Christmas is fast approaching. I feel like a little kid again. My excitement level is exceptionally high this year. I am not exactly sure what is so special about this year but I am very happy with everything and optimistic about the holidays. This marks my second Christmas married and away from home. Last year at this time, I really did not know what to expect. I am sure all newly married couples experience the same thing. The first Christmas away from family and with someone new. Well, of course, it was amazing and I could not have been happier. My wife is wonderful and amazes me more and more every day with her selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to our family and household. Last year we visited both our families the day of Christmas and her father the day before, all of which we are repeating this year. Looking back at this time last year, four Christmases did not sound as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was afraid things would be rushed and we would miss so much and barely get to spend time with everyone and just spend the whole time driving. Of course it turned out to be fantastic which is why I am doubly excited this year. I think I am also a little excited because I am not experiencing gift-anxiety the way I usually do since I was fortunate enough to complete my shopping some time ago this year. That is truly a load off of the mind and feels so nice that I intend to make a habit of shopping earlier. Easier said than done of course, but I did manage once so why not?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Holly and Jolly
Christmas is fast approaching. I feel like a little kid again. My excitement level is exceptionally high this year. I am not exactly sure what is so special about this year but I am very happy with everything and optimistic about the holidays. This marks my second Christmas married and away from home. Last year at this time, I really did not know what to expect. I am sure all newly married couples experience the same thing. The first Christmas away from family and with someone new. Well, of course, it was amazing and I could not have been happier. My wife is wonderful and amazes me more and more every day with her selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to our family and household. Last year we visited both our families the day of Christmas and her father the day before, all of which we are repeating this year. Looking back at this time last year, four Christmases did not sound as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was afraid things would be rushed and we would miss so much and barely get to spend time with everyone and just spend the whole time driving. Of course it turned out to be fantastic which is why I am doubly excited this year. I think I am also a little excited because I am not experiencing gift-anxiety the way I usually do since I was fortunate enough to complete my shopping some time ago this year. That is truly a load off of the mind and feels so nice that I intend to make a habit of shopping earlier. Easier said than done of course, but I did manage once so why not?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Top 10 Christmas Movies
Well, here's my next Top Ten list. It was not nearly as easy as I had thought it would be. Pretty hard actually. Anyway, here are my 10 favorite Christmas movies:
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
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