November 2017, Opinion

Movies You Should Watch During the Christmas Holiday

There is nothing more relaxing than finishing up your last final exam for the fall semester. I know there are many students here at Saint Augustine’s University who would agree that, after working hard all semester students, faculty, and staff deserve to enjoy the holidays.

Christmas break for me is one of the most exciting times on the academic calendar being that it is the longest break. This year, the holiday recess lasts until Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018. This break gives the SAU community time to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day with family and friends. This break also gives one plenty of time to binge watch all their favorite Christmas movies.

I know I’m not alone when it comes to allowing myself to get into the Christmas spirit with a movie or two.

Sterling Raynor, a senior criminal justice major here at SAU, feels the same way. “ ‘Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh’ is my favorite Christmas movie,” he said.

“ ‘Home Alone’ is my favorite movie,” said Tyashia Lassiter, a freshman, music major. “All four movies in the series are my favorite. I enjoy all of the things he does with the houses.”

One of my all-time favorite Christmas movies is, “This Christmas” which was released in 2007. If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend that you watch it. The film stars Chris Brown, Loretta Devine, Regina King, and Idris Elba. “This Christmas” is all about bringing a family together after years apart. It has plenty of drama and enough jokes to balance it all.

“The Last Holiday” was released in 2006 and the storyline and plot is what lands it on my list of picks. Queen Latifah acts as the film’s main character, Georgia. Georgia is told that she has a rare brain condition and only has a few weeks to live, so she decides to spend her last funds on a luxury holiday in Europe before she dies.

Next on my list is one of my favorite movies in general, though I often watch it during the Christmas holiday: “Holiday Heart,” which was released in 2000 and, to me, is just a great movie. The film’s plot does not specifically focus on Christmas, however, it is set during the holidays. “Holiday Heart” shows the importance of lending a helping hand to people in need, especially children.

“While You Were Sleeping” was released in 1995. It is an older film, literally as old as I am. I first came across the movie two years ago when I used it to accompany a class project. The film is a romantic comedy about a lonely fare collector for the Chicago train system and the man she rescues. The plot centers on the holidays generally and Christmas Day specifically.

I’m so happy to share my brief list of movies that I think the SAU community should watch, during the Christmas break. I hope that if you have not already watched any of these movies that you will check them out. Whether you watch them while snuggled up in a warm blanket on the sofa or as a family while decorating the Christmas Tree, it will help you to enjoy the holidays!

                                                           -By Jazmin Powell