Santa Claus is in trouble! Who will save Christmas? This A-to-Z guide to holiday films, television movies and series specials provides cast, credits, production information and commentary for 228 cinema Christmases that were almost ruined by villains, monsters, spirits, secularism, greed, misanthropy or elf error--but were saved by helpful animals, magic snowmen, selfless children or compassionate understanding. Reviews and references are included.
A hilarious Christmas story from an Emmy award-winning writer of The Simpsons! When Santa’s knocked out cold by a Jack-in-the-Boxer’s walloping punch, deli owner Murray Kleiner reluctantly agrees to take his place. The suit doesn’t fit, Murray smells a bit like pickles, and there’s no way he can remember the names of all those reindeer. But with the help of a pushy elf and an eager-to-believe young boy, Murray finds out that even though he’s not big enough to fill Santa’s suit, he’s got more than enough heart to get the job done. * "Reiss scores a bull's-eye with this hilarious debut. Catrow's puckish watercolors are equal to Reiss's wit and lightning pace." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "Finally, a Christmas book that lives up to its title!" --Matthew Groening, creator of The Simpsons
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC? It is Christmas Eve and all is not well. Amelia Wishart is trapped in Mr Creeper's workhouse and Christmas is in jeopardy. Magic is fading. If Christmas is to happen, Father Christmas knows he must find her. With the help of some elves, eight reindeer, the Queen and a man called Charles Dickens, the search for Amelia - and the secret of Christmas - begins . . .
Turner Classic Movies presents a bucket list of the best and most beloved holiday films of all time, complete with spirited commentary, behind-the-scenes stories, and photos spanning eight decades of Christmastime favorites. Nothing brings the spirit of the season into our hearts quite like a great holiday movie. "Christmas films" come in many shapes and sizes and exist across many genres. Some, like It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, are perennials, while others, such as Die Hard, have only gradually become yuletide favorites. But they all have one thing in common: they use themes evoked by the holiday period - nostalgia, joy, togetherness, dysfunction, commercialism, or cynicism - as a force in their storytelling. Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in the Movies showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a "Christmas movie," along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy. Complemented by a trove of color and black-and-white photos, Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in the Movies is a glorious salute to a collection of the most treasured films of all time. Among the 30 films included: The Shop Around the Corner, Holiday Inn, Meet Me in St. Louis, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Little Women,and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
What happens when Saint Nick awakes on Christmas Eve with a sore throat and itchy nose? Find out in a Christmas story families and little ones will treasure: The Night the Saints Saved Christmas. With beautiful illustrations and a memorable rhyme, this children's book tells the story of a magical Christmas Eve when the saints unite to deliver the presents and concludes with a touching reminder about the true meaning of Christmas. Children will enter more fully into the reason for the season and learn why we give gifts at Christmas, while growing deeper in their love and appreciation for the saints who watch over us and help us.
In these Texas-set stories of romance and adventure, the Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it’s time for three rugged fighters to become lovers . . . FATHER GOOSE New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas Dispirited by war, when Trapper Hawkins accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Emery Adams, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Emery and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . . THE MISTLETOE PROMISE * Sharla Lovelace A catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future . . . ALMOST CHRISTMAS New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Linda Broday Noelle Blessing owns The Sugar Spoon, a candy shop in Blessing Falls, Texas. But despite her festive name and delicious occupation, Christmas doesn’t promise to be sweet this year—thanks to the curvy confectioner’s resentful ex-fiancé. When he shows up at the town’s holiday dance spoiling for trouble, Noelle grabs the nearest cowboy to partner with. Cord Dalton is more than happy to play the hero—and the new boyfriend too. And by the time Christmas rolls around, what began as pretend might just be the equally unexpected gift of the real thing . . .
In How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas, Jeff Guinn combines solid historical fact with glorious legend to deliver another heartwarming holiday book for the whole family. It's 1620 and Mrs. Claus's dear husband is off in the New World planting the seeds of what will become a glorious Christmas tradition. Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus has chosen to stay in England, where the first signs of a dangerous threat to Yuletide cheer are in evidence. The Puritans have gained control of Parliament and appear determined to take all the fun out of Christmas. But Mrs. Claus knows that it's time for serious action when, in 1647, a law is passed by Parliament that actually punishes anyone who celebrates Christmas. Using as its springboard the actual events of a day in 1647 when ten thousand peasants marched through the streets of Canterbury demanding their right to celebrate a beloved holiday, How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas is rich in historical detail, adventure, and plain ol' Christmas fun.
See how the Crayons remind Santa of the true meaning of Christmas! Oh no! Santa has lost his Christmas spirit. Feeling as though the magic and meaning of Christmas has slowly gone away, Santa makes a tough decision: This year, Christmas will be canceled. But when Santa crosses paths with a box of seven determined crayons with unique personalities, he gets a gift he never saw coming. With plucky determination and Christmas spirit in their hearts, the crayons use their talents and unique personalities to inspire children everywhere to remind Santa what Christmas is all about. How the Crayons Saved Christmas is the colorful Christmas book from the peppy crayons who brought you How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow and How the Crayons Saved the Unicorn. How the Crayons Saved Christmas teaches the importance of lifting friends up when they’re feeling down and celebrating the true spirit of a colorful and heart-warming time of year.
Radiating the wondrous spirit of the season, The Spider Who Saved Christmas rekindles an ancient legend, casting new light on the story we thought we knew. Created by New York Times Bestselling Author Raymond Arroyo, The Spider Who Saved Christmas spins the enchanting faith-filled tale of Nephila, a cave-dwelling spider who plays a pivotal role central to the Christmas story. This instant classic reveals the origin of Christmas tinsel and reminds us that hope can always be found even in dark places where we least expect it.
