Christmas has always been a time for joy, laughter, and spending time with loved ones. But for some, the holiday season can be a time of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Millions of people around the world experience holiday stress each year. The pressure to find the perfect gifts, cook the perfect meal, and host the perfect party can be overwhelming. And if you’re not careful, holiday stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
Additionally, the holidays can be a time of heightened expectations. We may feel pressure to spend more money than we can afford, to create the perfect holiday experience for our families, and to be happy and cheerful all the time. These expectations can lead to stress and disappointment if we don’t meet them.
A Christmas Carol of the Bells
“A Christmas Carol of the Bells” is a parody of the Christmas Carol “Jingle Bells,” first performed on December 18, 1976, during Season 2 of Saturday Night Live. The sketch features some of the regular cast members of SNL, including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman. Aykroyd plays the mischievous “Beeper,” who disrupts the caroling by making annoying noises with a bicycle horn. Belushi, Curtin, Radner, Morris, and Newman play carollers who attempt to keep singing despite Beeper’s interruptions.
The sketch opens with the carollers singing “Jingle Bells” in a traditional style. However, their singing is quickly interrupted when Beeper appears and begins making loud, obnoxious noises with his horn. The carollers try to ignore him and continue singing, but Beeper’s noises become increasingly louder and more disruptive. Finally, the carollers lose their patience and begin to argue with Beeper.
The argument quickly escalates into a physical fight, with the carollers chasing Beeper around the stage. The sketch ends with Beeper being chased off the stage by the carollers, who then resume singing “Jingle Bells” in peace.
“A Christmas Carol of the Bells” is a classic SNL sketch that combines humor, music, and slapstick comedy. The sketch has been praised for its clever writing, its memorable performances, and its ability to capture the spirit of the Christmas season.
The Cast of “A Christmas Carol of the Bells”:
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Dan Aykroyd | Beeper |
John Belushi | Caroler |
Jane Curtin | Caroler |
Gilda Radner | Caroler |
Garrett Morris | Caroler |
Laraine Newman | Caroler |
Christmas Vacation
In the 1989 holiday classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold, a well-intentioned but perpetually unlucky patriarch who tries to give his family the perfect Christmas, despite the many calamities that befall him.
Clark’s plans quickly go awry when his in-laws arrive unannounced and his boss denies him the bonus he was expecting. But Clark remains determined to make Christmas special for his family, even if it means stringing up thousands of Christmas lights on his house, which promptly blow out the power in the neighborhood.
Griswold Family Christmas Catastrophes
The Griswolds’ Christmas vacation is filled with one disaster after another. Here are some of the most memorable moments:
Griswold Catastrophe | Description |
---|---|
The Christmas Tree | Clark’s Christmas tree is so tall that it barely fits in the living room. It also quickly begins to shed needles, leaving a mess all over the floor. |
The Christmas Lights | Clark strings up thousands of Christmas lights on his house, which prompt blow out the power in the neighborhood. |
The Christmas Dinner | Clark’s turkey is undercooked, and his Christmas pudding is set on fire. |
The Christmas Tree Fire | The Christmas tree catches on fire and burns down the living room. |
A Charlie Brown Christmas
First airing in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas quickly became a beloved holiday classic, with its simple yet powerful message of the true meaning of Christmas. The special features Charlie Brown’s iconic quest to find the perfect Christmas tree, his heartwarming realization of the true spirit of the holiday, and a memorable performance of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by a choir of Peanuts characters.
The Soundtrack
One of the most beloved elements of A Charlie Brown Christmas is its iconic soundtrack, composed by Vince Guaraldi. The score perfectly captures the nostalgic charm and heartwarming spirit of the special, with recognizable tracks like “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” The music has become synonymous with the holiday season and continues to be enjoyed by generations of viewers.
The Legacy
A Charlie Brown Christmas has had a profound impact on popular culture, becoming one of the most recognized and beloved Christmas specials of all time. Its simple yet powerful message of the true meaning of Christmas has resonated with audiences for decades. The special has also inspired numerous books, stage adaptations, and even a feature film, ensuring its enduring legacy as a holiday classic. Additionally, the soundtrack has become an iconic part of the Christmas season, with its memorable melodies and heartwarming arrangements.
