We’re tired of pretending- it’s not a Christmas movie

With Christmas approaching quickly, people all around the world are sitting down and watching as many Christmas movies as possible before the season passes. The definition of a Christmas movie is a hot topic amongst the staff at the Collegiate, and I’m sure you’re having these same debates with your family and friends too.

Nowadays, people’s definition of a Christmas movie can be a movie that has a couple of Christmas elements attached and that’s all it needs.

Some people believe that a Christmas movie only has to take place during or around Christmas. It doesn’t necessarily need to have a plot that revolves around Christmas, but a Christmas party scene or knowing the movie takes place during December will suffice.

We’ve got obvious Christmas movies like the ones you see on the Hallmark channel every year without failure, and the classics most people watch every year like Home Alone, A Christmas Story and The Santa Clause, to name a few. Then what constitutes a Christmas movie starts to blur the lines a little bit.

The biggest debate of all time is the one that everyone has heard and most have debated; is Diehard a Christmas movie? It’s truly a 50-50 split between those who think it is and those who think it isn’t. People on both sides of the argument can bring up as many reasons as they can think of, but once you’ve made the decision, it’s hard to be swayed by someone.

The consensus at the Collegiate is that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie. There are not enough Christmas elements in the movie that make it one. Sure, the movie takes place during a Christmas party and Christmas is mentioned a few times during the movie, but the main plot of the movie isn’t Christmas related.

Does the film have elements of Christmas? Yes. After all, the movie takes place on Christmas Eve, during an office party. We see that argument, but does that really make it a Christmas movie? Absolutely not.

When was the last time you heard about Santa using C-4? Rudolph fighting for untraceable bearer bonds? The elves creating issues for the FBI? Seriously? Nothing about this film says “Christmas Spirit” other than the fact there’s a party.

What makes a Christmas movie a true story about Christmas comes down to the plot. If the movie has a plot that is Christmas related, then that movie can be consideredone. Home Alone is a great example of what a Christmas movie looks like. It’s set during Christmas, holiday chaos ensues and it brings family back together. In contrast, “Die Hard” has a plot that focuses on the chaos going on as a result of issues outside the influence of Christmas.

Christmas movies are a big staple in so many households worldwide, so knowing what is or isn’t a Christmas movie is great to know whenever you get into friendly debates during the holidays. Whatever the case may be, keep enjoying your favorite Christmas movies and keep debating what makes a Christmas movie with your family.