Kick back. Relax. Enjoy a Holiday Movie Classic.
Ready or not, the holiday season is here. When the festivities turn frenetic, what can you do to enjoy the holidays more than ever before? Here are a few tips I've gleaned from my favorite holiday movies...
Detach from Family Drama
"Home for the Holidays" (1995)
Remember Jodie Foster's 1995 film, Home for the Holidays? The story begins with Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) flying home to spend Thanksgiving with her wildly dysfunctional family. How many of us empathized with the family reunion drama that prompts Claudia to explain, "Nobody means what they say on Thanksgiving, Mom. You know that. That's what the day's supposed to be all about, right? Torture."
Whether the drama is your aging grandmother deciding she can't tolerate your spouse, your drunken uncle knocking over the heirloom china or your youngest child coming down with the worst kind of flu, you can remain unruffled regardless of what happens. Most often family drama is not the problem, it's our response that determines how much we will or won't enjoy the holidays. A brisk walk or a quick call to a supportive friend can make the difference between a happy or a hopeless holiday season.
Whether the drama is your aging grandmother deciding she can't tolerate your spouse, your drunken uncle knocking over the heirloom china or your youngest child coming down with the worst kind of flu, you can remain unruffled regardless of what happens. Most often family drama is not the problem, it's our response that determines how much we will or won't enjoy the holidays. A brisk walk or a quick call to a supportive friend can make the difference between a happy or a hopeless holiday season.
"Home for the Holidays"
Directed by Jody Foster, 1995
The funniest Thanksgiving movie ever made!
Home for the Holidays
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 07/26/2008)
Do a Good Deed
"It's A Wonderful Life"
In It's a Wonderful Life, perennial do-gooder George Bailey is devastated when the financial security of his family's Building and Loan business is threatened by a missing $8,000 deposit. But all is not lost because George can't resist helping others in greater distress than himself. Instead of plunging to his own demise, he rescues angel-in-training, Clarence, who beats him to the jump. Clarence reveals that without George's good deeds, Bedford Falls would be a much bleaker place indeed.
Making a charitable gesture towards someone less fortunate than yourself is a sure-fire way to add satisfaction to your holiday season. Is there a soup kitchen where you and your family can volunteer for an afternoon? How about recruiting your children to donate some of their old toys to a worthy cause, before asking Santa for new ones? Could you spearhead an impromptu fund-raiser at your office or social group? You may decide to donate locally or abroad. Web resources such as www.altgifts.org or www.heiferproject.org make selecting an international cause easy.
Making a charitable gesture towards someone less fortunate than yourself is a sure-fire way to add satisfaction to your holiday season. Is there a soup kitchen where you and your family can volunteer for an afternoon? How about recruiting your children to donate some of their old toys to a worthy cause, before asking Santa for new ones? Could you spearhead an impromptu fund-raiser at your office or social group? You may decide to donate locally or abroad. Web resources such as www.altgifts.org or www.heiferproject.org make selecting an international cause easy.
"It's a Wonderful Life"
Directed by Frank Capra, 1946
Why don't we ever tire of the movie?
It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 07/26/2008)
It's a Wonderful Life
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Opt for More Fun, Less Stuff
"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"
"And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, he thought, means a little bit more." If an over-emphasis on the material aspects of the holidays has you feeling as crabby as The Grinch Who Stole Christmas then maybe you need a refresher on the 1966 Dr. Seuss TV film. Or, if you're a Jim Carrey fan, try Ron Howard's 2000 feature film version.
Before frustration drives you over the grinchy edge, seek relief by logging on to the Center for a New American Dream at www.newdream.org/holiday/home.html. The CNAD is a national non-profit foundation helping people challenge the "more is better" definition of the American Dream. "More Fun, Less Stuff" is their motto. Their "Simplify the Holidays" brochure contains frugally creative and eco-friendly gift ideas, perfect for downsizing your holiday celebrations without skimping on the fun.
Before frustration drives you over the grinchy edge, seek relief by logging on to the Center for a New American Dream at www.newdream.org/holiday/home.html. The CNAD is a national non-profit foundation helping people challenge the "more is better" definition of the American Dream. "More Fun, Less Stuff" is their motto. Their "Simplify the Holidays" brochure contains frugally creative and eco-friendly gift ideas, perfect for downsizing your holiday celebrations without skimping on the fun.
"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"
Directed by Chuck Jones (1966) or Ron Howard (2000)
Personally, I prefer the 1966 version.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
The Grinch (Widescreen Edition)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
The Grinch (Full Screen Edition)
Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
![Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517299RDBFL._SL75_.jpg)
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Love the Grinch?
Me too!
Then, you'll want to visit this link by fellow squid, dbeck22.
- Grinch Lens
- Because everyone feels like a Grinch sometimes!
Spend Some Time Alone
"Home Alone"
In the comedic family classic, Home Alone, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister declares, "This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone." When his extended family leaves for Paris without him, he discovers that his wish has come true. Does he crumble with fear? Does he run for the nearest sensible adult? No, in fact, he relishes his newfound freedom, at least for a little while.
