Holiday Classics

In and out of the kitchen, this time of year is all about traditions.  For example, it’s traditional for me to pack my pantry with cookies and other sweets.  It’s traditional for me to take on more baking than I can handle.  Thus, it’s also traditional for me to turn to some classic savory recipes to get me through the three meals a day I’m supposed to eat in between all the cookies.

Another favorite tradition?  Holiday movies.  It started when I was little and watched Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (I wonder if that one’s still around…oh, God bless you, Internet) and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer every year.  There are several movies I must watch in December or the season just isn’t complete.  With fuzzy slippers, a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate, I can’t think of a good reason to get off the couch for the next several days.  Unless it’s to walk to the kitchen for a cookie.

I typically start with The Holiday.  I love Kate Winslet, and want nothing more than to live in her idyllic cottage in the British countryside.  And Jude Law’s two daughters melt me to pieces every time.

Next up is The Family Stone.  Which wasn’t really my favorite when it first came out, but has grown on me since.  Wouldn’t you want to jump into a family with Diane Keaton, Craig Nelson, Luke Wilson and Rachel McAdams?  I thought so.

Topping off the list of rom-coms is the hands-down best romantic comedy of all time, ever.  Each story line is done so perfectly, that none gets old, despite dozens of viewings.  After watching this one, you get to walk around the house singing, “I feel it in my fingers…” at the top of your lungs, too.

Though it might not be considered a Christmas movie by all, Meet Me in St. Louis is one of my essentials.  Because doesn’t the whole movie revolve around Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”?  I am always sobbing when I hit that point of the film.  Look for me in a puddle on a floor near you.

It’s only right that I follow up a major tear-jerker with one of the most light-hearted Christmas movies.  “I just like smiling; smiling’s my favorite.”  Will Ferrell at his best.

And of course, I cap it all off with the best holiday movie of them all.

Does anything capture the spirit of Christmas better than Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack mixed with Charles Schulz’s classic characters?

And my crying during Judy Garland’s song is nothing compared to the hysterics that ensue during Linus’ speech.  I melt.  Every time.

Merry Christmas.