Holiday Movie Clichés
Do you love them or hate them?
It’s that time of the year again when holiday movies inundate our screens, bringing with them a sleigh-load of clichés that are as predictable as my Aunt Judy’s fruitcake. But let’s face it, despite their predictability, these tropes have become as much a part of our holiday tradition as stringing lights and singing off-key carols.
Let’s start with the classic “Big City Person Goes to a Small Town.” Here, a high-powered executive, usually clad in impractical heels, finds herself in a town so charming it’s like Mayberry on steroids. Inevitably, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas and, often, love. I remember watching one such movie last year, shouting predictions from my couch. “She’s going to fall for the local baker!” Spoiler: She did.
Then there’s the “Child Who Knows Better.” This precocious kid is the only one who truly understands the spirit of Christmas. They’re often found teaching jaded adults to believe in Santa again. It reminds me of the time one of my younger cousins tried convincing our grumpy Uncle Ed to leave milk and cookies out…and he did. The power of holiday movies, folks.
And who can forget the “Misunderstanding That Could Be Solved with a Simple Conversation”? This one’s a classic. Two characters have a trivial misunderstanding and instead of talking it out, they embark on an hour of sulking, only to reconcile just in time for the final kiss under the mistletoe. Maddening.
Let’s not overlook the “Miraculous Snow on Christmas.” No matter the geographical or meteorological improbability, it will snow on Christmas Eve, perfectly setting the scene for the movie’s climax. Bonus points if it happens during a proposal!
Now, it’s your turn to weigh in. Do these holiday movie clichés make you roll your eyes or do they warm your heart like a cup of marshmallowy hot cocoa? Are there any that you find particularly endearing or, on the contrary, unbearably cheesy? Share your favorites in the comments!
As for me, I’ll be over here, watching these holiday movies with a knowing smirk, secretly enjoying every predictable moment. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
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