“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
George Bailey has put his life-long dreams of travel and adventure on hold to run his father’s building and loan company. On Christmas Eve, when crotchety Mr. Potter threatens to have George jailed because $8,000 goes missing, George contemplates suicide. But a guardian angel is determined to show George how much he has to live for.
Drink pairing: A double bourbon
“The Hebrew Hammer” (2003)
Mordechai is a little different than most of his peers. While the rest of the kids in his class celebrate Christmas, Mordechai sits alone with his blue dreidel – that is, until Santa stomps on the dreidel, flips him off and walks off with a merry “Ho, ho, ho.” But Mordechai grows up and becomes the Hebrew Hammer, a “Certified Circumcised Dick.” After Santa’s assassination by his own son, Mordechai has a new mission: to save Hanukkah from the sadistic new Santa.
Drink pairing: Manischewitz, a kosher wine
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Little 9-year-old Ralphie only wants one thing for Christmas: a beautiful, glorious Red Ryder BB gun – not some “crummy football,” like Santa suggests. The problem? Everyone, including his parents, teacher and Santa, think Ralphie will shoot his eye out. Ralphie dreams and schemes of how he can convince the world he’s ready for such a gift, but it’s also a matter of surviving the school bully until Christmas.
Drink pairing: “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine”
“Love Actually” (2003)
It’s Christmas time, and love is in the air in London. No one can escape it, not the prime minister, aging rock star or love-struck schoolboy. But as most people know, love isn’t easy, nor is it always kind. In a complex web of connected love stories, the rise and demise of love transform the characters. While some fall in love for the first time, other relationships of years collapse. Can the holiday season work miracles?
Drink pairing: A cup of tea with a cinnamon stick
“Elf” (2003)
Buddy, an orphaned human, was raised in the North Pole with elves, but soon his differences become too much to bear. He sets out to meet his biological father in New York City, still clad in his yellow tights and pointy shoes. Buddy explores New York City with childlike curiosity, which endears him to some and pushes him away from others – including his father, who is on Santa’s naughty list.
Drink pairing: The “world’s best cup of coffee”