As we enter the Christmas season, let's not lose ourselves in those gauntlets at the shopping malls, those long lines at the local Hallmark store or those last minute desperation races against time.
Let's be smart this year.
Do some early shopping.
Save some time by buying products online.
But most of all, buy some video classics to enjoy.
I'll address the shopping tips in another article.
Right now I'll give you a handful of videos you are bound to enjoy.
We all should have "It's A Wonderful Life" available on our entertainment shelves.
No matter how much time goes by, this time transcendent movie starring James Stewart is sure to warm your heart.
Another movie I love is "The Man In The Santa Claus Suit" Starring Fred Astaire.
This 1979 television movie is a very heart warming tale focusing on three characters and how a Santa Claus suit sold by none other than Fred Astaire (The Real Santa Claus) magically makes their wishes come true.
I have to warn you.
This video is hard to find.
But it's worth the effort.
Another 1979 movie which is sure to capture your heart is "An American Christmas Carol" starring Henry Winkler.
That's right.
The Fonz from Happy Days.
He gives a stunning performance as Scrooge (Well actually, Benedict Slade) and to quote the New York Daily News, "Christmas in your home will be a merry one if you watch this excellent version of the Dickens classic.
" This is another movie which you will have to search for.
eBay and Amazon should have some available.
There's another hard to find movie I highly recommend.
It's called "The Gathering" starring Edward Asner.
This is a very touching movie involving family rifts which are amended when a terminally ill father's needs are answered by love.
Love which is rekindled with remembrances of Christmases the family once shared.
Okay.
Enough with the hard to find ones.
There are many other videos which will be easier to find which will brighten up your holidays.
I suggest you rent or buy "Ernest Saves Christmas" from 1988.
It stars the late but eternal Jim Varney.
Ernest is a loveable knowitall who somehow finds himself in the very middle of a battle between Santa Claus and the secular world.
It is filled with hilarity which will uplift your spirits and values which will edify your hearts.
The rest of my recommended videos are "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2", "A Christmas Story" (Don't wait until Turner plays it round the clock), and finally, don't forget the Dickens Classic, "A Christmas Carol" starring Alastair Sim.
These videos are easier to purchase, but I highly recommend you try and find the Henry Winkler, Fred Astaire and Ed Asner movies mentioned above.
Brighten up your holidays with some of these Christmas videos.
Merry Christmas.