Top 10 Holiday Movies/Shows to Watch

There are many things that make holidays special:

Family.
Friends.
Traditions.
Food. 
Music. 

We love the opportunity to see and celebrate with people we don't normally get to spend time with. We enjoy the traditions of gift swaps, hanging up stocking and decorating the tree. We gobble up the cookies that seem to taste a little more special this time of year. And impatiently wait for radio stations to begin playing Christmas music.

There is another experience we anxiously anticipate during the holidays: Holiday Movies and TV Specials.

I look forward to these holiday-themed forms of entertainment all year long. Because let's be honest: watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (the claymation version, of course, because no other will compare) in July just seems wrong. The annual Watching of Holiday Entertainment is just another tradition to get excited about. It brings back memories of watching those very shows or movies as a child.

Unfortunately, media has capitalized on this phenomenon and vomited a gagillion Christmas movies and specials. You could watch some holiday-themed movie at any hour of the day from the week of Thanksgiving until New Years. And I'm going to say it: Many of these new movies are crap. 

Hallmark Channel, ABC Family and Lifetime, I'm looking at you. 

How many movies does one need to endure that revolve around unrequited love reuniting under the mistletoe? Holiday engagements? And Golden Retrievers saving Christmas? A third sequel to Frosty?

Answer: Not many.

So I've compiled a short list of the Must-See Holiday Movies/Specials that I can't miss each year. All of the movies on my list meet strict criteria (i.e.: revolve around the holiday of Christmas, bring seasonal cheer, and other crap like that). Some may be obscure, but have significance to me from my own life or childhood. 

Here is the list, in no particular order:

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

(Claymation version)

Frosty the Snowman

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

The Holiday

A Garfield Christmas Special

Claymation Christmas with the California Raisins

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

(cartoon NOT Jim Carrey)

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

And I cannot forget one of my all-time favorites (which will make this a bonus #11):

Elf

This is not a complete list, mind you. There are quite a few more I love watching and jump at the chance to view. These are the movies I need to watch to make my Christmas Season complete.

Since I have already missed quite a few opportunities to DVR some of my faves (many are on after the girls are asleep, unfortunately), I wanted to share a great resource. My bloggy (and real life) friend, Jenn, of Jersey Family Fun has an exhaustive and complete Holiday Show Schedule. Just pick the day from Rudolph's Roundup, and find out what specials are on! Thanks Jenn!

Also - SOME of these ARE available on Netflix Streaming!

What movies are on YOUR Top 10 Holiday Movies/Shows list?

Season Premiere Conflict: The Braverman Grace Hospital Dilemma

Houston, we've got a (huge) problem.

It all goes back to my friend Brie. I will blame her. Years ago, she turned me on to the show Grey's Anatomy. I'd heard her talk about it plenty, and so when Chica was just shy of two years old, I found that Lifetime had reruns of Grey's from 1pm-3pm. So I figured I'd check it out. 2 episodes.  Every day. During Chica's nap time.  It was like I was meant to fall in love with the show.

It was not too long before I was caught up in all the storage room romances, abnormally occurring crisis situations and, of course, McDreamy. And I will share that while I have stood by Grey's through thick and thin, Brie has stopped watching completely because she couldn't embrace the loss of Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey.

I have to question, were you ever really a fan, Brie??

Fast forward another two or so years. Brie calls me: 

B: You've got to check this show out. You'll really like it.
S: Which one?
B: It's called Parenthood. It's well-written and it's right up your alley.
S: What channel is it on? What day? What time?
B: Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC.
S: 10pm? Like at night?
B:.....

I resisted the first year, but as Parenthood gained popularity, I decided to give it a chance during it's third season. I started with the season premiere (without having seen seasons 1 or 2, mind you) with my laptop open to the Parenthood wikipedia page so I could understand any past situations or family history. I was quickly captured by the Braverman clan, and after Season 3, I spent the summer watching Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix (and bawling my eyes out during every flippin' episode).


To say I fell in love with this show is an understatement. Every Tuesday night I live and breathe for this show. I have live Chats with friends and CSHM fans on Facebook. I rallied every time there were utterances of cancellation. I stood by when Season 4 was cut short. 

I'm a Braverman Believer.

Well now, thanks to NBC and ABC, I have a huge problem.

You see, Parenthood has been moved from it's time slot on Tuesday nights at 10pm to Thursday nights at 10pm.

I see you're all like, "Um....so?"

WELL.

Thursday nights are already a pretty full night for Steph TV. Somehow over the years, many of the TV shows I love have ended up on Thursday nights: Community, Parks and Recreation as well as Grey's Anatomy.

Grey's Anatomy, people.

