chill holiday.

Get it, chill?

7. What does your family usually do on New Years Eve? Any traditions? Do you ever stay up till midnight?

Usually my younger sister and I stay up late while my older sister and mom go to sleep. And my dad wanders around, sometimes joining my younger sister and I in our efforts or sometimes just doing other things.

You've caught me red-handed...

8. Do you get snow where you live? If so, have you ever built a snowman and named him Olaf?

YES, there is so much snow where I am. SO MUCH. There are not places close to us that rival us. I have built many a snowmen, but I don't think I've named one Olaf? Maybe my sister did once? More along the lines of Frosty.

9. If it's snowing outside, would you prefer to go outside and build snowmen and enjoy it, or would you rather stay inside with a blanket and something hot to drink and maybe a movie or a book?

Go outside go outside go outside go outside go outside GO OUTSIDE. As much as people laugh at me, I, an adult, go and roll in the snow. I play in it. I throw snowballs at people. I pretend I'm an explorer. It's one of my tippy top favorite things to do. 

I have been known to sing this at the top of my lungs when I leave the house...

10. When do you start looking forward to or getting excited about Spring?

Never. Winter is my favorite season and I actually get a little depressed when it's ending. I do not like seeing my beautiful snow melt away. No, I do not say "Aslan is on the move", even though that would be the one thing that could have a possibility of cheering me up. I'm just too much like Jadis.

I tag:

Olivia @ Meanwhile in Rivendell

McKayla @ Tales of a Triple Threat

I would tag more, but, well...

I don't want to shove this tag on someone who detests winter, ya know...

That's all from me, folks. Do you know anyone who is as obsessed with winter as I am? Besides the fictional characters I mentioned? Any other fictional people I should know about and relate to?

Thank you so much for reading! I hope to get another post out before the year is over but we'll see if that happens. So much snow to play in before I go back to my other home...(people think we have a lot there, but it is nothing. Nothing, folks.).

Happy holidays to all of you!

Chloe the MovieCritic

The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Hello, everyone!

It’s been another long time since I’ve had a post, but here I am today on the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century. I’m way too excited about that.

Now that I finally have time to write, its a little lame of me to just put out answers to a tag instead of a review of some kind. But, this is what I’m in the mood for as it is so fun and Christmasy (wow, is that actually a word? My computer is not correcting me on that for once…). I hope that I’ll be more refreshed for movie and book reviews in the new year. You read that correctly, this is probably my last blog post for this year, 2021. I hope to have a nice stash of thoughts ready for you all in January! In the meanwhile, please tell me some highlights from your year and I will get around to answering comments.

Two years ago, Hamlette created a 12 Days of Christmas Movie Tag that I had a ton of fun filling out HERE, and last year she put a twist on it with books instead. I was not officially tagged, but I had fun with my stolen goods anyway. I hope you enjoy my answers!

The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag:

Rules: 

#1 Use a different book for each prompt 

#2 Add photos and/or explanations of how your choices fit the prompts 

#3 Tag a few friends to play along 

(Hamlette calls these guidelines, so I might bend them a little...)

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree -- book that involves agriculture 

Farmer Boy - by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Most of the Little House books involve farming of one kind or another, but this one stuck out to me for a few reasons, one of them the title. I distinctly remember a scene where it froze before people thought it was going to, so in the early morning the people on the farm were running around and trying to water the potatoes (or was it corn? Maybe I don't remember it so distinctly) to save them.

2. Turtledoves -- book about a long-lasting relationship 

David Copperfield - by Charles Dickens has a whole tidal wave of relationships. Some are short, but many span great lengths of the book. Whether it is a girl waiting for the love of her life, or a father doing everything to find his adopted daughter. I was not a huge fan when I read it, but now that it has sunk in a little, I think I should give it another go.

3. French Hens -- book that takes place in France 

Is it cheating to use two from the same author? Oh, well, I’m going with A Tale of Two Cities - by Charles Dickens. One of those cities is in England, and the other is in France… It’s about revolutions and sacrifice and revenge and one of my favorite books that Dickens wrote.

4. Calling Birds -- book where people talk on the phone 

Take your pick of any Nancy Drew book by Caroline Keene. Pretty much every book has a moment where Nancy gets a call telling her to drop the case. Sinister, eh? She never listens and the people behind the mystery end up where they deserve. And Nancy herself uses the phone a lot to call Bess, George, Hannah, Ned, and Mr. Drew.

5. Golden Rings -- book with multiple romances 

*grumbles* WHY is it so hard for me to always come up with answers to the romance question? I read enough books that have them. I’d been doing well on my own, but now I might have to resort to looking through Goodreads to remind me what I’ve read…

Ah, Winter - by Marissa Meyer is the last book in The Lunar Chronicles and has quite a few romances being wrapped up. It gets a little steamy for me two or three times, but in general I support the characters. I know I can think of five possibilities, but they don’t all get together.

6. Geese A-laying -- book with a birth or that features babies 

Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers. Most are familiar with one of the movie versions, so a few years ago I decided to listen to an audiobook of the original. Michael and Jane are not the only Banks children, as they have two younger siblings, twins John and Barbara, who are infants. The whole book was a little strange, but everything involving those two babies broke my heart. 

