I recently watched “Christmas with the Kranks,” and I saw that what makes this movie great is how it captures the holiday spirit beyond just the usual Christmas symbols. The movie is about community, hope, and the strength of the human spirit.
Family, Togetherness, and Love
A Christmas movie often centers around any kind of concept of family. The protagonists often find themselves entwined in familial conflicts, resolving disputes, rekindling bonds, or creating new ones. This serves as an allegory for the sense of unity and togetherness that Christmas ushers in.
“Home Alone” is a perfect example. The movie is about 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who must defend his home from burglars after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their Christmas vacation. The plot shows humor, adventure, and sentimentality, highlighting the importance of family during the holiday season.
Characters
Iconic characters that audiences can connect with are an integral part of what makes a Christmas movie good. let’s take the Kranks again as an example. These parents show the Christmas spirit in their own special way, even with their imperfections and challenges. Another good example is the way Scrooge becomes a better person in “A Christmas Carol” and how Buddy is always so happy and nice in “Elf”. These characters make us remember and love these Christmas movies.
Setting
The setting could be a small snowy town or a big bustling city decked out in lights. A Christmas setting provides a perfect backdrop for the story to unfold and invites viewers into a world that is both familiar and fantastical.
Sounds
Christmas songs and holiday tunes in movies tell the story better and make us feel all the happy and cozy Christmas feelings. The opening bars of “Christmas Time is Here” instantly evoke images of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
A Story of Transformation
At the core of many Christmas movies is a transformation. Characters usually change and learn something new in these stories, reflecting the fresh start and new beginnings that come with the holiday. The story leaves the audience with a positive and uplifting message that goes beyond the holiday season.
Nostalgia and Tradition
Christmas movies have a unique staying power because they often become a part of our holiday traditions. Year after year, we revisit these stories, and each viewing adds another layer of nostalgia and warmth. They serve as familiar and comforting markers of the holiday season and remain timeless in their appeal, regardless of the changing times and trends.
