Rank and File: Christmas Shows, Movies, and Specials!

Martinex1: Well it is December and it seems like the whole month is full of good tidings and cheer.   The Christmas decorations are going up in the neighborhood and the children are getting antsy with anticipation of a jolly old elf's arrival.   And as I hang lights and stockings I am awash with nostalgia.  I am reminded of how our family would gather in my grandparent's living room throughout the season and tune their large TV console onto various holiday specials and old movies.

Unlike today when I can find almost anything through DVDs or DVR, four decades ago we were committed to a handful of channels and a tight schedule.   We had to coordinate carefully but there were some shows that we could never miss. There are a few that still seem as fresh to me as they ever did; there are a handful that still bring a lump to my throat or a tear to my eye.   I will share my top three holiday must-sees... what are yours?

1) It's a Wonderful Life.  Frank Capra's 1946 classic follows George Bailey's trials and tribulations through the prism of life-affirming hope, respect, friendship, and grace.  Jimmy Stewart at his "aw-shucks" best.   Lionel Barrymore as the Scrooge-like Mr. Potter.   Donna Reed long before starring in her own iconic TV show.  Zuzu's petals.  Befuddled Uncle Billy.   The distraught pharmacist Mr. Gower.    Ernie and Bert.   The old Savings and Loan.  And Clarence, the angel trying to earn his wings.   Using an almost Twilight Zone-like trope, George gets to see his life if he was never born at all.  I still marvel at the dance on the edge of the pool under the gym floor.  I still chuckle at the scene when Mary hides in the bushes.   And I cannot help but sniffle when George's friends gather in support.   For me, this movie captures much of the season's spirit in a deceptively simple approach.

2) The Year Without a Santa Claus. The 1974 animated special from the holiday powerhouse Rankin-Bass Productions, shares the story of the year that Santa Claus wasn't feeling well after Thanksgiving.  He was discouraged by the thought that nobody cared about Christmas anymore so he decided to take a break.  Jingle and Jangle, his hapless elves, take a young reindeer Vixen to prove to Santa that there is still holiday cheer in the world.  With characters like Heat Miser and Snow Miser, wonderful musical interludes,  the style of animation at its peak, and the vocal talents of Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth and Dick Shawn this is my favorite of the Rankin-Bass pack.

3) A Charlie Brown Christmas.  The first and the best of the Peanuts special pulls all of the right elements together in a peaceful explanation of the meaning of the holiday.   With incredibly beautiful music from jazz great, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, the cartoon has a feel like no other.  Even the annually presented commercials from Dolly Madison and Coca-Cola seemed special.  And who can ever forget that Charlie Brown Christmas tree or the iconic dance scene with the whole gang.

So those are my top three but there are many more... so if you are a fan of Rudolph, Frosty, White Christmas, Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey, Home Alone, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Elf or even Die-Hard  let us know what you think and share your memories.