7. Swans A-swimming -- book where someone goes swimming 

I hate that the only one I can think of is in the book The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares. The reason I don't like it is because the two swimming scenes are rather awkward.

8. Maids A-milking -- book with cows 

This one has stumped me above all others and is the last one I’m answering (I don’t know why I always feel the need to tell you guys that. I guess I’m just ensuring that I am honest?) Isn’t there something about Mr. Harrison’s cow in Anne of Avonlea - by L. M. Montgomery? I don’t remember the specific circumstances. Maybe I should be rereading that one instead of the third book. I know that in Patrick McManus’s any of collections of short stories there is bound to be one that mentions the evil cows that hate fishermen. I don’t get it, but then again, I’m not a fisherman.

9. Ladies Dancing -- book with a dance scene 

In Cloaked - by Rachel Kovaciny (the very creator of this tag, Hamlette herself!) (read my review HERE), characters enjoy dancing and have chances to do so. They happily reference this back to Pride & Prejudice - by Jane Austen, which says “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” I was able to get two in one!

10. Lords A-leaping -- book about athletes 

You guys should see for now how I answer Harry Potter in almost every tag (and my Theology professor probably thinks I’m obsessed with it. I’m not, just all his essay questions work really well with it!). It works, okay? Quiddich is a hard game! I’ll be specific and say Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because Harry and the Weasleys go to an official match between Ireland and Bulgaria. Plus, you have to be pretty athletic to survive the Triwizard Tournament.

11. Pipers Piping -- book with someone playing a musical instrument 

In Little Women - by Louisa May Alcott, Beth March plays the piano. I know I use this book a lot, but it is so sweet and nostalgic! I know many people who play the piano in real life but I’ve never picked it up besides a few scales. I keep trying to convince my sister to learn “Ophelia” - by The Lumineers because there is a lot of awesome piano in it.

12. Drummers Drumming -- book with characters in the military

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows. While none of the characters it revolves around are in the military, they hear stories about when Guernsey was occupied by Germany and there were lots of soldiers around then. Some were rather important.

I stole this, so I don't think I can tag anyone, but please let me know if you fill this out so I can look at your answers!

This was the perfect thing for me to do this afternoon. I was feeling a little dull when I started, but now I'm lively again. I'd forgotten how much I love blogging! It is so refreshing. No better way to vent your feelings than pounding them out on a keyboard, right? Thank you to Hamlette for making this!

I hope that you all have a happy, merry, jolly, and all around peaceful Christmas and end of the year. Joy to you all!

Chloe the MovieCritic

Movie Review: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Merry Christmas to you all!

Here we are on the fourth day of Christmas, which is ideal as and Iʼm bringing you a movie review which deals with something in fours. Instead of “calling birds” it has four “realms”: snowflakes, flowers, sweets, and entertainment. I rewatched this earlier with my sisters, and I hadnʼt seen it since two years ago when I saw it in the theater. Where does time go? What are my thought on it? Read on and all will be revealed.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018):

Based on: The Nutcracker (short story) - by E. T. A. Hoffmann, and The Nutcracker (the ballet) - by Marius Petipa.
Clara is going to a party held at the house of her godfather, Drosselmeyer, but itʼs the first year without her mother and she hates how her father pretends that nothing has changed. Additionally she is frustrated that her motherʼs parting gift to her is locked, and all she wants is to get inside it. Her godfatherʼs present leads her to mysterious new land, where she learns that the people knew her mother. She goes on with determination to find the key that has been taken from her. Will she find everything that she needs?

“Remember, Clara, some locks are harder to pick than others.”

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure.
Length: approx. 99 minutes.
Script: 8, only one bad word, and Iʼm going to talk about this later, but the dialogue all felt forced.

ʻ“Remember your training, stay alert!”

“Iʼm not alert, Iʼm scared.”ʼ

Crew: Directed by: Lasse Hallström & Joe Johnston. Written by: Ashleigh Powell, E. T. A. Hoffmann, & Marius Petipa.
Starring:
Mackenzie Foy as Clara Stahlbaum.

Jayden Fowora-Knight as Captain Phillip.

Keira Knightley as Sugar Plum.
Eugenio Derbez as Hawthorne.
Richard E. Grant as Shiver.

Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger.

Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeyer.

Tom Sweet as Fritz Stahlbaum.
Ellie Bamber as Louise Stahlbaum.
Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Stahlbaum.
Omid Djalili as Cavalier.
Jack Whitehall as Harlequin.
Charles “Lil Buck” Riley as the Mouse King.
Anna Madeley as Marie Stahlbaum.
And featuring special performances by Misty Copeland.

Costumes: 8, nothing bad (except someone not wearing a shirt in the credits), and some are quite marvelous, but in places they feel overdone. You feel so surrounded by the visuals added by the costumes, that it is overwhelming and you arenʼt experiencing everything. When I first saw it I hated the makeup, but on the rewatch it didnʼt bother me at all. In fact, itʼs kind of fun, but I was really distracted by the costumes.

