Family with purple Santa hats in front of the TV

Visions of Festive Flicks

Watching holiday movies has become a tradition that gives comfort and joy to so many of us during this season. From classic to contemporary, let’s look at some favorites that explore different ways of seeing more than meets the eye:

1. “A Christmas Carol” (various adaptations) 
In Charles Dickens’ classic tale, the protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to “see” his own past, present, and possible future, revelations that change the way he looks at his place in the world.

2. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
This classic film features George Bailey (James Stewart) who, like a latter-day Ebenezer Scrooge, witnesses flashbacks of his past life that help him value his present life and the support of friends and family.

3. “The Polar Express” (2004)  
This animated film revolves around a young boy who embarks on a dreamlike train ride to the North Pole. The importance of believing in what you cannot see is a central theme. Notice that our conductor, voiced by Tom Hanks, wears specs as he conducts the magical journey.

4. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)  
This heartwarming film from Twentieth Century Fox centers on a man (played by Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be Santa Claus and the legal battle to prove his identity. In the film, child actor Natalie Wood sees the truth and is determined to make the adults see it, too.

5. “The Santa Clause” (1994)  
In this film, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) becomes a stand-in for Santa Claus after an unfortunate encounter with the real Santa. The movie brings home the idea of seeing the magic of the holiday season through the eyes of a child.

6. “Home Alone” (1990)  
“I made my family disappear” says Kevin, who in this comedy is played by the wonderful Macaulay Culkin. To thwart the bumbling crooks trying to enter his home, Kevin must keep his eyes wide open and his brain working overtime. (For a more serious take on the brain/eye connection, see https://atlanticeye.com/2024/03/the-brain-eye-connection-how-your-brain-influences-your-vision-and-eye-health/).

7. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
In this film version of the beloved Dr. Seuss tale, The Grinch’s transformation from a bitter character to one who understands the true meaning of Christmas emphasizes the importance of seeing things from a different perspective.

8. “Jingle All the Way” (1996)
In this film, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a father who goes on a frantic last-minute quest to find a “Turbo Man” toy for his son. We watch and laugh at the chaos that ensues until he finally sees the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.

9. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)  
Jack Skellington’s journey to understand the joy of Christmas emphasizes seeing beyond his own Halloween world. His exploration of different perspectives drives the wry and touching humor in this film.

10. “A Christmas Story” (1983)  
“You’ll shoot your eye out,” Ralphie’s mother warns after his wish for a Red Ryder BB gun. He gets the toy, and it’s only his new glasses that keep his mother’s warning from coming true – reminding us that eye safety is an important consideration for toy-buying this holiday season!

We hope you will find time to sit back and enjoy some or all these holiday films this season. They help underscore the idea that vision, on so many levels, is a precious gift. Remember that at Atlantic Eye, we are here to help make sure that you and your loved ones are seeing your world clearly during the holidays and into the New Year.