Television Ratings | Year |
---|---|
45% | 1965 |
50% | 1966 |
55% | 1967 |
The Nightmare Before Christmas
In the Tim Burton-directed stop-motion animated musical, Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. He grows tired of the same old routine and stumbles upon Christmas Town, where he’s enchanted by the joy and happiness. Inspired, he decides to bring Christmas to Halloween Town, leading to hilarious and disastrous results. The film’s iconic visuals, catchy songs, and endearing characters have made it a beloved holiday classic.
Jack’s Journey
When Jack initially enters Christmas Town, he’s bewildered by the unfamiliar sights and sounds. He encounters friendly elves, a bustling Santa’s workshop, and the jolly Saint Nick himself. Overwhelmed by the festive spirit, Jack realizes the true meaning of Christmas, which involves much more than just tricks and scares.
The Frightful Christmas
With newfound determination, Jack returns to Halloween Town and attempts to organize a grand Christmas celebration. However, his efforts are met with resistance from his initially reluctant citizens. Jack’s gloomy skeletal appearance and ghoulish touch turn traditional Christmas elements into terrifying nightmares. The reindeer become skeletal, the presents are bone-shaped, and Santa’s outfit is replaced with a tattered black suit.
The True Spirit
Despite the initial chaos, Jack’s genuine desire to spread joy eventually wins over his townsfolk. They realize that Christmas is not about the macabre but about love, kindness, and the spirit of giving. Together, they create a unique and heartwarming Halloween-themed Christmas that brings joy to both Halloween Town and Christmas Town.
Character | Description | Christmas Alteration |
---|---|---|
Jack Skellington | Pumpkin King | Skeletal Santa Claus |
Sally | Doll with a secret | Ragdoll Christmas tree |
Oogie Boogie | Bug-like monster | Creepy snowman |
Zero | Jack’s pet ghost dog | Light-up Christmas ornament |
Elf
In this sketch, Will Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, who travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his real father. The sketch is full of Ferrell’s signature over-the-top humor, and it features a number of memorable moments, including Buddy’s awkward attempts to fit in with humans and his love of Elf on the Shelf. The sketch was so popular that it was eventually made into a full-length movie.
Buddy’s Awkwardness
One of the funniest things about the Elf sketch is Buddy’s complete lack of social skills. He doesn’t understand human customs, and he often says and does things that make people uncomfortable. For example, when Buddy first meets his father, he greets him with a big hug and says, “I’m your elf!” His father is understandably taken aback, but Buddy doesn’t seem to notice.
Buddy’s Love of Elf on the Shelf
Another funny thing about Buddy is his love of Elf on the Shelf. He carries one with him everywhere he goes, and he even sleeps with it in his bed. Buddy is so obsessed with Elf on the Shelf that he even tries to convince his father to buy one for him. His father is not amused, but Buddy doesn’t seem to care.
Buddy’s Search for His Father
The main plot of the Elf sketch is Buddy’s search for his real father. He travels from the North Pole to New York City, and he eventually finds his father working as a book publisher. Buddy is overjoyed to finally meet his father, but things don’t go as smoothly as he had hoped. His father is not very interested in him, and he doesn’t seem to want anything to do with him. Buddy is heartbroken, but he eventually realizes that his true family is the friends he has made along the way.
Character | Actor |
---|---|
Buddy the Elf | Will Ferrell |
Walter Hobbs | James Caan |
Jovie | Zooey Deschanel |
Home Alone
The Christmas classic, Home Alone, has been a beloved holiday staple for decades. The film follows Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left home alone when his family goes on vacation to Paris. Kevin must protect his home from two burglars, Harry and Marv, who are determined to steal his family’s valuables.
