Favorite Christmas movies and books:
I’m still amazed it’s Christmas again. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was taking down my decorations. Now I’m putting them up again.
This is the time of year I don’t mind it snowing. I love sitting in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate. And add a great movie or book to the mix and I’m really content.
So what are some of the great Christmas movies? Every year we get new ones on television and in the movie theater, but so far nothing has quite spoken to me like The Christmas Story. I don’t usually watch many movies (or for that matter read books) a second and certainly not a third time. I have seen The Christmas Story many times. It’s become a tradition at our house to watch it or at least parts of it every year in December.
The scene where Ralphie sits on Santa’s lap is hilarious. His commentary on the whole visiting Santa was right on. I grew up in the 50’s (a decade after Ralphie) and the movie’s portrayal was so good. Thankfully I never had the experience Ralphie had with Santa.
How many of you have received a present from a friend or love one that you never want to see the light of day. The picture of Ralphie in his bunny suit, a gift from a relative, was priceless. We’ve all been there before—I’m glad though it wasn’t that bunny outfit.
Another favorite scene was when Ralphie’s dad received a prize he’d won and insisted on putting it on display in the front window for the whole world to see. I’m so glad my husband has better taste because an accident would happen to that lamp after he left for work.
There are other scenes I laughed out loud: the kid sticking his tongue to the frozen post, the dogs eating the turkey, the holiday meal spent in a Chinese restaurant. The movie is a classic.
So what Christmas movies have you enjoyed? Maybe see each year. I love some of the old ones, too. Like The Holiday Inn and White Christmas. Then there is The Miracle on 34th Street or The Christmas Vacation.
If a Christmas movie isn’t for you, what about a book with a Christmas theme? Every year we see them on the shelves from October to December. I know my publisher (Steeple Hill) puts out quite a few. What good Christmas book have you read this year or in the past?
I enjoy writing holiday stories. I’ve done several over the past few years. This month I have one out from Love Inspired Suspense called Christmas Peril. It has two holiday novellas in it—one by me and the other by Debby Giusti.
Christmas Peril
December 2009 (anthology-2 in 1)
Christmas bells ring with danger in these suspenseful holiday stories.
Merry Mayhem by Margaret Daley
When single mom Annie Coleman unexpectedly arrives in Christmas, Oklahoma, police chief Caleb Jackson suspects she’s hiding secrets. He’ll be watching her closely. And his protection is just what Annie and her daughter need, as danger has followed them to their new home.
Yule Die by Debby Giusti
It’s hardly a happy holiday for medical researcher Callie Evans…until she discovers her ailing patient is her long-lost brother. And he’s being watched by undercover police officer Joe Petrecelli. When the trio is abducted by a cadre of bad guys, Joe and Callie will have to fight to keep her brother—and themselves—alive.
I hope you’ll share what you’ve liked in the way of a holiday movie or book. And above all, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Keep safe.
