Christmas Films and Not-So Christmas Films

In the past week I've watched parts or the whole of a few different Christmas movies as I've decorated my Christmas tree, opened Advent Presents and baked Christmas Cookies with friends. White Christmas, Christmas in Connecticut, and The Twelve Men of Christmas (a lifetime movie with Kristin Chenoweth) to name a few.

Tonight, however, I caught the tale end of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? and I thought, "huh. weird not watching a Christmas movie"

But then, during Spencer Tracy's final speech, I decided that in a way, it's a very appropriate film for Christmas. What is more in the spirit of Christmas more than a family coming together, settling differences and accepting that love is stronger than, and can overcome, oppression?

The last few years, since my parents moved to Maine, Advent has been a bit difficult. I've felt a bit sorry for myself because I have been surrounded by a bit of apathy regarding Christmas. But this year I have a few new friends and these are the some of things they've taught me:

1. making Christmas enjoyable for someone else is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

2. true friends will celebrate the season with you even when it's not their scene.

3. new traditions can be more rewarding than old traditions.

At church we often talk about The Christmas Story, but the truth is that there are millions of Christmas stories, specific to each person who's been moved by the Old Old Story.

Film is one of the ways that those stories are shared....

and I would say more, but this got long and I have more cookies to bake!