If you have mixed feelings about the holiday season, you’re not alone. It can be elevating, exciting, and inspiring, and it can also be stressful, exhausting, and bewildering. Fear not. You just need a bit of cinematherapy in the comfort of your home. That and my favorite essential oil blends, Lift-me-up and Merry Christmas!
I’ve watched both seasons of Home for Christmas three times (at least) and totally love it. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of family to get your life in order (find a partner, have kids), this series is for you. I also love that it pays homage to what is perhaps my favorite holiday movie ever….
…Love, Actually. I never tire of this film. Because love, actually, is…all around. You just have to open your eyes. And watch this movie. Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman (almost sounds like an Austen film), Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Andrew Lincoln, and more. Richard Curtis is my hero. And so is…
…Bruce Willis. It’s not your typical warm and fuzzy. But the action starts at an office Christmas party, and from then on it’s nonstop action featuring Bruce Willis in a ripped, bloody old-man undershirt, and Alan Rickman as his nemesis. 20th Century-Fox calls it “The Greatest Christmas Story.” And Quentin Tarantion’s New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles likes to screen it on Christmas Eve. This year is no exception. If you can get a ticket.
Thanks to Laurel Ann of Austenprose, I was reminded of The Man Who Invented Christmas and how much I love this movie. Dan Stevens plays Charles Dickens, who is trying to save his career and livelihood by speed-writing A Christmas Carol, a process that involves heated confabs with his characters, who come to life and invade his own. It’s hilarious and moving and elevating and inspiring and just plain wonderful.
What are your favorite holiday movies and series? Happy viewing, and wishing you all good things!!
“Is Daddy coming home for Christmas?” a little girl asks her mother. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a bit late. Hint: He’s somewhere on my list above.
About laurie viera rigler
Author of the Jane Austen Addict novels and other time-bending tales.
