Jeff and I have a few holiday traditions such as watching certain films and TV shows (not in any particular order.)
1. It's a Wonderful Life: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/
Somehow I never saw this film until I watched it with Jeff--probably our first Christmas together in 1986 when we got engaged. As I wrote the other day, http://lynnecoll.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-moment.html I love the way the film used the alternate timeline/reality. I like that device so much, I'll watch lesser movies, such as Mr. Destiny http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100201/ with its ridiculous over-the-top chase scene ending and The Family Man http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0218967/.
James Stewart is always good as the ordinary man. Here he plays a man torn between his wistful longings for a life of travel and adventure, and his compromised life devoted to family and community. He shows it all on his face when the Board of Directors agrees to keep the Bailey Building & Loan open--on the condition that George take over his father's position. It takes a look at the world of Pottersville for George to realize his compromise was actually wonderful.
In a solid supporting cast, Lionel Barrymore stands out as Potter, fully realizing a character who could be a caricature in a lesser actor's hands. Thomas Mitchell's Uncle Billy is also solid. Take a look to see what Riku says about the film. http://rikuwrites.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-wonderful-film-thoughts-on-holiday.html
2. Christmas in Connecticut: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/
I wouldn't call this a screwball comedy as some commenters do on imdb but it has elements of farce with Barbara Stanwyck's Elizabeth Lane posing as the perfect cook/homemaker. Stanwyck proves she can excel in comedy as well as drama. Her leading man is Dennis Morgan. I've always liked him--he is underrated as an actor--maybe because of some of his musical roles. As soon as you see the big tip he gives to the driver (especially compared to the paltry tip of Elizabeth's fiance John--played by Reginald Gardiner) you know he's the man for her. Christmas in Connecticut also provides a change-of-pace for Sydney Greenstreet. He didn't always play a villain, but he was known for his mysterious, sinister characters. The film also features SZ Sakall as Felix--he's always a pleasure to watch.
3. The Man Who Came to Dinner http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033874/http://:
This isn't a true Christmas movie, but the action takes place over holidays so this has entered our Christmas movie rotation. I originally watched this for Bette Davis--my favorite actress. She heads another strong supporting cast but the lead is Monty Woolley as Sheridan Whiteside. Ann Sheridan is on hand with Billie Burke and Reginald Gardiner (who was also in Christmas in Connecticut.)
4 An Echolls Family Christmas; Veronica Mars Season 1: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0739514/: The only TV episode on the list, this works as a stand-alone episode as it reveals very little about the season-long story of who killed Lilly Kane. Two mysteries-of-the-week come to a head at the Echolls annual Christmas party when Veronica and her father Keith expose the underbelly of Neptune CA.
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