Classes have ended, and finals are finishing up. With all of this free time, what should a SAF Scholar do? Watch holiday movies, of course! Grab a blanket, some holiday cookies, a couple of friends or family members, and turn on a holiday movie.
But where to start? Here's a list of some holiday classic movie recommendations by SAF staff.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Kluger the mailman’s mail truck breaks down, and he tells the story of Santa Claus.
"My favorite part is when young Santa befriends the Winter Wizard and they sing 'Put One Foot in Front of the Other'. I think it shows that looks can be deceiving and a little kindness can go a long way. Santa motivates the Winter Wizard to change his ways despite his past and do good for others."
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington, King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his town causes confusion.
"I love this movie because of the great music, beautiful visuals and lovely story. I enjoyed it as a kid when it first came out and I still enjoy it as an adult."
Home Alone
Home Alone is about Kevin, an eight-year-old, who must protect his house from burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.
"I have always enjoyed Home Alone - it’s just a blast to watch. So many classic lines like, 'Keep the change, you filthy animal.'" Coleman Laguzza, Program Specialist.
Miracle on 34th Street
A nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane after working at Macy's as the store's Santa Claus. A young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. Don't forget to watch the original (1947) and the remake (1994).
"My favorite holiday movie is the original Miracle on 34th Street (1947). Santa in this movie, played by Edmund Gwenn, is so delightful, kind and ‘real’. I absolutely love it when the judge, Gene Lockhart, declares that Santa is real and New York City erupts in cheers." Carol Carmody, Executive Director.
Love Actually
Love Actually follows eight couples who are dealing with their love lives in a loosely interrelated tale all set during the month before Christmas in London, England.
"Love is actually all round!"
"My favorite holiday movie is Love Actually. I'm fond of this movie because every time I see it I find it full of warm relationships between people, not only between lovers but also including family."
The Santa Claus
Scott Calvin has his son over for Christmas and inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve. He finds himself magically recruited to take his place.
"These movies hold a special place in my heart because my brother and I watched them every year growing up. Obviously, Tim Allen does an AMAZING job, but the reason these movies are so great is that they bring our childhood imaginations to life in a way that’s magical and funny. The 3rd movie in the series is the best, so I guess you’ll just have to watch them all."
"My favorite holiday movie is The Santa Clause. I have many great memories as a kid watching this movie every Christmas Eve with my family. We used to watch it every year in anticipation of Santa coming. Now that I am older, I keep the tradition alive by watching it every year because it is still making me laugh."
Frozen II
Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest in an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.
"My favorite holiday movie is Frozen II because Elsa is my favorite Disney princess and the songs are breathtaking. My favorite part is when Princess Anna, regardless of danger, leads the stone monster to the dam and finally crushes the dam, freeing her sister and dispersing the mist."
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