As children, one of the fondest memories is waking up Christmas morning and unwrapping presents. For many families, there is a popular Christmas movie on in the background.
Throughout the years there have been a plethora of Christmas movies made. There is at least one new one every year. But which ones have stuck with students through the years and lasted as classics?
There are some films that students agree reach the status of a classic. These movies include: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946), “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” (1964, claymation version), and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974). These movies are shown on television usually every season.
Courtesy of Universal Studios
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is always good for a laugh. The Grinch is a big green guy who has been shunned by his community because he didn’t feel loved. He was adopted into a home with two moms that took care of him when he was a baby. He was treated as the outcast of the town. Feeling rejected, he goes to the nearest mountain and builds a home there to isolate himself.
Cindy Lou Who, one of the main characters in the movie is a little girl who pities the Grinch and decides to include him in the town once again. The movie shows the Grinch’s struggle to fit in and feel normal in the town of Whoville. Comedian Jim Carrey plays the role of the Grinch and he fits the role perfectly.
This movie gives its audience a good message, showing children the importance of giving, rather than just receiving during the holiday season.
“When I was little, [How the Grinch Stole Christmas] taught me the joy of giving, rather than just wanting something for Christmas,” said Bryan Salinas, an 18-year old freshman open-option major.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is considered a classic for many students.
“I like [How the Grinch Stole Christmas] because at the end, they all have Christmas spirit and sing the ‘Whoville song,’” said Lauren Landeros, an 18-year old freshman ecology and evolutionary biology major.
Courtesy of Liberty Films
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a classic for the older generation but one that families have grown up watching together. It teaches the value of life and how to not take it for granted. It tells the story of a man who makes a huge impact on his community.
George Bailey (played by James Stewart) is the main character in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He is a suicidal man in the city of Bedford Falls. Much of the film is flashbacks of George’s life. His guardian angel, Clarence, comes to Earth to show him that life has true meaning and is worth living. Bailey tries to commit suicide on Christmas Eve and Clarence shows up to help him in his time of need. The angels gave Clarence a mission to save George so that he can get his wings.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” was nominated for five Oscars and was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best films ever made. This says a lot about the movie. It is a must-see for everyone and can usually be found on TV during December.
Some CU students enjoy watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” and believe it adds to the positive spirit of Christmas.
“I absolutely believe it’s a classic,” said Michelle Shebowich, an 18-year old sophomore chemical and biological engineer major. “I personally enjoy watching it because it presents an incredibly positive view on life that many people can relate to. It is a feel-good movie which is why people like to watch it around the holidays.”
The impact that George Bailey’s life had on his community was very touching for some CU students.
“I just think it’s a really cool concept; how much one person’s life affects everyone else,” said Chelsea Kapaun, a 19-year old sophomore speech, language and hearing science major.
Clay animation (claymation) was a popular way to make movies for the CU student generation. Claymation uses clay, a digital camera, a computer, and video software.
“Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” are both made with clay animation. These types of movies are simple and enjoyable to watch.
“Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” is a classic Christmas movie. Most everyone knows the song that created the Rudolph sensation. The plot is based on this song, and the series became a hit.
Courtesy of Good Times Entertainment
Rudolph is a reindeer with a shiny red nose, as the song goes. None of the other reindeer want to play with Rudolph because he looks different than them. They make fun of him and don’t include them in their “reindeer games.” One day, Santa Claus comes to their town and sees that Rudolph has a shiny nose. He believes that his nose could be helpful in guiding his sleigh when it is dark. After this, the other reindeer start to think Rudolph is cool and become jealous of his nose. In the end, they are all happy and friends.
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” teaches the power of belief. In this film, Santa thinks that people had stopped believing in him and the magic of Christmas. However, he finds one little girl who still believes and therefore, he decides to follow through with delivering presents. One little girl’s belief gave the world a Christmas.
These four movies help fill viewers with the Christmas spirit with their feel-good messages. The movies create a sense of happiness and joy in its audiences.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Lynda Hutchinson at Lynda.hutchinson@colorado.edu.
