Christmas Movie Poll

by Kirsten Neuwith

Almost everyone loves Christmas and likes to get into the right mood with their favorite Christmas movie! There are many great Christmas movies, but some are favored more than others. After polling the WLHS student body, faculty, and staff, the most popular Christmas movie is Home Alone. Sophomore Mason Marrari gives his opinion on why it is his favorite: “Honestly, this movie is one that I grew up watching every single year. To think that a kid that was only 8 years old could defend his house with unique and detailed traps was mind-blowing when I first saw it. Each year, I still watch it at least a dozen times per Christmas season.” In second place we had Elf. This humorous movie about a human raised by elves is loved by many, including junior Ava Biesterfeld. “I think that this is just a classic movie that people love more and more every year. It is very relatable because Buddy the Elf has all these hopes for Christmas. It is also a very family-friendly movie that is filled with comedy as well!” Third, students chose the Dr. Seuss-inspired movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This classic movie is loved by many for its great music and funny characters. It’s a Wonderful Life received fourth place. Mrs. Gospodarek loves this movie for one main reason. “Maybe for Christmases prior I would’ve chosen Miracle on 34th Street, both the older and newer versions of the movie. With my motherin-law in heaven this Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life will take its place. After church on Christmas Eve, dinner, and present opening, we’d have this movie on, and it was a favorite of my mother-in-law’s. I love older black and white movies, the kind of movies not played too often, and the ones that seem to encompass the feeling of a night in a somewhat tangible way.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas takes fifth and is loved by many for its Christian aspects. The last five respectively are A Christmas Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas, White Christmas, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Miracle on 34th Street. People have many different reasons why a movie is their favorite, however, many are linked with a tradition. Freshman Micah Buschkopf also says, “Every year on Christmas Eve, my family will watch It’s a Wonderful Life together, and we have every year since I can remember. It puts into perspective just how much impact one person can have on many lives.” Traditions are a huge part of Christmas, and each person has a different ones. Another reason why a movie may be a favorite is because it may remind a person of someone. Freshman Morgan Lautz says, “My mom is in heaven now, but when she was with us, she loved everything Charlie Brown. She always told us about how it was cool that when Linus said the words “Do not fear” from Luke 2. It is the only time in the Charlie Brown movies where he drops his blanket. I love my mom and miss her dearly. We watch this, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and all the other Charlie Brown movies every year in memory of her. She also loved how this is one of the few Christmas movies that had Jesus in it.“ Certain movies may bring up memories of loved ones, and this person may be the reason a movie is someone’s favorite. Christmas movies also bring great feelings to many people who watch and enjoy them. Whether you enjoy them because it is a tradition, a favorite memory, or you just love them for what they are, they can be a great part of the holidays that brings you together with those you love.