“MERRY CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN!”

By Siera Schubach, Staff Writer

Published in print Dec 3, 2014.

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time for my top five must-see Christmas films. Sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy!

If I could only watch five films each Christmas, it would be these five (in no particular order).

1. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)

A Dr. Seuss classic, and so much better than the live-action 2000 version, HGSC is whimsical, meaningful and oh so festive. At nearly 50 years old, HGSC has stood the test of time. I’d be lying if I denied quoting Cindy Lou Who’s “why are you taking our Christmas tree, why?” every year when my mom takes down our tree.

2. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)

The only Muppet film to make my top five (oh what a struggle), MCC is the only Christmas Carol adaption you need see. Filled with songs, puns, classic lines and Michael Caine, it’s a solid must-see Christmas classic. MCC was the first major Muppet production made after Jim Henson’s untimely death. Directed by his son, Brian Henson, MCC has a special warmth about it, a tribute to the great Muppet master.

Bonus: The widescreen version on the DVD omits one of the best songs, so be sure to watch in full screen.

3. “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947)

Perhaps one of the lesser known Christmas gems (at least in this day and age), The Bishop’s Wife is perfect. The ever-charming Cary Grant stars as Dudley, the angel sent to remind Bishop Henry (David Niven) about what is really important in life (i.e. not fundraising for a new cathedral but rather the faithful woman beside him, played by Loretta Young). Funny and warm, The Bishop’s Wife lacks the sap usually attributed to these kinds of films. Perhaps it’s the chemistry between the cast, or just Grant’s infectious smile, but there is something real and timeless about The Bishop’s Wife, making it one of my very favorite holiday classics.

4. “A Wish for Wings that Work” (1991)

Opus, the star of Berkeley Breathed’s comic strip, has his very own Christmas special and boy, is it hilarious. Weird and wonderful, WFWTW is the perfect combination of humor and holiday sentiment. Obsessed with his inability to fly (he’s a penguin), Opus wishes for wings that work. With the help of his hair brained (and hairballed) friend Bill the Cat, some bow-tied ducks and Santa Claus himself, Opus learns the most valuable lesson of all; that we are all special in our own way.

Bonus: “Just be glad your wife didn’t leave you for an ALBATROSS!” Watch and you’ll understand.

5. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

No Christmas movie list is complete without this classic. A comment on consumerism and Christmas spirit, CBC is the ultimate Christmas special. Searching for the meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown finds it in the most simple of places, reminding the audience what is really important about his holiday season. Each time I watch it I have the greatest urge to pull on a yellow sweater and head out to find the wimpiest Christmas tree I can find. Also, Schroeder’s angry rendition of Jingle Bells is one of the best cartoon moments ever.

Special Mention: “A Muppet Family Christmas” (1987)

As my favorite Christmas film of all time, I felt “A Muppet Family Christmas” deserved a very special mention. It is literally a reunion of all Henson’s creations, featuring Sesame Street characters, the Muppets AND Fraggle Rock all in one Christmas special. Jim Henson also makes a guest appearance at the very end, making this film even more unique. Unfortunately, this classic isn’t available on DVD so each year I watch it on my slowly disintegrating VHS. Nonetheless, MFC is hilarious, festive and downright uplifting!