Stuffed full of fish cakes, rice and rendang, we sprawled back on the floor cushions and patted our stomachs like pregnant mothers. The Indonesian meal was – excluding our English host in the fuzzy red hat – as unlike a traditional Christmas feast as our surroundings.
Does Santa fly to Indonesia? I wondered.That old childhood fear of missing Mr. Claus now represented a bigger concern: reconciling travel with the comforts of familiar, family Christmas. But then someone suggested watching Home Alone on the laptop – “Just for old time’s sake” – and the antics of a kid on vacation took me right back home.
Where will these holiday travel movies take you?
Love Actually (2003) – Rated one of the best seasonal films (or worst, depending on your tolerance for Hugh Grant), Love Actually is a heartwarming study of human relationships over the holidays. Individual stories slowly intertwine as love brings together brothers, sisters, co-workers and complete strangers. Featuring a cast of England’s most famous.
While You Were Sleeping (1995) – Lucy always dreamed of traveling the world, but life continually got in the way. When the man she’s secretly in love goes into a coma, Lucy claims to be his fiance. Family intrigue mixes with the Christmas season as Lucy struggles to keep up pretenses, while discovering feelings for the man’s brother.
The Holiday (2006) – An English journalist and an L.A. producer swap houses for Christmas, hoping to escape exes and unlucky dates. The two emotionally unhinged women find unexpected dinner guests are the best Christmas present, as both grow in confidence and learn to love again through the help of neighbors.
Home Alone (1 & 2) (1990 & 1992) – The classic example of what can go wrong when a family forgets their son at home over the Christmas break. In the first film, Kevin is left to fight off “The Wet Bandits” while his family is in Paris. Kevin must again outwit the same thieving duo in the sequel; but this time, from a posh hotel in New York City.
The Santa Clause (1994) – After accidentally killing Santa Claus, father Scott Calvin journeys all the way to the North Pole. In the mystical world, recreated delightfully by Disney, Scott must choose to step into Santa’s suit, or ruin Christmas forever. Imagination and travel run wild in this family film.
White Christmas (1954) – An oldie but a goodie. This song-and-dance show follows four performers (including crooners Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) who travel to a Vermont Inn to organize a holiday event that will save the hotel. Naturally, romantic ballads, tap dancing and confusion ensue, as romance settles over everyone like winter snow.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas (1998) – For Jake, the holidays are less about family and more about what presents family will give. But when his trip home for Christmas – in order to get the new car his dad promised – is sabotaged by a jealous classmate, this college student’s travels will teach him the true meaning of the season.
Babes in Toyland (1961) – Another festive musical, Babes in Toyland is a whimsical, youthful trip from reality into the secret Toyland. Original Disney Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello, stars as Mary Mary Quite Contrary. Mustachioed villains, wandering sheep, talking trees and a struggling Toymaker join Mary to create a nursery tale of epic proportion.
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli