A Christmas Story (1983). At the heart of this timeless comedy is the universal yearning of a child for the magic of Christmas morning.
One Magic Christmas (1985). If you grew up in a family where times were tough, this tale of redemption and second chances is a delight to watch.
Prancer (1989). This story of an eight-year-old girl who believes she has found one of Santa's reindeer is a testament to the transforming power of love and childhood innocence.
Home Alone (1990). Eight-year-old Kevin, accidentally left behind at home when his family flies to Paris for Christmas, thinks he's got it made. Hijinks ensue when two burglars match their wits against his. A funny, tender tribute to childhood and the bonds of family.
Elf (2003). Buddy, a human raised by North Pole elves, travels to the Big Apple and spreads Christmas cheer to everyone he meets. This film has it all: Santa, elves, family problems, humor, emotion and above all else, a large dose of the Christmas spirit.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018). A sister and brother's Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.
Now for the music.
Out of the hundreds of Christmas albums I've listened to over the years, the following, covering a broad range of musical styles, moods and tastes, each in its own way perfectly captures the essence of Christmas for me.
It's Christmas (EMI): Great range from John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas."
Christmas Guitar (Rounder) by master guitarist John Fahey.
Christmas Is A Special Day (The Right Stuff): Fats Domino, the great Fifties rocker, tackles everything from "Amazing Grace" to "Jingle Bells."
Christmas Island (August/Private Music): "Frosty the Snowman" will never sound the same after you hear Leon Redbone and Dr. John duet.
A Holiday Celebration (Gold Castle): The classic folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary, backed by the New York Choral Society.
The Christmas Album (Columbia) by Neil Diamond.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Fuel Records) offers up deep-rooted traditional holiday songs.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
