Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas From "That Married Girl!": A Holiday Movie Couple Countdown

Around the holidays, we typically spend a lot of extra time with those that we love, including our significant others. My Christmas gift to my little Marys (the nickname I have given to my loyal blog-readers) is a countdown of the best holiday movie couples and what we can all learn from them!

10. Judy and Phil, White Christmas



In this film, Phil and Judy start their coupledom by pretending to be engaged in order to get his duet partner and her sister together, but in the end, these two actually fell in love. What we can take from these lovebirds is that you never know when you will fall in love or with who. (Not to mention that Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen were a match made in dancing heaven!) 


9. Jack and Gabby, Jack Frost



Jack and Gabby have a very interesting relationship as his spirit inhabits a snowman after Jack's death. These two show us that love can be very difficult and trying, but through insurmountable odds, it can triumph over anything. 

8. Buddy and Jovi, Elf



An obvious holiday movie favorite to just about every living being that has even a dash of a sense of humor, Elf has a wonderful message about love. Buddy begins a quest to meet his parents in New York City, but while he's there, he also finds love. Buddy and Jovi are fun, kind, and they both understand that love thrives when you're being yourself. 


7. Kate and Jack, The Family Man



Jack wakes up to a life that isn't his. Suddenly this single, wealthy man is married to his ex-girlfriend and they also have children together. At first, he hates what his life has become and tries desperately to reclaim his bachelorhood. After some time, he realizes that this life is exactly what he wants, but then he wakes up. Back in his single life, he sees that this family life and marriage are truly what matters the most. At the end of the film, he is on his way to rekindling the romance that initially slipped through his fingers. Here, we are taught that nothing is really worth anything at all without true love in your life. 


6. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, How the Grinch Stole Christmas



He's a mean one, Mr Grinch. 

Well, until the unwavering faith of a young girl helps him see that Christmas means much more than gifts. Cindy Lou Who's determination to not give up on The Grinch is something we can all aspire toward in our love life. Remember that we are all human and that even when things are rough, there are sun-filled days ahead. 

5. Linus and Sally, A Charlie Brown Christmas



Real love can begin at any age. Even though Linus' love for his dear blanket clouded him from accepting Sally's love, I believe that they ended up together. Tride and true devotion on Sally's part is what makes this couple so cute. Love is powerful and it will find a way.

4. Ralphie and the Red Rider BB gun, A Christmas Story



Ralphie certainly didn't shoot his eye out, but he did realize that you must be careful with what you love. This is important in relationships, too. You can yearn for something or someone, but if you mistreat it or them, there will be consequences for your actions. Love can be very fragile, but take care of it and you will never break your partner's glasses heart. 

3. Kate and Brad, Four Christmases



Playing a sexy round of "Stranger at a Bar." Going on a holiday getaway. These two are my kind of people! But, unfortunately, when Brad and Kate's flight is cancelled on Christmas, these two are stuck visiting their divorced parents, leading to four crazy Christmases in one day. These two give us insight into making it through the tough days. Laughter, honesty, and communication are key. Always remember that you are a team, and yes, you CAN make it through the holidays with your coo-coo, nuts, insane, straight-jacket-wearing family! 

2. Kevin and The Wet Bandits, Home Alone



Kevin and the two Wet Bandits may not exactly be a great idea of a "couple," but you know there is a lesson to learn here. Kevin, at 8 years old, defended his family home against to scummy robbers, with homemade weapons, no gun. This teaches us that you must fight for what you love, and who you love. You can't give up, you can't quit. Kevin prevailed. Love prevails. 

1. George and Mary, It' a Wonderful Life



"What is it you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary." - George Bailey

At #1, we have my favorite Christmas couple. Black and white film, two striking actors, and a retro holiday set. What more could you ask for?  I could list at least a dozen quotes from this film that apply to things that everyone can aspire to in their love life. George and Mary are in love. They work through the hard times. They laugh. They encourage each other. They have passion for each other. They make it through the Great Depression while raising a big family. They never give up on love. These two sum up the entirety of the previous lessons on this list. Of course, times have changed and we have modern technology that distracts us, but this kind of love is certainly still possible. Love is more than a time period or an era, it is the catalyst for the most amazing, rewarding life that can exist. The holidays are made even more rich by being surrounded by love and being in love.

Gather those near and dear to you this Christmas and remember that you are loved and blessed, no matter how many gifts are under your tree, no matter how many cards you receive. Love is all around, soak it in, and celebrate.