oliday traditions are a wonderful part of this festive season. Certain activities and events conjure up precious memories, elicit heartfelt emotions, strengthen family bonds and remind us that joy can come from the simplest of places. One such tradition is the viewing of a beloved holiday special or movie—taking a journey to a familiar place you’ve been many times before and can’t wait to return. This is comfort-viewing for the soul.
With this in mind, I asked some Apex neighbors to share what they watch during this holiday season, and why.
Lisa, and daughters Sarah and Rachel
“Watching ‘Elf’ makes me feel so happy and keeps me laughing. I also love the underlying message of the value of love, family, kindness and enjoying the simple things in life like a good cup of hot chocolate.”
Lisa
“’The Santa Clause’ is my favorite because we watched it when I was a little girl, and it just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and reminds me of home. It’s a classic!”
Sarah
“For me, watching Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ is nostalgia. Watching it with Mommy and Daddy and us all singing the ‘Snow’ song together and the classic ‘White Christmas’ song. It’s one of the last Christmas movies I can remember watching with Daddy where he was actually aware of what’s going on.”
Rachel
Note: Lisa noted that her husband, Randy, has Alzheimer’s disease and said it’s been a tough road. “White Christmas” was always one of his favorite movies.
Matt and daughter, Jorie
“I have a few favorites, but I always find my way back to watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ From the classic Jimmy Stewart quotes to that memorable ending. The message from the movie holds true regardless of what year it is: believe in the power of doing good.”
Matt
Matt said that his daughter, Jorie, picked “Elf.” When asked why, she said, “It’s funny and I love Buddy the Elf’s big personality.”
Melanie, husband, Wayne, and daughters Ryann and Avery
Melanie shared that every year her mother-in-law would treat their girls to a holiday-themed girls’ night out. This holiday special could only be watched at the theater.
“We would have a nice dinner and then go to the Carolina Ballet’s performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ It was a special time which started with Grandma buying a holiday dress for each of her granddaughters to wear (i.e., usually matching) for the ballet.”
Back at home, Ryann and Avery both said “The Santa Clause” movies are their favorites because it reminds them of Christmases growing up. They remember the family snuggling together on the couch in their Christmas pj’s, drinking hot chocolate and watching these movies after decorating the tree.
Wayne’s favorite movies are the Harry Potter movies that seem to surface around Christmas. Since he’s addicted to these movies, he watches them year-round.
Greg and daughter, Sophia
“My favorite holiday special is ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’—the original cartoon version, not the Jim Carrey movie. The Grinch keeps chopping wood and he’s locked into what he wants. During the special, he has a change of heart, and he gets better every day. I watch it every year.”
Greg
“My favorite holiday movie is ‘Home Alone,’ hands down! I first watched it when I was in kindergarten. As I grow older, I still watch it each season and it brings me right back to when I was a little kid and it makes me so nostalgic.”
Sophia
Berta and husband, Jesus
“For as long as I can remember, the movie ‘A Christmas Story’ has been one of my family’s favorite traditions. On Christmas morning, it’s repeatedly played and becomes the background soundtrack to our opening of gifts, making breakfast together, and enjoying time as a family.”
Berta isn’t sure of the exact reason it’s connected with her family. She said it could be just because it’s funny, but it may also be because they identify with Ralphie’s nutty family or his not-so-perfect Christmas season and at the end you see how this family makes Christmas special in their own way.
Another favorite in the Cuevas house is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
“It’s one of my personal favorites. It always takes me back to my childhood. Growing up in Florida where it’s year-round summer, I remember the special televised airing was a sign that Christmas time had arrived,” Berta shared.
As for this writer’s favorites, I’m a big fan of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with my favorite version the slightly off-the-beaten-path musical take from 1970 that starred a young Albert Finney as Scrooge. When it comes to my TV holiday favorites, I grew up on the Rankin/Bass animated specials that include “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” with the latter my favorite due to the Heat Miser/Snow Miser production numbers. If you know, you know.
With so many holiday viewing options in this age of streaming and on-demand access, I’m sure you’ll find your favorite…comfort and joy to follow.
