The holidays can bring a great deal of stress into a marriage. Here are some movies to bring both inspiration and cheer and make you smile. Remember that laughter can give you an endorphin rush and help release stress.
1. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) (1994)
This classic movie about a bitter single mom who allows past hurts to interfere with her future happiness is not to be missed each holiday season. When Doris/Dorey is proposed to, she calls Fred/Bryan a fool for putting his trust in her. She finally sees the importance of having faith in others through her relationships with her daughter, Fred/Bryan and Kris Kringle.
2. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
This tremendous classic film has many messages about life. What you receive from watching it will depend on where you are on your own life journey.
3. "One Magic Christmas" (1985)
This is a must see, beautifully filmed movie about conversion of heart. With the help of the Christmas Angel Gideon (Harry Dean Stanton), hardened Ginny (Mary Steenburgen) learns the true meaning of Christmas when she is given a second chance after she believes she has lost her optimistic and good hearted husband Jack (Gary Basaraba).
4. "The Christmas Star" (1986)
Although the story is about the relationship between an old convict (Ed Asner) and neighborhood children, the marriage relationship of the kids' parents shows how their marital love influences others around them. Look for comments between them like "You're my best friend" and "I've got everything I want".5. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)
If there ever was a movie to make you think twice about planning an "old fashioned Christmas" for your entire family clan, this is it! Nearly all of Clark's (Chevy Chase) grandiose plans and expectations end up in chaos. Wife Ellen (Bevery D'Angelo) lovingly stands by her man. Lots of slapstick comedy but there are some poignant moments too.6. "A Christmas Story" (1983)
We love watching the interaction between Ralphie's parents, (Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon), especially when The Old Man brings home the infamous leg lamp. This classic holiday film has wonderful acting, and an addictive plot.7. "The Bishop's Wife" (1947)
Dudley (Cary Grant) comes as a suave angel to help Julia's (Loretta Young) marriage that is on a rocky course and drifting apart. Eventually Bishop Henry (David Niven) is aware that he is too caught up in worldly distractions. Look for the Christmas sermon about "kindness, warmth, love and a stretched out hand of tolerance."8. "The Preacher's Wife" (1996)
This is a remake of "The Bishop's Wife" that simply isn't as good as the original. Dudley (Denzel Washington) comes to earth to help Julia (Whitney Houston) and Henry (Courtney Vance) get their neglected marriage back on track. Great songs in the film though.9. "Jingle All the Way" (1996)
Howie (Arnold Schwarzenegger) does all the wrong things when he tries to keep a promise he made to his wife and son. If you want to know how the commercialism of the holiday season can impact a family, and how not to respond, watch this movie. It has great examples of how to break up a family. He does have some conversion at the end, but just because he was lucky.10. "Christmas With the Kranks" (2004)
This is a funny but touching empty nest story about a couple spending their first Christmas alone after their daughter leaves home. As the Kranks (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to skip Christmas, you will be challenged to look at what you hold dear to your own heart about the holiday season. The real theme is the importance of connection between friends and family.