2 of 13

Write now Article Tools

They say our traditions make us who we are. As a film buff and critic, at least one family tradition, inextricably tied to the Yuletide season, is at least partially responsible for my life's passion. Movies and Christmas were part and parcel to each other for our family during the holidays, and never so much as on the night before Christmas.

The tradition began, as I recall, when we grew older and preferred to spend Christmas morning huddled in the warmth of Mom and Dad's living room, rather than a cold pew in Saint Rita's Church. We began to attend Midnight Mass. Arriving home shortly before one in the morning, we found ourselves wide awake from the night's cold air (and eager anticipation of the morning's booty). Fortunately, the local independent TV stations, not yet gobbled up by corporate America, had free rein to show movies considered "public domain." Among them, our three favorites to this day.

On Channel 2 out of Hartford, we would catch the remaining moments of that seminal Christmas classic, "It's a wonderful Life." Of course, for Yuletide spirit purposes, that's all you really need to see, as Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey sprints through the snow-filled streets of Bedford Falls, shouting "Merry Christmas!" to all.

No sooner did George wink and say "Atta boy, Clarence" than we flipped over to New York's Channel 5 and settled into "Holiday Inn." The verbal sparring between Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby is priceless, Fred's dancing is timeless and with Bing crooning "White Christmas" while a gentle snow falls outside his Connecticut farmhouse, we Nutmeggers were in our seasonal glory.

But Christmas Eve wasn't complete without one more film, for me the highlight. Alistair Sim's brilliant gothic turn as Charles Dickens' infamous miser, in 1951's "Scrooge", re-titled "A Christmas Carol" for American audiences. Many actors have played the part, but none have reached into the pinched soul of this tragic figure and revealed his humanity with as much humor and warmth.

By now, it would be mere hours before the annual wake-up call, but not to mind. The spirit of Christmas, courtesy of Hollywood, was alive and well in us all. And somehow, George Bailey's rekindled love for his family, Fred and Bing's reconciliation and Scrooge's recovered grace dovetailed nicely with Father Burbank's gentle reminder earlier in the evening of whom and what Christmas is all about.

Learn more about this author, Michael Rausch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Movies: The best Christmas flicks for the family?
We want to hear your view. Write now!