hopping for the perfect gift, studying for finals and bracing yourself for the approaching hours of family fun.  Ah, it’s December.  Okay, so the holidays become more stressful every year,  but don’t let a long to-do list ruin the season.  When funds are too tight and it’s just too cold to go out, there’s nothing better than cuddling up on the couch with a great movie.

One of the most popular Holiday movies is A Christmas Story.  We can all relate to at least one of the aspects of this movie.  Whether it’s remembering the common phrases of childhood, like “You’re going to poke an eye out,” or a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner gone awry, this modern classic illustrates everyday life through the eyes of a child.  This film has such impact because it combines extravagant narration with a nostalgic delivery.  A Christmas Story is one of those movies you can watch every year without getting bored. 

“It’s hilarious!” says Saint Rose sophomore Jessica Ruther. She especially likes the scene where the father puts a lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg in the living room window for the entire neighborhood to see.  This movie has countless memorable and funny scenes, making it a film you can keep watching without it becoming mundane.  Check out the TNT network anytime on December 25th, because A Christmas Story will run for 24 continuous hours!

It’s a Wonderful Life is a true classic.  Released over fifty years ago, this movie is aired constantly during Christmastime because of its timeless story and awesome cast.  Jimmy Stewart plays the lead emphatically and realistically, and you instantly feel for him.  The plot maintains your interest and drives a powerful message about life.  Saint Rose Professor Anthony Scardillo says this is his favorite holiday movie because “it’s about family.” 

So on December 16 th, tune into ABC at 8 p.m. to watch this great American masterpiece.  Another perk: This movie can be viewed with pretty much any company.  (Okay, I doubt this will make it into guys’ night movie lineup, but almost any combination of viewers will appreciate it). 

So far we’ve reminisced about childhood and gained a moral lesson.  Now it’s time to laugh.  Of course I am turning to Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation for humor.  Filled with so many quirks and jokes, this movie tops the list for comedy.  Clark W. Griswold ( Chevy Chase ) is an over-the-top, good-hearted, yet naïve family man who must keep his cool (despite surrounding himself with a crazy extended family).  This movie doesn’t simply get chuckles, it’s a hysterical comedy from beginning to end. Oh, and there’s an added bonus: this movie will make your family seem normal!

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the all time best story books turned into a feature film.  Ron Howard and Jim Carrey are a great team in conveying this ageless story of a grouch turning into a softy.  Even though you know the whole story before it starts, you won’t be bored.  This film is visually stimulating and interesting.  Carrey delivers the character in a complex manner, very unexpectedly.  He manages to make the audience sympathize with the character, and at the same time is insanely funny.  Another tip: this movie is appealing to both the kids and adults, making it a great pastime if you’re suddenly sharing the living room with kiddies over the holiday.

Speaking of kid-friendly movies, A Charlie Brown Christmas tops the list for holiday specials.  It’s only a half-hour long, suitable for the attention span of both youngsters and busy college kids.  While it’s short in length, it doesn’t lack in whimsy.  Even though we liked it as children, this movie speaks to adults as a commentary on the commercialization of the holidays as  Charlie searches for the “real” meaning of Christmas. It reminds us not to get too wrapped up (no pun intended) in the material things.

Another timeless cartoon is Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer.  Saint Rose junior Matt Heminway loves this because “it’s a Christmas tradition that reminds me of being a kid.”  The reminiscent aspect of this film, as well as the moral lessons it includes make it a great flick to watch every year.  It teaches us that even though we might not appear to fit in with the status quo, everyone has special characteristics and the potential to realize our seemingly far fetched dreams. (i.e.: an elf becoming a dentist…).

If you feel like being reminded of your childhood without the cartoons, Home Alone is a perfect alternative.  It’s still funny even after watching it over a dozen times.  Really, who doesn’t want to see an eight year old defeat a couple of dumb thieves?  And, you get to see Macaulay Culkin before his dramatic turn of personal events occurs.

A great Christmas movie for guys is Ice Storm.  It’s a complete contrast to It’s a Wonderful Life in terms of how the plot turns out.  Ice Storm revolves around a mob lawyer who teams up with a strip club owner to steal his boss’ millions.  Clearly, it’s one strictly for adults as this movie is loaded with nudity and violence.  It mimics the film noir genre with cynical characters and a femme fatale.  It’s almost an anti-Christmas movie, perfect if you’re tired of hearing Jingle Bells everywhere you go.

Even when we encounter a real storm, we all get cabin fever sooner or later.  When you’re dying to head to the movies, there are a few coming attractions and new releases that can’t be missed.  The Holiday has an all-star cast including Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law, and Kate Winslet.  Kate and Cameron’s characters both have experienced recent heartbreak.  Rather than moping around on Christmas, they decide to relocate by trading houses, cars and lifestyles in order to forget about their common problem with men.  Released at Regal Cinemas on December 8 (check out www.Fandago.com for show times), this obvious chick flick and romantic comedy is great for a girl’s night or a date (that is, if you can get him to agree…). 

Also debuting on December 8 th is Unaccompanied Minors.  A group of kids (including every type-cast from the rich snob to the awkward geek) are stuck in an airport due to a blizzard without any parental supervision. Ch aos explodes as the pre-teens wreak havoc with a golf-cart joy ride, sleigh ride in a canoe, and befriend a flight attendant (played by Wilmer Valderrama).

While the weeks preceding the holidays are usually very hectic, there’s really not much to do on Christmas night.  So, if avoiding fruit cake and mistletoe have drained you of holiday cheer, you could always catch a horror flick.  Black Christmas, appropriately released on December 25 th is a remake of the 1974 Stranger in the House.  A group of sorority sisters become the victims of  harassing phone calls from an unknown caller. This is just the beginning of their terrifying holiday break.

            If you’re in the mood for a classic feel-good holiday flick, or would rather watch a new seat-clenching horror movie, there are endless choices. Whether you’re cuddling up on the couch with your favorite blanket, or going to the theater, keep your eyes open for all of the season’s great flicks! ■