By John Matonich
I have always been a fan of the holiday season. People for the most part are in a good mood and you seem to have more folks looking for ways to help or share than other times of the year when you might hear more complaining. I’ve already shared my love of traditional holiday treats, so I won’t go down that path again.
One of the other things I have enjoyed at this time of the year is the selection of traditional movies shown on many channels. You don’t get to see them most of the year, but during this time, they are hard to miss. The list of those kinds of movies grows larger each year as newer films are added to the list of classics and time is made to play them for our enjoyment.
One of the movies I remember watching each year was the 1951 version of Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Story”. It is a black and white movie starring Alastair Sim. It was a little scary as a young lad, but I’ve always enjoyed watching it. I have seen a number of versions of the Dickens classic, but this one to me is one of the best.
On the lighter side of holiday TV viewing, we always made time to watch the animated version of “Rudolph the Red -Nosed Reindeer”. It is a classic story of misfits at the North Pole looking for a place to call home. The music was great and Burl Ives did a super job of singing the kinds of songs that got everyone in the holiday spirit. I haven’t watched the movie in a while, but I think I can still sing many of the songs I remember listening to for years.
Today, we have new classics that dominate the airwaves during this time of year. One movie that my kids fell in love with when they were young is “A Christmas Story” starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle and the movie highlights the trials and tribulations Ralphie goes through in his quest to have Santa get him one. Both of my kids are grown and have spouses, but I think they still try to find a marathon of this classic to watch around Christmas Day. If you have seen the movie, you know the importance of the table lamp Ralphie’s Dad gets in the mail. I won’s say any more about it other than my son also received one of those lamps for Christmas one year and it was a proud possession of his for a long time.
I do think the list of good Christmas movie watching is a large one, but to me that means you should be able to find one that catches you fancy and delivers some enjoyment during this season and might even help put a smile on your face. I know that my bride and I will be looking to find a few for us to enjoy this season. Hers will have to have a horse in it, I am sure, but that’s ok. It is Christmas and I will simply enjoy some time together with her. From Steph and I to all who take the time to read these ramblings, I hope you have the best of holiday seasons.
And that’s the situation as I survey it …
After a 35-year career downstate livin’ amongst da trolls, during which he built a successful engineering and surveying business, John Matonich is back home in da U.P. His column will appear here occasionally, don’tcha know. His book “Surveyin’ Da Situation” is available on Amazon.com.
Image credit: s_herman
Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and How The Grinch Stole Christmas are favorites of mine. The narration by Boris Karloff and animation by Dr Seuss were the best! I watched them when I was a kid my daughters and grandkids now watch them. I never miss them! I don’t think they will ever not be shown. Merry Christmas to you and your family John. Love reading about life in the U.P. Keep them coming.
Those are great movies, Jims. I agree about listening to Boris Karloff. Great voice and super actor. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours as well…
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family. I hope you have a Blessed Year. I do enjoy all your columns.
Thank you, Cheryl… really appreciate it. Merry Christmas to you and yours…
Merry Christmas and a 2018 packed with good things or whatever else you have planned.
Keep writing and letting us know what’s up in the UP. This time of year I only visit via The Paradise Michigan web cam.
I’m a sucker for Hollywood musicals..so White Christmas with Bing, Rosemary Clooney etc is my yearly ritual. I’ve got all the dialogue down pat. Working on dancing like Vera Ellen. Not going too well.
P.S. do you have to pay the moderately famous Andy to “publish” here?
I agree with you, Suze about the movie White Christmas. It was one of my Mom’s favorite. I still watch it every now and again and remember most the songs. So far, Andy has asked for any $ 🙂 …
Merry Christmas John & Steph and may you both enjoy a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year!
Bob Sibilsky
Thank you, Bob. Really appreciate it and the same to you and yours!!!
Frosty the Snowman has always been my favorite, but I, too, love that classic Charles Dickens story, “A Christmas Story” as well! I like the one with Patrick Stewart in it, but all of the versions are very good!
Merry Christmas to you & your family! 🎄
Thank you, Tina… Merry Christmas to you and yours…
My fave “Christmas Carol” movie is the one with George C. Scott 😁
Very good
I like it too
Yes, it is called A Christmas Carol! I love all the versions!
Merry Christmas John and family, love the U.P. and you writing about it. Thanks
Thank you very much and happy holidays to you and yours..
Merriest to all!
One Grinchy correction: The Dickens story is titled, “A Christmas CAROL,” not, “Story.” And, one Grinchy question: The song, “White Christmas,” is not in the movie, “White Christmas,” as far as I know. Are some of you guys thinking of the other Bing Crosby Christmas movie, entitled, “Holiday Inn?” Bing sings, “White Christmas,” in, “Holiday Inn.”
Happiest to all!
Not sure but you may be right
Thank you for the correction! You are correct!
Merry Christmas!
I was confused, so I looked it up. It was sung in Holiday Inn and also White Christmas according to google.
Thanks for your enjoyable columns!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
May we all look forward to 2018, a year of sharing with those less fortunate; remember, those who are hungry and in need in December, are also hungry and in need in July as well.
May 2018 be a year free from greed and violence.
May 2018 be a year of peace, beginning in our own hearts, families, neighbors, nations and the world.
2018–It can be done! We all need to pitch in.
God bless us!
When I was in my 20’s, I first encountered the 1951 rendition of A Christmas Carol starting Alastair Sim. It is still my all time favorite version of this story. At that point in my life I avoided black and white movies. I thought of them as old people movies or as technologically inferior. The acting and story telling of that version captivated me completely. If others reading this have not seen it, please do yourself a favor and seek it out.
A Christmas Carol
http://imdb.com/rg/an_share/title/title/tt0044008/
My ultimate favorite Christmas movie…
Don’t forget to add “Die Hard” to your Christmas Movie list!
Great choice!!!