Christmas Movies

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, surely you enjoy these two classic movies that get trotted out every year around this time. First up is the Vincente Minnelli directed gem "Meet Me in St. Louis." MGM makeup gal Donnie Ponedel helped transform Judy Garland into a beautiful young woman who actually gets the guy in this charming turn-of-the-century tale.



The second to last sequence in the film takes place during the Christmas season and is highlighted by Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," sung to Margaret O'Brien.



Although the song is meant to cheer the characters up, the impending threat of having to move the family from their home in St. Louis to the big city of New York casts a bittersweet sadness over the scene.



"It's a Wonderful Life" barely broke even when released over the Christmas holiday of 1946, but has since become a beloved favorite of many.



Overcome with financial troubles, George Bailey (expertly played by Jimmy Stewart) forgets all of the blessings he has had throughout his life and wishes he had never been born.



Thanks to Clarence, the guardian angel, George gets his wish and is able to see just how much of a positive impact he had by being around.



The emotional final scene around the Christmas tree is one that is hard to forget, as friends and family descend upon the Bailey home to repay the kindnesses that George doled out over the years.







A ringing bell on the tree lets the audience know that Clarence has earned his wings.



No matter what your situation is today, may the spirit of the season take over and let you know just how much YOU are valued!

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