Day 10: Jackie Pilossoph: 12 Authors of Christmas

I Heart Romantic Comedy Christmas Movies
By:  Jackie Pilossoph

                The holidays are all about family and togetherness and kids and presents and eggnog and turkey, right? But Christmas and New Years can also be very romantic times of the year, just ask any movie producer. There have been dozens of romantic comedies made that are set during the holidays. What’s more romantic than snow and cold and fireplaces and wine and mistletoe?

                So, I’d like to give you my list of favorite romantic comedy Christmas movies. If you’ve never seen one of these, I’d say you are missing out big time. And even if you’ve seen them all, these are movies you can watch over and over again, and I guarantee you’ll still laugh, cry and just plain old feel good. PS. They make great gifts, too!

When Harry Met Sally (1989):

When I decided to write this article, this was the first movie that came to mind. The last scene, when Harry (played by Billy Crystal) runs to the New Years Eve party to tell Sally (Meg Ryan) he’s in love with her is probably the cutest, most romantic scene I’ve ever watched.  Harry: “It’s not because it’s New Years Eve, and it’s not because I’m lonely. When you decide that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Sally: “You see Harry? You make it impossible for me to hate you, and I hate you Harry, I hate you.” Then they kiss. Got to give it to Nora Ephron on that one. She knew how to write a romantic love scene better than  anyone.

The Holiday (2006):

This is a layup. You’ve got Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Ed Burns (small role but so what?) and writer and director Nancy Meyers. What a completely cute, funny, romantic, entertaining feel good flick. Two women swap houses for a week over the holidays, and both experience the other’s life. They both, of course meet men. THE CUTEST! I wouldn’t expect any but that from Meyers.

Love Actually (2003):

Love Actually is one of those movies that has tons of stars in it, and all these different stories going on at the same time. What I remember so clearly about this movie is the story line between a writer (played by Colin Firth) and a Polish housekeeper he falls in love with, even though she doesn’t speak English and he doesn’t speak Polish. I thought that was a brilliant love story idea. All the other stories as very cute and romantic, as well, the movie offering nothing but happy tears, smiles and that fulfilling ending that has you thinking happy thoughts for days.

Serendipity (2001):

Aww, how can you resist a good John Cusack romantic comedy? Set during the holidays in New York City, and co-starring beautiful Kate Beckinsale, and one of my favorites, Jeremy Piven, Serendipity will have you rooting for this cute couple to reunite. I think the message of the movie is to offer hope to people who think true love is hard to find (which it is!) Plus, the last scene in the movie is adorable. They are standing at the counter of some department store buying gloves together.  If they were going for a tear jerking ending with some giggles, producers nailed it.

The Family Stone (2005):

Anything with Sara Jessica Parker can’t be bad. That’s my theory, and I’m pretty sure that’s why I went to see The Family Stone when it first came out. That said, the movie was in a word: fantastic! Luke Wilson sort of made the movie, but then you’ve got tons of other adorable characters, including Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams (who deserves special mention for how funny she was) and Craig T. Nelson. The family was adorable, the relationship that sparks between Luke and Parker is THE BEST, and the sense of love and family and tragedy will have you bawling. Great flick!!

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001):

This movie made me fall head over heals with Colin Firth. It is also by far, Renee Zellweger’s best movie  (although, her performance in Jerry McGuire falls into that category, too.) This movie is the epitome of  the single woman trying to find love. I can guarantee that any woman watching Bridget Jones’s Diary can relate to her and to the story. The movie is funny, sweet, entertaining, and sends a great message. Best scene: when Bridget runs outside (while it’s snowing and really cold) in her underwear to chase down her guy. Brilliant.

On a side note, it’s not only movies that can be romantic during the holidays. So can books, gifts, and other forms of entertainment, including music. So, I couldn’t resist mentioning one of my VERY FAVORITE Christmas songs, the very romantic All I want for Christmas is You, by Mariah Carey.

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas, There is just one thing I need, I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know.  Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.”

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year with your families and friends. AND I wish you the same when it comes to love and romance.

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