Home Alone is a heartwarming and humorous film that has become a holiday tradition for many families. The film’s success is due in no small part to the charming performance of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin. Culkin’s portrayal of Kevin is both endearing and hilarious, and he has become one of the most iconic child actors in film history.
In addition to Culkin’s performance, Home Alone also features a memorable supporting cast. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern play the bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, and their comedic timing is impeccable. The film also features Catherine O’Hara and John Heard as Kevin’s parents, and their performances are both touching and funny.
Home Alone is a film that the whole family can enjoy. It is a heartwarming and humorous holiday classic that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Kevin’s traps
One of the most memorable aspects of Home Alone is Kevin’s elaborate system of booby traps. These traps are designed to keep Harry and Marv out of the house, and they range from simple pranks to serious hazards.
Here is a list of some of Kevin’s most famous traps:
Trap | Effect |
---|---|
Paint cans on the stairs | Knocks Harry unconscious |
Marbles on the floor | Makes Marv slip and fall |
Wet bandits on the doorknobs | Shocks Harry and Marv |
Iron in the face | Burns Marv’s face |
Tarantula on Marv’s face | Sends Marv running in terror |
Kevin’s traps are ingenious and effective, and they help him to defeat Harry and Marv and protect his home.
Miracle on 34th Street
In the classic 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street,” a department store Santa Claus named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) claims to be the real deal. While some disbelieve him, including the cynical Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood), and department store executive Fred Gailey (John Payne), others, like the store’s owner, Doris’ mother, and even a judge, begin to believe. As the holiday season unfolds, Kris’s kindness and unwavering belief in Santa Claus spread throughout the city, bringing joy and wonder to everyone he encounters.
The Power of Belief
“Miracle on 34th Street” explores the power of belief, both in the literal sense of believing in Santa Claus and in the figurative sense of believing in oneself and in the goodness of others. Kris’s unwavering belief in himself as Santa Claus inspires others to believe in him and in the magic of the holiday season.
The Importance of Kindness
Kris’s kindness is infectious, spreading throughout the city like a benevolent virus. His unwavering belief in the goodness of others inspires them to be kind to themselves and to each other, creating a ripple effect of positive energy that transforms the city into a more compassionate and loving place.
The Magic of Christmas
The film captures the magic of Christmas, a time when hope, joy, and love are in the air. Through Kris’s eyes, we experience the holiday season as a time of wonder and enchantment, where anything is possible. “Miracle on 34th Street” reminds us of the importance of embracing the spirit of Christmas and cherishing the joy and love that it brings.
Character | Actor |
---|---|
Kris Kringle | Edmund Gwenn |
Doris Walker | Maureen O’Hara |
Susan Walker | Natalie Wood |
Fred Gailey | John Payne |
It’s a Wonderful Life
The SNL Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming and hilarious take on the classic holiday film. Will Ferrell stars as George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck businessman who is visited by an angel who shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.
The sketch is filled with cameos from SNL cast members past and present, including Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, and Jimmy Fallon. It’s a perfect holiday treat for fans of SNL and classic Christmas movies alike.
Deleted Scenes
Several deleted scenes from “It’s a Wonderful Life” were later released on the SNL DVD box set. These scenes include:
- George and Mary Bailey arguing about money
- George Bailey trying to sell his life insurance policy to Mr. Potter
- George Bailey getting drunk and singing “White Christmas”
Trivia
Here are some interesting trivia facts about “It’s a Wonderful Life”:
- The sketch was originally supposed to be a parody of the film “A Christmas Carol,” but Ferrell suggested that they do “It’s a Wonderful Life” instead.
- The sketch was filmed in front of a live studio audience.
- The sketch was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
Reception
“It’s a Wonderful Life” was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its humor, heart, and performances. The sketch is now considered one of the best SNL Christmas sketches of all time.
Critics’ Consensus |
---|
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming and hilarious take on the classic holiday film. Will Ferrell gives a tour-de-force performance as George Bailey, and the sketch is filled with cameos from SNL cast members past and present. It’s a perfect holiday treat for fans of SNL and classic Christmas movies alike. |
Love Actually
The British romantic comedy Love Actually was released in 2003 and quickly became a holiday classic. The film follows nine intertwined love stories, each with its own unique charm and heartwarming moments.
