Movies and Books to Get Into The Holiday Spirit
Christmas. A time of magic, wonder, and togetherness. Whether it be sharing a book by the warmth of the fire or watching your favourite movie with a cup of hot chocolate, there are countless ways to celebrate this festive occasion. Ready to dive into the holiday spirit with these enchanting fictions?
Elf, Starring: Will Ferrell
Buddy the elf always knew that he was different. Growing up in the North Pole with Santa and the toy factory, Buddy’s feet were always a few sizes too big, he could never fit through any doorways and he towered over all of the other elves. One December day, Buddy discovers the secret to his peculiarity: as a newborn, he had been accidentally delivered to the North Pole–he wasn’t an elf, but a human! This holiday season, join Buddy on his hilarious journey to New York City where he tracks down his biological father, explores the wonders of the city and reminds the world of the magic of Christmas, and how miracles can really come true!
The Polar Express, Starring: Tom Hanks:
A young boy, known as “Hero Boy” in the film, can not believe his eyes when he sees a massive, majestic train pull up by his bedroom window. All his life, Hero Boy has never believed in the magic of Christmas like his friends or family did. There was no such thing as magical, flying reindeer, and Santa Claus was just a dressed-up man posing for pictures at shopping malls. However, as the conductor of the train invites the boy to an exclusive adventure to the North Pole, Hero Boy begins to change mind, for this is not just any old train–this is the Polar Express!
The Christmas Pig, JK Rowling:
When we were younger, there was always that one special toy that we loved and cherished. That one toy that we slept with every night, that one toy that felt so easy to talk to. For Jack, that precious toy was Dur Pig (DP for short), his small stuffed pig. Jack did everything with DP: he took DP to the beach, talked to him, and at the end of the day, cuddled him to sleep. DP had helped him through all of his troubles, too: from his parents’ divorce, to moving to a new city, to coping with his new teenaged stepsister. Until one Christmas Eve, Jack’s worst nightmare becomes reality: DP is lost. For Christmas, he is given a new stuffed pig, Christmas Pig (or CP). But even CP could not replenish the relationship that DP and Jack shared. The story of the Christmas Pig is truly nostalgic and magical, showing us the depth of the friendship between a child and its toy, and that anything can happen on Christmas night!
Klaus, Starring: Sergio Pablos:
A story of a heartfelt movie, Klaus, centers around a lazy postmaker, who, after evidently proving himself to be the worst student in his academy, is punished to a frigid land up in the far North. There, he is tasked with the role of delivering 6000 letters in just 1 year. The only problem is, the people up North rarely exchange words, let alone letters. When all seems lost, like magic, he accidentally stumbles upon a cloistered toy maker named Klaus. Soon enough, an unlikely friendship is formed, returning laughter and hope to the dreary North! Imaginative, inspiring and beautifully crafted, this heartwarming take on Santa Claus is truly worthwhile. With bold morals about being truthful and kind, this show is a holiday must this Christmas!
A Boy Called Christmas, Matt Haig:
An enchanting, heartwarming novel, this story originates from the classic tale of Father Christmas. It follows a young boy, named Nickolas who sets out on an adventure in hopes to find his father, supposedly lost in the fabled village of Elfhelm. He brings along his 2 companions: a pet mouse and a reindeer called Blitzen. Nikolas lives in the forest with his father Joel, who is a woodcutter. Sadly, it was just the two of them as Nikolas’ mother had passed away two years prior. Each night, Nikolas tries to comfort himself by remembering the legend of a place called Elfhelm. One day, his father joins a hunting group, and sets off to try to find Elfhelm. Leaving Nikolas with his aunt. In this time, Nikolas discovers a map, confirming that Elfhelm is indeed a real place! To show his father, he goes on a mission to the Extreme North to go and try to find him. This novel is quite moving and endearing, and a fabulous choice for kids of any age. Following messages of spreading kindness and joy, this book is a Christmas classic, and one not to be missed!
From enchanted talking Christmas toys, to twisted adventures in the North Pole, these festive holiday movies and books will definitely set the mood for the festive season and make you think twice about the magic of the holidays! Happy holidays!