Now, I'm fortunate enough that Grey's is on at 9pm on ABC and Parenthood is on at 10pm on NBC. The debacle comes on the fated day of September 26, 2013. Quite possibly my favorite day of the entire 2013 year. Why? Because it is the night I look forward to all summer: Season Premiere Night. Each year in early September, I document my Fall TV Previews.  I share the shows I am excited to continue watching (as well as a slight recap of what happened last season), new shows I will be putting on trial and giving a chance, as well as shows that have jumped the shark and I will be letting go. Then I impatiently wait for the season premieres like a newly potty-trained toddler who has to pee.

This year, September 26 will be host to four of my Season Premieres. 

And...

::ready for it::

Grey's Anatomy will be overlapping with the Parenthood premiere.

DARN YOU, conflicting networks! Darn you TV gods for allowing Grey's to have a 2-hour season premiere (be still my heart) and Bravermans to be moved to the same night!

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.

So what's a girl to do?

And let me state now, I will not be accepting "Hello, Steph. That's what DVR's are for" or "You're kind of too obsessed with TV shows" or "this is the stupidest dilemma in all of history" responses. 

Obviously. 

Instead, I will dream of a fictional TV world where the Bravermans all suddenly go to medical school and come on staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Or they come on as a board of advisors and run the hospital, also renaming it the Braverman General Hospital. 

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES?

Maybe Brie would begin watching again....

UPDATE: Check out my Fall TV Preview for 2013!

Steph's Parenthood Recap {Episode on 12/11/12}

I was anticipating this week's episode of Parenthood like WHOA, because the teasers they showed in the preview last week had me tearing up. And it was only 30 seconds of clips.

Parenthood. It gets me everytime.

So I was all set and ready to watch last night's episode, but I had the chance to go see a movie. What to do! What to do! I set the DVR and arrived home around 10:30pm EST, and started about 30 minutes late.

This was especially difficult, since all the lovelies on the CSHM Facebook Page were sharing thoughts (ie: spoilers) on our weekly discussion thread. I resisted temptation, and closed Facebook until I was well into the episode.

OH MY HEART.

What an episode! If I should ever meet the Parenthood writing team, I'd probably babble on and on and kiss them on the mouth or something so I make a complete fool of myself. I love how they create story lines and weave tales throughout the season. And the actors. OH, the ACTORS.  Can we just give Monica Potter and Mae Whitman a big ol' high five? Mae's scene playing Amber trying to communicate with a drunk Ryan was so well played. Also?  I have NO idea how Monica Potter reaches so deep week after week to portray Kristina. And how does she make the tears come? HOW? One of the other shout outs? Craig T. Nelson. Lawd. I love the strong yet gentle man he has formed Zeke into. 

OK. I need to stop or it'll be a run down of everyone.

Here are a few quick thoughts on last night's episode:

Props to Amber

After watching her mom spend years pouring into a relationship that was going no where, I am so proud of Amber for making the hard choice: Loving Ryan but letting go (at least, temporarily). It was a definite surprise, but there is maturity to realizing sometimes SPACE is the best thing you can give yourself and the one you love. She is making the choice her mom made far too late. I still hope it will work out for Amber and Ryan. But can we agree Ryan needs to address some of his issues?

Hank

Now many of you have shared your dislike of Hank. I know I might be in the minority, but I really like his character. I'm not sold that he is good for Sarah, but I can't say for certain that he is bad for her either. Yes, he has the depression/drinking thing going for him. But he is a far cry from Seth, Sarah's ex-husband. Hank is aware of his issues, and as he shared last night, he's less unhappy than he has been. He also holds a great job and is responsible. I'm kind of #TeamHank

Sarah's Boy Troubles

As much as I like Hank, Sarah needs to take a minute and stop thinking with her heart (or other parts). She JUST had her engagement broken off by Mark, and she's jumping into bed with Hank? C'mon Sarah! This is the kind of behavior that got you into trouble in your earlier years! I didn't dislike Mark, but he wasn't my favorite. I felt maybe he was "too good of a guy" and in a different place than Sarah. (Also? He has skeevy facial hair.) Sarah needs a good guy, yes. Maybe it's Mark. Maybe it's not. But I think she needs to slow down and figure herself out a bit. Sarah seems to be trying to do this, and I felt she was making good progress. Working for Hank clearly threw a wrench in said progress, and I wonder if Hank's influence over her emotions has been going on longer than she lets on. 

My advice to Sarah: Girlfriend, you need to love and respect yourself FIRST, before any guy can come along and do the same. We love you. You need to love you.

