Getting into the spirit – Part I

Who doesn’t like a happy ending?

I suspect that is why moviegoers love Christmas movies. It really is a simple formula, no matter the opening situation, there’s always going to be a happy ending and it’s usually Santa Claus riding off into the night yelling “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night” in secular movies or the birth of Jesus Christ in more religious ones.

I have to admit that I’m a sucker even for the Hallmark Christmas movies that my wife forces me with chains and handcuffs to watch. (Now Hallmark could use some variety in their plot and some stronger writing, but you could say that about much of what we call entertainment.)

When we’ve come home from work this week, my wife and I have been watching some of our favorites and have been amazed by the number of great movie quotes. I’ve been collecting a few of the better ones that remind me about what makes this a great time of year and will share them over the next three weeks. Here you go:

“Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” —Zuzu Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life

“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!” —How the Grinch Stole Christmas

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” —Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love is actually all around.” —Prime Minister, Love Actually

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“I realized that Christmas is the time to be with the people you love.”—Billy Mack, Love Actually

“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” —Santa, The Polar Express

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” —Fred Gailey, “Miracle on 34th Street”

“Tell her that you love her. You’ve got nothing to lose and you’ll always regret it if you don’t.” —Daniel, Love Actually

“The thing about trains … it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” — Conductor, The Polar Express

“This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back?” —Kevin McCallister, Home Alone

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“Remember, George: No man is a failure who has friends.” —Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

“You can mess with a lot of things. But you can’t mess with kids on Christmas.” —Kevin McCallister, Home Alone 2

“Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon, which the entire kid year revolved.” —Ralphie, A Christmas Story

“That’s the one good thing about regret: It’s never too late. You can always change tomorrow if you want to.” —Claire Phillips, Scrooged

“And you shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who will save his people from their sins.” I know. Mary, God showed me. An angel came to me in my dream.” —Joseph, The Nativity Story

“Yes! Yes I do! I like Christmas! I love Christmas!” —Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

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