I love old black and white movies.
I love old movies with a heartfelt message.
I love old movies that I can watch every year at Christmas time and feel a warm fuzzy feeling inside and still shed a tear or two.
One of those movies is “It’s a Wonderful life“
Ever since I can remember, this is a movie of Christmas traditions in my family home. Its the only movie that I have seen my father shed a tiny man tear for. Christmas eve, sitting by the Christmas tree, having a glass of something cheery for the festive season and eating a home-made mince pie.
Now in my own home, far away from the family, I watch this movie during the festive season and it still makes me smile and cry and feel that we are all connected in this universe, planet and wonderful life. So last night, I snuggled up with only the twinkle lights from my tree on, cup of tea, home-made scone (house warming gift from a lovely friend) and watched the movie, uninterrupted. Heaven.
For anyone not seen this movie: George Bailey a happy go lucky guy, has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls…. Holding big dreams to travel the world and make a huge difference in the world. Due to circumstances and his strong heart, instead stays in his hometown to take over his fathers banking business and marry his local sweetheart. Many years on, on Christmas Eve, he finds himself in a situation where he has nowhere to turn. Wishing he had never been born, a Guardian Angel (in search of earning his wings) in human form is sent down to show George how significant his life has been, how he has made amazing differences in peoples lives and by staying in his hometown doing what he has done in his life, has been the greatest gift of all.
This movie reminds me how each of us play an important role, making differences to everyone we meet or that are in our lives. Time to take some reflection and celebrate all the Small Wonders we have such a privilege to witness in this lifetime.
“Remember no man is a failure, who has friends”
What are some of your favourite festive movies you love to watch, cry at, or make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Do you have Christmas movies you watch every year? I’d love to hear about them, please share below. Xx
Hi, I'm Louise and thank you so much for visiting me here. I am a mixed media artist, who is passionate about combining the healing energy of nature and color with the meditative process of mandala making
White Christmas is my sweet favorite. I love the music and I love their clothes. And I think I love the predictability of it.
But then there is Elf, my humorous favorite…it is the movie that I have seen most often. Probably 40 times! (no joke here) My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie and I laugh HARD every single time I watch it. Our favorite part is when Buddy drinks the entire liter of coke and then burps ridiculously and says, "Did you hear that?" Ha, I laugh even as I type. Funny stuff.
xxoo
Lorrie
this use to be one I watched the most. This and white christmas and holiday inn. And my family also was big on watching star wars (the original trilogy) back to back every year when I was a kid.
now, I end up watching what my husband wants to watch – which are all the comedies. Out of those, my favorite is Elf also
Louise-
This my favorite too!! I have loved this movie for years. I think i am the only one in my family who loves it. It really hits home for me. I also love Elf,White Christmas, The Polar Express.
xo,
dana
By far It's a Wonderful Life is my favorite sentimental Christmas movie. It is such a beautiful message of love.
My favorite funny Christmas movie is Elf too. I watch that all year long if I need a good laugh.
I actually just watched White Christmas for the first time last weekend! I do not know how I went this long without seeing it. It was wonderful, but George Bailey still has my heart!
Its a wonderful life, its just the tops isn't it? I also love Trading Places (I know!) but it is feel good and Christmassy. Tho Bad Santa is hilarious….
It's a wonderful life is my all time favourite too. Must bring out the DVD and watch it snuggled on the sofa infrom of the log fire.
Bliss!
I am slightly ashamed to admit it but I've never seen "Its a wonderful Life!", but i realise the errors of my ways and will make a concerted effort to watch it this year!!I Love the image of your dad shedding a tiny man tear :)so sweet!
Thankyou so much for your wonderful words about my Joy Journal…I would love to share the technique…Thankyou for the opportunity! I had planned to post a tutorial in the early new year…so if that's not too late could send you the details then? My email address is loveandpeas@hotmail.co.uk, I'm not sure if you are still using the same address as the color challenge one I have?!
xx
My favourite after "It's a Wonderful Life", is "One Magic Christmas" with mary Steenbergen. Love it!
I have to watch Rudolf, The Santa Clause, Christmas Carol (with Alistair Sims!)
Yes, this is a film I watch during the holiday season, but I also like to watch "a Christmas Carol" with George C. Scott – it looks fantastic and great costumes! I also LOVE "Scrooged" with Bill Murray – so many fun laughs with Carol Cane and his monologue near the end is moving, amazing and totally improvised! =-)
"The Bishops Wife" with Cary Grant and David Niven is lots of fun with a great ice skating scene =-)
Oh Louise, thanks for sharing this. I have no idea what my favourite Christmas film is, but as a result of reading this, I am definitely going to go out and get this film to watch!
Have a merry festive time you with your twinkling lights 🙂
Amelia.x
I agree with "It's a Wonderful Life" as my all time favorite old movie that really grabs my heart strings and makes me realize just what a wonderful life I do have – on the flip side "Christmas Vacation" pretty much has the same meaning in the humorous fact that I am VERY lucky to have the family and life I have.
An amazing film with so many layers. One of the deep messages for me is that it only takes one small individual to hold back the tide of horribleness…
My other faves are The Holiday, Love Actually…
Hoping to be back in blogging action now that the exhibition is done!
I have 2 favorites. One is "Its a Wonderful Life" I fell in love with Jimmy in that movie. Also I love "Meet Me in St Louie" It's a great little movie set in the 1800's With Judy Garland and Marene McCormick. It is the movie that "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" came from. I am going to put it on my blog.
And of coarse ELF. Hot Chocalate, Sam (my grandson) and Elf. Nothing better then that.
I am so with you. I just purchased a gorgeous collection of Xmas carols sung by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin etc. Get all warm and fuzzy listening to it. Love the Xmas magic.
Great to find your blog, pop over and visit bigwords if you ever get a chance x