Cancer Stinks

I've not dealt personally with cancer, but there are people in my life who have. And I appreciate the window that Kristina's affliction is opening to the public about the quiet struggles people go through with cancer. That's actually something I love bout Parenthood: the open windows into various life struggles that need a voice - Cancer, Autism, Blended Families. Monica Potter seriously deserves some kind of award nomination for her acting skills. She brings me to tears every week, as she plays the life of Kristina so raw. I love it. I don't love the thought that we could ever lose Kristina to this disease. So don't toy with me, Parenthood Writers!  But thank you for giving voice to a struggle so many have.

I Love How Zeke Loves

Zeke. He's not a perfect man. He's a war vet, and can get into his "manly" ways from time to time. In the first season, we were privy to his previous infidelity to Camille. We watched as they patched their marriage back together. Sure, Zeke can be stubborn and wants to do things his way. But gosh, can that man LOVE. We've watched as he opens his family to new people without even so much as a blink: to Jabbar, to Jasmine, and eventually to Mark, then Victor. They immediately become part of the family as though they'd always been. 

Also? My favorite is how Zeke calls all his progeny by their title. "Hey Granddaughter," or  "How are you, Son?" Or last night when he wanted to tell his "Daughter-in-law that I love her." 

The Cry Factor

Niagara Falls. Every week. Need I say more?

Congrats, Parenthood! I ended yet another episode
with red eyes, blotchy skin and wet cheeks.

Now there is a 2 week break, but I cannot wait to ring in 2013 with an all-new episode of Parenthood on 1/1/2013! Who will be watching with me??

Now it's your turn to have a say:

What are your thoughts from last night's episode? From this season so far?

Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

A Terrible Realization

I realized this today when I started thinking about tomorrow.  


::sigh::

To Whom It May Concern...

Dear Hub TV Network


Here's the deal. I don't really know you.  I'd love to know you, as I've seen you from afar.  I've caught glimpses of your schedule.  But, since we are on the lowest Verizon tier, we do not get to experience the fullness of your glory.


At least, I thought I couldn't.


Confession: I've taken a liking to perusing Verizon's On-Demand button.

It's the little things in life, isn't it?


There is plenty you can pay to see On Demand: movies, tv shows.  But, there is a lesser-known On Demand universe, one that is not fully appreciated.


You see, there is FREE stuff On Demand.


This discovery has breathed new life into my sometimes-monotonous days. There are TV series I can watch if I miss.  There is a small assortment of free movies.  And there are networks of children's channels and shows that I can pop on for Little Chica if there is nothing currently worth watching.


It's awesome.


Sometimes I find myself completely caught up in a maze of TV mystery and intrigue.  Like some online funhouse, there is no end to trap doors, sneaky hallways and open windows one click through to explore what Verizon On Demand has to offer: games, trivia, fitness, language, nearly unknown shows...


...And shows you might have all but forgotten.


What a treasure it is to happen upon a show from another season of you life.  One time I saw that HUB showed reruns of The Wonder Years (hands down one of the best TV show ever to grace cable), as well as Family Ties and Doogie Howser, MD (I LOVE YOU NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!). After totally peeing my pants (and subsequently changing them), I clicked on the guide to be taken to that channel.  Only. We don't get HUB.  And I mourned my loss.  So I then immediately went to On Demand to see if we could catch it there.  And there is was!  So I clicked on it!  Only to be given a message reminder that we don't subscribe to that channel.  So I mourned again.


Until today. Today made up for every missed opportunity I've ever had with On Demand.


Earlier today, I was looking through the Free Kids Shows category.  We almost always go to Sprout (which we also are not subscribed to. Sadness) or PBS Kids. I wanted to shake things up a bit, so I continued clicking through other options in the category.  It did not take long to find there are shows from HUB in this section.  I didn't get my hopes up, as I've not been able to watch other shows from HUB on Demand.


But then one amazing TV show caught my eye and I fainted and woke up and fainted again.  Yes, friends. HUB offers:

JEM.

Holy retro tv, Batman!  My fingers shook as I clicked over to the show.  With heart racing, I selected my option, said a prayer and pressed the button.

And I heard this...

Outrageous! Truly, truly, truly outrageous! With all of its big hair, synthesized music, cheesy animation and implausible story lines, there was Jem in all of her glory.  Can I tell you that I somehow, even after 25 years, still remembered all the words? I took it all in.  


It was so 80's it hurt. 


But the good kind of hurt.  


I still have no idea why they painted their faces like they were in the broadway musical Cats, or why one pair of earrings held so much power.  But I don't care.  


HUB, thank you for your amazing taste in old-school television.  You have top-notch variety of 80's and 90's TV shows and cartoons.  I will continue to gaze at you from afar, hoping that today might be the day Verizon decides to let me subscribe to you.  A day when I might be able to watch nostalgic tv shows freely and proudly on your television network.


Until then, carry on, friend.  Carry on.