Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Not Quite Christmas Yet

So lately I've been feeling that I'm not fully into the Christmas spirit. And yesterday I figured out why: it's because I haven't watched It's a Wonderful Life yet this year.


It's a Wonderful Life is not only the best Christmas movie ever but it's also probably my favorite movie - period. Last year, after I discovered some of my college friends hadn't seen it, I forced them to sit down with me and watch it - which was a tough task considering it's just over 2 hours long.

For those of you who don't know the story (do such people even exist?!), it follows a down-on-his-luck George Bailey as his family bank begins to suffer a bit of a financial crisis caused by another employee. George assumes that his mistakes have caused the bank to fail... and when he returns home all he can see is that his children are in hand-me-down clothes and that his home needs repairs. As he leaves the house that night, he thinks that he has failed everyone - and wishes he had never been born.

As he heads to the bridge on the edge of town, his guardian angel realizes he must act quick to save George. So when he gets to the bridge, the angel jumps into the water - knowing George will not be able to fight the impulse to save him (instead of killing himself).

For the next few hours, the angel helps George to see what life would be like if he had never been born - and the world as he knows it is very cruel indeed. He begins to see that his life has touched so many others.

And then a bunch of feel-good moments happen and I can't tell you the rest. Because I insist that if you haven't seen it - you need to. It plays on Christmas Eve on NBC and I insist you watch it if you've never seen it. It's a long movie, but it's well worth the time invested.

Plus, if you can watch it without crying at the end you're a better person than I am!

Have you seen It's a Wonderful Life?? Do you love it as much as I do?

And go on - tell me your favorite Christmas movie. And don't be offended if I roll my eyes if you tell me your favorite is Christmas Vacation.


20 Classy Comments:

V for Vertigo said...

I've never finished watching It's a Wonderful Life. I think it was because it's too long and I know how it ends. I've always wondered how it's a Christmas movie. It doesn't take place on Christmas.

Some of the Christmas movies I watch every year are Trading Places, Die Hard, Love Actually, and Garfield's Christmas Special. One of these days, I'm going to have to pick up Gremlins.

Savannah said...

I hate to say this but I've never actually seen It's a Wonderful Life. Blasphemous, I know!

Fashion Face said...

I too for some reason can't fully get into the Christmas spirit. I am alwaysexcited for xmas way too early and i force myself not to listen xmas songs or decorate until at after Thanksgiving at least. I think I subconciously deprive myself! Anyways "Its a Wonderful Life" is definately amazing and a classic. As for a movie from modern times -- "LOVE ACTUALLY" is one of my favs!

Jennifer said...

Oh my gosh, I haven't watched this movie yet either! I need to get myself in gear and watch it tonight! I love It's A Wonderful Life! Such a classic! I have to say that my favorite is A Christmas Story though. Our family have so many good memories of watching that movie together! It is so funny! I also love Meet Me In St. Louis!

Anonymous said...

I haven't watched it either. I know it is bad! And yes I do have to say Christmas Vacation is my favorite holiday movie. Go ahead and roll your eyes! Love Actually is also a great movie to watch around this time too!

Lauren @ Dreams Take Flight said...

I'm one of those shameful people who has never seen it! I never knew what it was about but your summary definitely made me want to watch it this Christmas! :)

Also I'm loving your new blog design! Super cute!

Cheerful Homemaker said...

I love the Charlie Brown Christmas show, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also love that Gone With the Wind is on right before Christmas, even though it's not a holiday movie. It seems like they play so many feel-good movies this time of year and it just makes me happy.

Erin said...

I love 'It's A Wonderful Life"! But, my favorite Christmas movie is either "White Christmas" or "Love Actually".

Kerri said...

I love that movie!! Last year was my first year watching it and I just loved it! Christmas Vacation is not my favorite, but it definitely provides some pretty great laughs when it's 3am. I LOVE the Grinch, The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street!

MLC84 said...

I hate to say this too, but I've never seen it's a wonderful life!! Every year for Christmas I tell myself I'm going to watch it and I never do. Maybe this year I will.

Sarahviz said...

That is my husband's favorite movie as well. As for me (commence your eye-rolling now...) it's A Christmas Story.

Kiss My Tiara said...

All-time FAVORITE Christmas movie! We watched it last night and it just makes me cry and cry haha I'm such a sap! My family quotes it all year round. I know that people love Christmas Vacation and The Christmas Story but I don't think those movies hold a candle to It's a Wonderful Life. So glad you did this post :) By the way..I'm not sure if you knew but I am mhj411 on Twitter, I didn't know if you had put that together or not, most people don't! Merry Christmas :)

Anonymous said...

Seen it, love it. I also like A Christmas Story and Claymation's Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

The Ratpack said...

I could have written this exact post! Watching it's a wonderful life should be a requirement for US citizenship! I'm totally tweeting about this post!

For the record I also love love love Charlie brown Christmas, and no Christmas is complete without either movie!

FashionAddict said...

Yes, great movie that reminds people about what's really important. I think I need to make hubby watch it tonight, cuz he's never seen it!!

Unknown said...

Nice post! I couldn't agree with you more, I think it's the greatest holiday films and also one of the best films ever made. I can't get enough of it, and love that I only watch it once a year. I wrote a song called George Bailey... I like to think it's both classy and fabulous, so hopefully you'll agree! You can listen on my website or watch the youtube video below. Thanks and happy holidays everyone!

Carolyn Sills
http://www.carolynsills.com/Original_Music.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOQna0DuOfU

Anonymous said...

Oh, you will totally roll your eyes at this one....but one of my favorite Christmas movies is the Muppet Christmas Carol. Yep, seriously.

It has amazing music...other than that, I'm not exactly sure why it stuck with me all these years but my sister and I love it!

Sarah Pribe said...

I would have to pick The Family Man with Nicolas Cage or Love Actually as my favorites! Elf runs a close 3rd. :)

chelsea said...

I do love this one, but the B&W Miracle on 34th Street will forever be my favorite. At least it's a companion B&W classic, though, right? :)

Mindy said...

I'm afraid to say... I haven't seen it! hehe

And I just watched Christmas Vacation for the first time the other day and I didn't like it...

I also haven't seen A Christmas Story! What's wrong with me?

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