1. White Christmas
2008 White Christmas by PriceGrabber, licensed to About.com.
This is the very first VHS tape in my collection. It is also the first holiday movie I watch for the season. I just bawl when the general is surprised by the men from his troop. On the general's dinner table was a huge layer cake with full-sized taper candles on it. If his inn was in the south he would have been served a Red Velvet Cake, which would match the dresses worn at the end of the movie.
2. Miracle on 34th Street
Carroll Pellegrinelli
My holiday season begins with the Macy's Christmas Parade. There are a couple of other versions of this film, but I believe this is the best even though it is in black and white. In honor, of the original parade Santa having a slight drinking problem, I think the Bacardi Rum Cake suits this movie perfectly.
3. The Christmas Gift
This little known made-for-T.V. movie stars John Denver and Jane Kaczmarck. The story takes place in charming old-fashioned town in Colorado. Not only is the movie a lovely feel-good story, but I got several Christmas decorating ideas from it. (My car isn't quite as decorated as the town's taxi, but it's close.) I think the ideal dessert for this movie is an updated version of an old-fashioned cake - Fruitcake a.k.a. Texas Candy Cake.
4. Christmas in Connecticut
This funny holiday movie is about a magazine columnist (Barbara Stanwyck) who leads a double life. She writes about her life as a housewife and mother in the country, when she's actually a single woman, who had never cooked a thing in her life, living in the city (New York, of course.) Make some flapjacks to eat while watching this movie some Saturday morning in December. You, too, can flip pancakes just like Barbara Stanwyck's character in the movie.
5. A Christmas Story
Do you remember those great Christmas displays that every department store used to have? Besides the much-desired Red Rider BB gun, there were elaborate train displays. I remember walking past animated characters surrounded by piles of fluffy-cotton snow on my way to see Santa. I just love the Santa slide in this movie. To go along with the mashed potatoes that Ralphie's brother eats like a pig ("oink, oink") make some Irish Cinnamon-Potato Candy for movie munch.
6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
This movie reminds my husband of the time he, his brother and father brought home a tree that was entirely too big for their house. His mother began crying the moment she saw it. The branches had to be cut back so far that all that was visible was the big white-sappy tips. They ended up using black crayons to make the ends less noticeable. Between the dog puking under the table during dinner and the cat food gelatin, I think Catsh-t Cookies fit right in with the animal theme.
7. The Bishop's Wife
Cary Grant plays an angel who comes to Earth as an answer to a bishop's (David Niven) prayer. Loretta Young is the young wife and mother, who causes Dudley (Grant's character) to envy a worldly life. Even though this movie is in black and white, you won't even notice it after a minute or two. It's another feel good story that reminds you how blessed you already are. In the movie, the Bishop usually ate a simple custard for desserts. Let's step it up with a Creme Brulee.
8. Home Alone
This movie is about Kevin an 8-year-old who gets left "Home Alone" over the Christmas holidays. Even if you're not into kid flicks, this movie is worth watching just to see the burglars go through the maze of traps Kevin set to protect his home. You'll also find great Christmas music and decorations. I also believe Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York is just as good. Kevin ate Ice Cream in both films.
9. The Santa Clause
I just love the North Pole in this movie, especially the toy factory and elves. Tim Allen is great as an ordinary man who ends-up being Santa. The Santa Clause 2 is just as enjoyable as Santa has to find a "Mrs. Claus." Don't forget to leave out some Sugar Cookies out for Santa.
10. Die Hard
Yes, this and Die Hard 2, are always watched at Christmas time. I need a little break from the typical holiday movies. There's nothing like a "shoot-em-up" or should I say "blow-em-up" movie to do that. Both movies take place during Christmas time and there's even holiday music in the background. A sweet and salty treat is needed for this type of movie and Barking Crackers
is it.
11. The Family Stone
The Family Stone is another Christmas adult movie about a family that gets together for the holiday. It's got a great cast including Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson as the parents. Their children are Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulrony, Tyrone Giordano, Rachel McAdams and Elizabeth Reaser. Sara Jessica Parker and Claire Danes are also in it. It's one of those movies that makes you laugh and cry. Only Oatmeal Cookies warm from the oven will work with this movie.12. Love Actually
Love Actually, an English movie, is definitely for adults only. It's about several different, yet entwined, stories all leading up to Christmas. I just love the ensemble of actors in the movie. My favorite story is about the new Prime Minister finding love at a most inconvenient time. There were a few parts that many won't like. One was the way they portrayed the American president. Another was the jobs one couple had (I was shocked, and that's saying something) and lastly the language they used. If you can look over all of that, it really is an enjoyable movie. If in England at Christmas, you must have some Christmas Pudding.
