Every year I try to think of a list of movies that go hand-in-hand with a sweet cup of hot cocoa, a warm, cozy fire, and the thrill of a monstrous snow storm. Of course, there are the classics: A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, and even The Nightmare Before Christmas.
But what won't cross too many people's minds are any eight of the Harry Potter movies. Yes, this series is appropriate to watch any day of the year, but there's something about the magical ambiance that makes it particularly satisfying around the holidays.
Hogwarts in the snow is absolutely breathtaking. I despise the cold and yearn for summer after the excitement of the holidays, but there's something about Hogwarts covered in a million tiny flakes of snow that makes me want to bundle up in a hand-knitted throw (or invisibility cloak) and await the presence of my godfather in the common room fire.
Kudos to those who work effortlessly around the holidays to make the house look as festive as possible. They put up the Christmas tree, hang our stockings, and adorn each room with heartwarming gestures to spread the holiday cheer. But no matter how many ornaments, fake reindeer, or poinsettias they set up around the house, no room will look as Christmasy as the Great Hall: thousands of candles floating in midair over four long tables set with glittering golden plates and goblets, real snow falling from a believably nonexistent ceiling, and a Christmas tree greater than Rockefeller's. The house-elves certainly take home the gold for this one.
And there's nothing that makes you look forward to waking up on Christmas morning more than the ground covered in snow, the sweet aroma of a holiday breakfast cooking downstairs, and the scurrying footsteps of Ron and Harry racing to wish each other a Happy Christmas. And then of course their anticipated gift exchange unwrapping Mrs. Weasley's scruffy, hand-knitted sweaters with the initial of their first name carefully sewn across the chest.
And although it's not all about the gifts, they're still an enticing aspect of Christmas time. After all, who would refuse an invisibility cloak passed down from your father, an anonymous Firebolt 3000, or incredibly useful Marauder's Map? Gifts are a reason to be exceptionally grateful and feel especially thankful that someone had you in mind getting gifts that year.
No one can forget the scene with Harry and Cho's passionate kiss underneath the mistletoe in The Order of Phoenix (sorry, Cedric). It's that old and corny holiday tradition that everyone's immediately embarrassed by the thought of, but at the same time wouldn't be upset if they were kissed underneath one. Thanks for the confidence, Harry.
Christmas is one of the few exceptions throughout the year that it's totally fine to sit around, eat too much food, and do nothing but lounge around. Hiding out at the Burrows is the equivalent of being snowed in on Christmas, both of which call for excess eating and playing board games with the family. Just be warned that if you break out the Chess board, Ron will take the win almost every time.
Let the holiday parties begin. We all know that personal weekends are nonexistent in December, and the same goes for all the witches and wizards of Hogwarts. They all may not be as elegant as the Yule Ball, but at least they're a fun excuse to get dressed up, spend time with your friends and family, and enjoy yourself a warm cup of eggnog. Just make sure you bring the right date - no one wants to waste the potential for a great night on a lame date who doesn't care for a dance.
The Order of Phoenix is a gentle reminder that Christmas is especially a time to be thankful and cherish every moment of the time you get to spend with those who mean the most to you, because they might not be there the next time around.
