Christmas Movie Magic: A Look At Holiday Favorites
Tinsel, Tradition, & The Movies We Love
There is a certain kind of magic in the air this time of year.
Cheerful decorations are up, party invites to gatherings with family and friends are out, and Christmas music spreads joy wherever you go. Here at The Actor’s Scene we believe a big part of that holiday magic comes from holiday movies. There are so many ways that curling up to your favorite flick as an actor is an incredible way to stay working on your craft while relaxing. So grab a bowl of popcorn, a warm drink, and a snuggly blanket because the TAS staff has some excellent holiday movie recommendations for you!
And don’t miss our quiz at the end: What Christmas Movie Best Describes You?
I, Kirsten Krehbiel, will start with my recommendation! My personal favorite thing about holiday movies is that it’s the one time of year I crave sappy rom-coms and the holidays are full of them.
While I typically watch sci-fis or something artsy and deep the holidays screams ‘rom-com’ to me. One of the most ridiculous ones I’ve watched recently is Falling For Christmas. It hits about every holiday rom-com trope that exists, which is hilarious, plus it was Lindsay Lohan’s launch back into movies! Who wouldn’t want to watch that?
One of the main reasons holiday movies are magical is because they can create a beautiful tradition, even if it’s just watching a silly movie together.
Check out Coach Linda Meadows’s recommendation:
“My family and I have always loved National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It brings me back to when I was much younger and life was more simple. My Dad passed in 2005, but I still think of him when we watch it. My brother and I still do lines from the movie, even during non-holidays. I still think it is hysterical. I even have a moose glass mug from it!”
The tradition of watching Christmas movies every year not only brings us together for important memories, it can also inspire us to learn about the mechanics behind those movies. Like our Fiscal Manager, Lisa Mattox Downs’s recommendation:
“My favorite movie of all time is It’s A Wonderful Life…I love it. My family watched it at least once every Christmas and my entire adulthood, I always play it when putting up the tree. I basically know all the dialogue by heart and well, the entire movie by heart- it has felt like a powerful and centering message my whole life- the gift of life, the importance of service, the value of community and the timeless love of God for His people. There were some crazy controversies over time with this movie, such as it being deemed communist propaganda because the villain, Potter, was portrayed as corrupt while being wealthy- and moral ambiguity, because the villain, Potter, was never really punished and the Baileys weren’t really church-goers. It has endured as a classic since the 40’s and I believe George Bailey points to the best of us- flawed, capable of great frustration and sorrow and filled with empathy for others and true, lived compassion…basically, all I want to be when I grow up.”
Or look at what bizarre discovery TAS Operations Director, Elizabeth Alcaraz, made about her classic movie recommendation:
“One of my all time favorite Christmas movies is March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934). When I was growing up we always spent the night at my grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve and watched this movie as a family.
A cool acting fact is that the actor who played the evil, elderly character, Silas Barnaby, was in reality a 22 year old man!”
Speaking of interesting movie discoveries, TAS Owner, Nicolle Campbell, has facts about her recommendation that will leave you wanting to rewatch it yourself! Her recommendation:
“The movie reaches its climax during Christmas when Edward’s ice sculptures create a snowfall in the surrounding Florida town. Themes of the movie include acceptance and love which is perfect for Christmas. Edward says less than 170 words during this film. The film is based on the writers dog and a drawing that Tim Burton did when he was in high school. “
Sometimes all you need in a Christmas movie is just a bit of whimsy to brighten your soul, like Coach Maddie Compton’s recommendation:
“A Christmas Movie I absolutely love is the Muppet Christmas Carol! I’m a huge fan of all things whimsy and puppetry, and the movie is just so FUN! And it’s a musical… what more could you ask for?”
Perhaps the most wonderful thing of all is when a holiday movie can bring you together with your loved ones and stick with you all year round, like Office Manager and Coach Leah Merritt’s recommendation:
“Four Christmases has been a Christmas movie staple in my family ever since it came out in 2008. One thing about my family is we love a quotable comedy and this movie is filled with hilarious quotes that we reference year-round especially when we’re playing the board game Taboo… if you know, you know!”
Mostly A's
The Grinch
Mostly B's
Elf
Mostly C's
White Christmas
Mostly D's
Miracle on 34th Street
Whether you pop in an old classic or begin a tradition with a new feature, Christmas movies can bring a little magic to the season. Have a recommendation yourself? We would LOVE to hear it! Share this article on social media, tag us, and give us your recommendation!
And don’t miss our upcoming Holly Jolly Improv Party for ages 4 to 12 on December 20th. Find out more HERE.
Most importantly have a safe and wonderful holiday season from all of us at The Actor’s Scene.
Ready to get started? Reach out today!
TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM
770-904-6646
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About The Author
Kirsten Krehbiel
Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch.
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