Christmas Story I Like The Wizard Of Oz
Hey everyone! So, I was thinking about holiday movies the other day, and it got me wondering about everyone's go-to Christmas flicks. You know, the ones you can watch year after year and still find something new to love? For a lot of folks, it's all about the classics like It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. And hey, those are great! But you know what movie I secretly, or maybe not so secretly, consider a total Christmas story? Yep, you guessed it: The Wizard of Oz.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Hold on a minute! The Wizard of Oz? That's not a Christmas movie!" And on the surface, you'd be absolutely right. There are no twinkling lights, no Santa Claus, and definitely no presents under a tree. But hear me out, because there's a certain magic to it that just feels like the holidays to me. It’s that feeling of being whisked away to a different, more wondrous place, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
Think about it. What's the essence of a great Christmas story? It’s often about finding your way home, about appreciating what you have, and about the power of friendship and courage. And doesn't The Wizard of Oz tick all those boxes? Dorothy’s journey, even though it’s to a land of talking munchkins and wicked witches, is fundamentally about getting back to her family, to Kansas. That longing for home, for that sense of belonging – isn't that what the holidays are all about?
The Journey Home is the Real Gift
When you really dig into it, Dorothy’s quest to get back to Kansas is the heart of the movie. She’s separated from everything she knows and loves, and her entire motivation is to reunite with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. It’s a classic hero’s journey, sure, but the underlying theme of yearning for home is so powerful, and it resonates so deeply, especially around the holidays when families are trying to get together.
And the way she makes that journey! She doesn't do it alone, does she? She meets these incredible companions along the way, each with their own unique struggles and desires. The Scarecrow wants a brain, the Tin Man wants a heart, and the Cowardly Lion wants courage. They’re all on a quest for something they feel they lack, something that will make them whole. Sound familiar? It’s like all those holiday wishes people make, but made tangible and adventurous.
I love how their individual journeys mirror their eventual discoveries. The Scarecrow, who’s convinced he’s not smart, comes up with brilliant plans. The Tin Man, who feels he can’t love, shows incredible compassion and grief. And the Lion, who’s terrified of everything, is the one who rallies and fights for his friends. They already had what they were searching for; they just needed the experiences, the trials and tribulations, to realize it. This is such a beautiful, subtle message, isn't it? It's like finding the perfect gift you didn't even know you needed.
The Spectacle and the Wonder
Beyond the themes, there's the sheer spectacle of The Wizard of Oz. When that tornado hits and Dorothy's world explodes into Technicolor, it's pure, unadulterated wonder. It’s that feeling of stepping out into a world that’s completely different, a world brimming with magic and possibility. For me, that’s what the best holiday movies offer – an escape, a moment of enchantment that lifts you out of the everyday.
The Emerald City, the flying monkeys, the ruby slippers – these are all iconic images that spark the imagination. It’s a visual feast, and the creativity behind it is astounding, especially for its time. Think of the effort that went into creating that fantastical world! It’s like the ultimate Christmas present for your eyes and your mind.
And the music! "Over the Rainbow" is, of course, a timeless classic that speaks to dreams and aspirations. But the whole score, from the jaunty tunes of Munchkinland to the more dramatic moments, adds so much to the emotional landscape of the film. Music is such a huge part of the holiday season, and the songs in Oz just have that uplifting, sometimes melancholic, but ultimately hopeful feel.
Connections to Christmas Spirit
So, where are the direct Christmas connections? Well, let’s think about what makes Christmas, well, Christmas. It’s a time for family, for togetherness, and for a bit of magic. The Wizard of Oz, in its own unique way, embodies all of these.
Dorothy’s desperate desire to return to her family is a powerful depiction of familial love. The bond she forms with her newfound friends is a testament to the importance of chosen family and the strength that comes from supporting each other. These are core values that we celebrate during the holidays. Aren't we all trying to reconnect with loved ones and cherish those bonds when Christmas rolls around?
And the idea of wishes. Everyone in Oz is trying to get something they desire. While it’s not Santa granting the wishes, it’s the journey and the self-discovery that ultimately lead to fulfillment. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest gifts aren't material, but the lessons we learn and the people we become.
Plus, let’s be honest, the spirit of the holidays often involves a little bit of escapism. We want to be transported, to forget our worries, and to immerse ourselves in something joyful and enchanting. The Wizard of Oz delivers that in spades. It’s a vibrant, imaginative escape, just like a perfect Christmas dream.
My Personal Holiday Tradition
So, yeah, while it might not have snow or carols, for me, The Wizard of Oz has become a beloved part of my personal holiday tradition. It’s the movie I gravitate towards when I want to feel a sense of wonder, a reminder of the importance of friendship and home, and a good old-fashioned dose of adventure. It’s like the comfort food of holiday movies, but with more flying monkeys.
It’s the film that reminds me that even in the darkest of times (or the most mundane of farm lives), there’s always a path to something brighter, and that the greatest treasures are often the ones we find within ourselves and with the people we journey with. And isn’t that a pretty wonderful Christmas message?
So next time you’re looking for something to cozy up with during the holiday season, consider giving The Wizard of Oz a watch. You might just discover, like Dorothy did, that there’s no place like home, and sometimes, the most magical journeys begin with a little bit of wonder and a whole lot of heart. What do you think? Am I crazy? Or do you have a quirky holiday movie pick too?