18 days til Christmas

Sorry this is late, unplanned travel and limited Internet left me hanging. So tonight I give you two offerings.

So anyone else enjoy the Desk Set. Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in one of their best pairings in my book. This movie not only is great when it comes being a holiday film, but the librarian in me loves it too.

I don't know of a library without a trailing plant growing in someone's office. The staff can all answer any question, but each has a niche topic. And the introduction of new technology continues today.

Remember if you post a comment during my totally biased listing of the best holiday programs and movies, you'll be entered in a drawing for something fun after January 7th.

19 days til Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas gives the incomparable Dr. Seuss' voice to Christmas. For me though only the animated show with Boris Karloff's narration and Chuck Jones' animation makes the cut.

I know for many it's the Grinch's change of heart, or the sweetness of Cindy Lou Who that make the book and show. Not me, I love Max. This dog is wonderful. From model to reindeer to triumphant sleigh dog - he's in it all the way.

20 days til Christmas

The program serving for today is one that I first loved as a book and now treasure the film, The Polar Express.

I love Chris Van Allsburg's story about the magic of Christmas and the special treasure for children who believe. When I heard about the computer animation process, I wasn't sure the subtleness of the illustrations would be achieved. On one level I think the whole movie works beautifully. I still think hand illustrations show best with hand animation.

Now my children find The Polar Express on the holiday movie shelf and watch it many times during the holiday season. I just hope they always here the bell ring.

21 days til Christmas

We've been watching some of the Christmas specials already. MM enjoys so many of them, but she thinks Rudolph is getting short changed. The Santa Clause, Mrs. Santa Claus and others don't include Rudolph, so today's pick is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, another Rankin-Bass offering.

This is a fun watch. My favorite character is the Bumble - he bounces! This also includes one of my favorite songs, "Silver & Gold." Burl Ives gives a warm and cuddly persona as Sam the Snowman.

For my friend Bridget, this is the ultimate Christmas show. Over the last several years, I've tried to add a little piece of Rudolph to her package.

22 days til Christmas

Tonight I bring you the first of the many Rankin-Bass specials. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus brings the L. Frank Baum story of fairies and a magical world that gives to the human world the immortal Santa Claus.

According to imdb.com this was the last of the Rankin-Bass shows using Animagic. The puppetry of these shows brings me enjoyment and are now some of my kids favorite programs through the season.

23 days till Christmas

Charles Schultz captured a simpler time of life in the Peanuts strip. Yet the world of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy isn't simple or childish.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is just a relevant today as in was back in 1965. This year's exceedingly early launch for the Christmas shopping season fits Lucy's need for more stuff and Snoopy's overdone decorating.

Linus' recitation of the shepherd and angel portion of Luke returns the kids to the focus of Christmas then and reminds us all today.

May you find the simple joy of Christmas in your traditions this year.

24 days 'til Christmas

Many stations decided before Thanksgiving to start with the pre-Christmas movie marathons. As I've noted before, for me that is just WRONG.

Now it's December 1st and I'm going to try posting each day with a bit about one of my many favorite Christmas programs and movies.

I watch White Christmas nearly every time I find it in the program listing. I enjoy the music and dancing, especially Rosemarie Clooney. My favorite songs are "Sister, Sisters" and "Count Your Blessings."

We found the announcement for White Christmas on Broadway after our tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular were purchased. Next year we'll have to look into this "new" theater option sooner.


And now, here's a holiday surprise for you. Post a comment between December 1st and January 6th about your favorite Christmas program, movie, or even song. Come January 7th, I'll select a random comment and have a post holiday surprise even.

Now let the holidays run away!