9. Mark and Juliet
Mark (Andrew Lincoln) is a British writer who falls in love with Juliet (Keira Knightley), a Portuguese housekeeper who doesn’t speak English. Language barriers and social differences threaten their relationship, but Mark’s unwavering dedication and their shared love of music ultimately overcome these obstacles.
In a particularly memorable scene, Mark stands outside Juliet’s door on Christmas Eve and declares his love to her in Portuguese using cue cards. Juliet, touched by his effort, reciprocates his feelings, and the two share a kiss through the closed door.
Mark and Juliet’s story is a testament to the power of true love and the importance of perseverance even when faced with challenges.
Additional Details
Character | Actor/Actress |
---|---|
Mark | Andrew Lincoln |
Juliet | Keira Knightley |
The song “White Christmas” by Otis Redding plays a significant role in Mark and Juliet’s relationship. Mark teaches Juliet the lyrics, and they sing it together in their first Christmas Eve scene.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a 1992 musical fantasy comedy film directed by Brian Henson and starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. The film is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, with the Muppets performing the roles of the various characters. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a production budget of $12 million. It has since become a holiday classic and is considered one of the best Christmas films ever made.
The film features a number of memorable musical numbers, including “It Feels Like Christmas,” “When Love Is Gone,” and “Thankful Heart.” The film’s soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Show Album.
The Muppets’ performances are universally praised as being some of the best in the franchise’s history. Michael Caine is also singled out for his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, with many critics considering it one of his best roles.
The Muppet Christmas Carol has been released on home video several times, most recently in 2018 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. The film has also been adapted into a stage musical, which premiered in 1994.
Nostalgic Appeal
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a film that appeals to both children and adults. Children will enjoy the Muppets’ antics and the film’s catchy songs, while adults will appreciate the film’s heartwarming message and its faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella.
The film’s nostalgic appeal is one of its strongest assets. Many people who grew up watching the Muppet Christmas Carol have fond memories of the film and continue to watch it every year. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its ability to capture the true spirit of Christmas.
Cultural Impact
The Muppet Christmas Carol has had a significant cultural impact. The film’s popularity has helped to revive interest in Charles Dickens’ classic novella, and it has introduced the Muppets to a new generation of fans. The film has also been parodied and referenced in numerous other works of popular culture, including the television show Family Guy and the film Elf.
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a beloved holiday classic that has become a part of our cultural fabric. The film’s message of hope and redemption is one that resonates with people of all ages, and its catchy songs and memorable characters have made it a holiday tradition for millions of families.
Characters
Character | Muppet Performer |
---|---|
Ebenezer Scrooge | Michael Caine |
Bob Cratchit | Kermit the Frog |
Tiny Tim | Robin the Frog |
The Ghost of Jacob Marley | Statler |
The Ghost of Christmas Past | Miss Piggy |
The Ghost of Christmas Present | Fozzie Bear |
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come | The Swedish Chef |
Best Christmas Ever SNL
The Best Christmas Ever sketch from Saturday Night Live is a classic holiday sketch that has been enjoyed by audiences for years. The sketch features Will Ferrell as a department store Santa Claus who is visited by a group of children (played by the SNL cast) who are all excited to tell him what they want for Christmas. However, Santa quickly realizes that the children are all very spoiled and entitled, and he begins to get frustrated with them. The sketch is full of hilarious moments, as Santa tries to deal with the children’s increasingly outrageous demands. In the end, Santa is able to teach the children the true meaning of Christmas, and they all leave the store feeling happy and fulfilled.
People Also Ask About Best Christmas Ever SNL
What is the name of the sketch?
The Best Christmas Ever
Who plays Santa Claus in the sketch?
Will Ferrell
What is the message of the sketch?
The true meaning of Christmas is not about getting presents, but about spending time with loved ones and giving back to others.