What is a Christmas movie?

It is December 25th and that yearly debate is being had between passionate Christmas movie enthusiasts. The large debate about the movie Die Hard. Is it a Christmas movie? It most definitely is a Christmas movie. It belongs with my list of Christmas tradition movies. A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Die Hard and Home alone. They all possess the same traits that make them specifically Christmas movies.

As a kid having an older brother, and two loving parents that would do the best they could to provide a great Christmas, A Christmas Story was always a favorite. I never received a pink bunny pajama outfit, but as an adult I do own one now. The quest to get that sacred gift that is desired for that year. Ralphie takes on the local bully, and wins. He also in a John McClain like manner drops an F bomb mid movie. He shoots his new Red Rider BeeBee gun with confidence and avoids the dreaded eye injury that everyone told him could happen. He received his rifle, and McClain got his machine gun. These parallel and symbolic moments.

As Ralphie did his thing, Clark Griswald did his best to provide a happy holiday to his family, including Eddie. Every year the family Christmas dinner and coming together is the plan. Making sure you are there for your children at Christmas is always important. Just like Johns trip to LA. Clark also deals with a slight hostage situation and multiple explosions through the movie as well as a power outage. Seems like John McClain dealt with the same thing. As well as being barefoot because the shoe size was too small, which I think we have all dealt with on Christmas day at some point. Clarks legendary speech is iconic and truly brings the over whelming emotion that can happen during the holidays. A part of me feels like John could have hit those powerful notes in the same way. I could see him standing on the roof of Nakatomi Plaza saying the same things. Sometimes green Jello with carrot can bring that out of someone.

I have been alone on Christmas a few times in my life. It isn't easy and to be able to watch Home Alone and find ways to enjoy the time by myself shows gratitude. I used to make fists with my toes as a kid on a regular occasion. If you are a fan of Home Alone as a Christmas movie then you also have to be on the side of Die Hard as a Christmas movie. Kevin defends his home from intruders and does his best to save the day. Having to get creative to thwart the bad guys and outlast them takes toughness and Christmas miracles. Both demonstrate an individual being barefoot walking on sharp shards of glass. They also have the inclusion and reference of a machine gun in unique and Christmassy ways. Holiday music and the eventual action that leads to a police presence tie everything together with big bright bow.

Yes, if you haven't noticed, I have brought together the facts that do show Die Hard is a Christmas movie, because like this post, it is the subtle things that confirm it. To the jingling bells at the beginning, to Let it Snow playing in the credits, it ties into all of my favorite Christmas movies. Ralphie, Clark, Kevin and John are all memorable and iconic Christmas characters that have created traditions on Christmas for me. As I prepare the Prime rib and deal with 70 degree weather in Georgia I pass on to everyone this message. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Yippee Ki-Yay Ralphie.