This holiday season, there will be plenty of well-meaning media messages touting the benefits of "spending time with loved ones." Of course, it's always wonderful to spend time with family and friends over the holidays, but there is something to be said for taking time to be alone too. Like Kevin, when you take time to be with yourself, you will find that you can better appreciate time with others. Certainly, when we don't spend time alone we can become irritable and exhausted. I spent a most memorable Christmas away from family and friends once. I called everyone long distance in the morning, then fell asleep on the couch in an afternoon sunbeam. It was the best long winter's nap ever! In the evening, I volunteered locally and joined some acquaintances for an impromptu Chinese dinner. I was technically "alone," but never lonely.
This holiday season, there will be plenty of well-meaning media messages touting the benefits of "spending time with loved ones." Of course, it's always wonderful to spend time with family and friends over the holidays, but there is something to be said for taking time to be alone too. Like Kevin, when you take time to be with yourself, you will find that you can better appreciate time with others. Certainly, when we don't spend time alone we can become irritable and exhausted. I spent a most memorable Christmas away from family and friends once. I called everyone long distance in the morning, then fell asleep on the couch in an afternoon sunbeam. It was the best long winter's nap ever! In the evening, I volunteered locally and joined some acquaintances for an impromptu Chinese dinner. I was technically "alone," but never lonely.
"Home Alone"
Directed by Chris Columbus (1990)
A great family film.
Home Alone
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Home Alone (Family Fun Edition)
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
"A Christmas Carol"
In the 1938 big-budget Hollywood version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol we witness a ghastly, ghostly tour of Ebenezer Scrooge's stingy past, present and future. Subsequently, you may be inspired to cultivate a more loving and generous attitude of your own. Think back to every kindness offered to you in times of struggle or despair. I distinctly remember a college friend listening to my broken-hearted sob story and telling me afterward that I was beautiful. I remember an old boss offering a kind word instead of criticism even though I'd royally messed up some important documents. Next thing you know you may look more kindly on the person who jostles you on the street, the car that rudely cuts you off, or the telemarketer who dares to invade your hallowed holiday home. An attitude of gratitude reminds us that we have been wretched and have still been worthy of love.
"A Christmas Carol"
Edwin L. Marin (1938)
Deep. Spooky. Sobering medicine.
A Christmas Carol
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
A Christmas Carol (2 versions: Colorized & Original Black and White)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Buy Yourself a Present
"A Christmas Story"
Still feeling a little blue this holiday season? All right, let's pull out the secret weapon movie with a message. Sometimes there's nothing to brighten up your holidays quite like that gift you deeply long for and have never received. In Bob Clark's 1983 hilarious comedy, A Christmas Story, little Ralphie Parker is dying for a Red Rider BB Gun. Although his parents and teachers reprimand him that he will "shoot his eye out," Ralphie is relentless in imagining his dream coming true. The dozen or so universally hilarious childhood scenes will perk you up just enough to grab your car keys, drive to the mall, sit on Santa's lap and ask for that ridiculous childhood toy you always wanted and never got. It's never too late, you know.
"A Christmas Story"
Directed by Bob Clark
You just can't get enough of this movie.
A Christmas Story (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
![A Christmas Story [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vWKtCsKVL._SL75_.jpg)
A Christmas Story [HD DVD]
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
Was this lens on holiday movies helpful to you?
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Good Things to Eat While You Watch Holiday Movies
Yum-Yum!
Here are some of my favorite things to eat while watching holiday movies on DVD...
- Microwave buttered popcorn with Raisinette's candy sprinkled on top.
- Fresh-popped popcorn (in a pan, the old fashioned way) with melted butter and parmasean cheese on top.
- One of those big canisters of multi-flavored popcorn that you get five or six of for Christmas each year.
- Pizza. Supreme. Hot. Delivered.
- Homemade Hershey's cocoa. Not the kind that's just add water. Phooey! The real deal with whipped cream on top (okay if the cream is from a can).
Not into holiday movies?
Visit my online zine for writers and read instead.
- Writers on the Rise
- Writers on the Rise is a zine for up-and-coming writers of all experience levels, who are looking to embrace the possibilities of the writing life. Each issue is designed to spark your creativity, authenticity and sense of satisfaction. Half the proceeds from this lens support Writers on the Rise and half support Squidoo-selected charities. So you can feel good about shopping here.
Or...you can always read my forthcoming book, Writer Mama
Coming March, 2007 from Writer's Digest Books
Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids is chock-full of practical advice moms can apply to a their busy lives. The short chapters, sidebars, and exercises let moms easily access information they need in small, digestible doses that fit busy schedules. Chapter exercises help moms get published in realistic, easy-to-follow steps.
Writer Mama is full of tips that make tasks seem less overwhelming and more achievable-how to get started with tips, how to network, how to start thinking about specializing, how to query, how to gain a Web presence, how to set up a home office, and how to make time for yourself and your writing. Writer Mama helps moms find their foothold in a publishing world that can seem impenetrable without a plan to maximize personal strengths.
Writer Mama is full of tips that make tasks seem less overwhelming and more achievable-how to get started with tips, how to network, how to start thinking about specializing, how to query, how to gain a Web presence, how to set up a home office, and how to make time for yourself and your writing. Writer Mama helps moms find their foothold in a publishing world that can seem impenetrable without a plan to maximize personal strengths.
Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/26/2008)