Is it any surprise that I feature a picture for the Land of Snowflakes? No? You guys know me and my obsessions too well.

Costumes designed by: Jenny Beavan.
Cinematography: 7, Iʼm kind of conflicted here because like the costumes, some were jaw-dropping, and some are too much. I canʼt complain about the opening, because even though it is all CGI, it is so cool. I absolutely love the aesthetic of Drosselmeyerʼs house. The party with the ribbons leading to gifts are genius, and my sisters and I were saying that we want to be in a house that has that. When Clara goes into the four realms, things begin to be a little overkill. Now, that might be intentional, but I found it distracting.

I LOVED this part!

Cinematography by: Linus Sandgren.
Music: 10, I love how they took so much inspiration from the ballet!
Music by: James Newton Howard.
Notes: There were references to both The Wizard of Oz and Fantasia (1940). 

Quotability: 5. There arenʼt many quotable parts (not that thatʼs a great crime), but I want to talk about the dialogue. The word I would use to describe it is “painful”. It is so awkward! Very forced. I just couldnʼt stop laughing by how bad it is! There were a few good lines, usually spoken by Drosselmeyer or Captain Philip, where it seemed more natural.
Content: 8, as it says, there is some “mild peril”, and some scary and/or gross things. There is fighting, and talk about bringing objects to life.
Originality: 9, very different from the ballet, and very original! The plot is extremely creative. It just gets a 9 instead of a 10 because there are some plot holes.

Good For: Fans of the ballet, fans of the actors, someone looking for impressive visuals, anyone who has lost a family member or friend.
Age Range: There are some scenes which would be very scary for little kids (and me, I mean, clowns are terrifying and there are clowns). I would say 10 and up, but it depends on the individual.
Overall Score: 7.5.
Worth watching?: Yes, there is a sweet message (ha, thatʼs a nice pun because one of the realms is the Land of Sweets) that Iʼm happy to now know. The visuals are really what I talk about frequently, and for most part I enjoy them.
Will I watch again?: Iʼve now seen it twice, and I think thatʼs good for me. As I said, there is nothing bad about the story, no problems that bother my moral, I just think that Iʼm good. Who knows, maybe in a decade Iʼll feel like this is a good way to spend two hours.

Bonus thoughts:
This is a movie that Iʼm very glad that I saw on the big screen because it was very visually impressive. I thought that it was pretty cool with some neat twists on the story. Then, it was one of those movies that during rewatches you make fun of it the whole time. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with it, just pet peeves on my part. I do enjoy parts a lot, but I want to end on a high note, so Iʼll talk about those last.

Starting off, is Clara. They were trying so hard to make her a relatable character, and I really wanted to connect with her, but I couldnʼt. I feel she is inconsistent. My sisters would probably disagree, but some of her actions contradict each other. She is constantly learning who she is, but I feel they couldʼve just added a few tiny details to make it flow better.

That being said, I think the title of the movie is misleading. It should be "Clara and the Four Realms", or "Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Four Realms". "Clara Adventures into the Four Realms". "Claraʼs Battle against the Fourth Realm". "Clara Finds the Nutcrackerʼs World". I could be here all day coming up with substitutes because anything would work better than The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

The really best movies are the ones that shock you with plot twists, then the next time you watch the film you see how everything was pointing to that all along and you couldnʼt believe how you didnʼt see it. With this one I was surprised by the plot the first time, but rewatching it, there is literally no foreshadowing. I know, this is the picky storyteller in me coming out. I have such a problem with writing foreshadowing, that it is nonexistent, so I understand. Usually, I complain “itʼs so predictable”. But, the twists that the plot takes are almost unreasonable. Just throwing some things in through out would help connect it, or taking time to have a bigger explanation afterwards would make it more solid. I did enjoy several elements in the end, and just wanted to have it wrapped up more.

Time for the enjoyable bits! I really liked the performances of Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley! They were both grand. My favorite character was Captain Philip, who I now keep calling “sweet captain” or “brave captain”. The music, and some of the aesthetics were spectacular. Misty Copeland had great dancing and I wanted to see more!

If I were to say there is a word to go with this movie it would be “remember”. As you may have noticed, both of the quotes from the movie that I included have that word, and many other lines had it as well. While this film doesnʼt have a lot of Christmas, it is a very fitting word for the season. We remember our family, friends, and past. We need to remember them with love, and continue to make the world a place that they would be proud of.

Oh, and as you can all see, my sister made me a Christmas header! It features the words to her favorite Christmas song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" which comes from the movie Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), which you can see in the top left corner.

Follow that clockwise: White Christmas (1954), It's a Wonderful Life (1946) [My favorite!], Home Alone (1990), Elf (2003), and A Christmas Story (1983).

Thanks for reading! Have any of you seen this movie? I would love to talk about it to you. Have you ever seen a movie that has amazing visuals, and at the same time you think it is too much? Let me know! How was Christmas for all of you? Are you all done now, or like me and my family, are you just getting started on the celebration? Itʼs the end of the year, so Iʼll be trying to get out a lot of posts in the next few days, so keep an eye out for that!

MovieCritic