I have never watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” from start to finish, just bits and pieces.
I’ve watched it, once, mostly because I had to, and don’t get what all the fuss is about… I can think of other Christmas movies I like better.
I don’t have a Christmas tree. I also don’t really decorate for Christmas. This appalls people and they think I’m some sort of cold terrible person. The truth is that Christmas is a religious holiday for me and as long as I can go to church and see family, that’s all I need, and anything that doesn’t enhance either of those things for me personally is not necessary for my celebration; the problem is that they assume that because I don’t observe in the way they do, the holiday must have no meaning for me at all. Also, I’m not keen on holiday decorations, period, which I see as something I will put out for two weeks and then must store in my limited space for the rest of the year; I already have too much “stuff” and don’t need to add to it.
I’ve seen it; it didn’t do much for me.
My favorite holiday films are “Holiday” with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, and “The Santa Claus” with Tim Allen. Watched the latter with the daughter the other night and was struck yet again with how good it is.
I must have seen half-a-dozen fragments of “It’s a Wonderful Life” before I saw the whole thing from start to finish, in order. My enjoyment of the film was less than my delight in finally seeing the complete package. I like it, though. I’m a sucker for films with James Stewart. I might get a copy of “Harvey” for my DVD collection.
In “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman (read this book! Everyone! Anyone!) the main character remarks on a particular TV phenomenon. If you don’t watch (for whatever reason) a particular Soap Opera or Comedy Series, when you do stumble across an episode, it’s always the same episode. Curious, but certainly true for me, and, I’m glad to see, for others.
I wonder if British TV will be showing “Great Escape” this year? Now that we have a gazillion channels, there isn’t the appeal any more. And I don’t even have a TV. We will probably watch “My Fair Lady”. I’ve been threatened with “Mary Poppins” which is another film of which I have seen several fragments. I quite liked the book, when I was about twelve. I had to review it in a viva voce for some Elocution Examination at that time. The bits of the film that I’ve seen haven’t succeeded in drawing me in. Meanwhile I’ve threatened my partner with “Master and Commander”. We’ve graduated from the really feelgood films, like “Totoro” and “Moonstruck” through to “Apaloosa” and “The 13th Warrior”. I think if she can handle “The 13th Warrior” and enjoy it, she should like “Master and Commander”. Maybe we’ll try “Coraline”. It’s scary, but it’s animation scary. This could work.
DVDs I’ve acquired recently but not got around to watching, include “My life as a Dog”, “Let the Right One In” (dig those Swedish flicks!) “THX1138” and “Aida”. All of which I have enjoyed, with the exception of the opera. One of those to myself over the holiday break. Yum!
… I LIKE CHRISTMAS CAKE !!! 
We watch every year Christmas Carol W/ George C Scott as Scrooge, and my fav. Scrooge with Albert Finney, a great movie with some great musical stuff. Im usually not a musical kind of guy, but the songs are great .
Die Hard 1&2 are also considered Christmas movies because of the time they were set in.
and unfortunately, usually have to watch Elf, definitely Home Alone, and its a Wonderful Life.
these are all sit down and enjoy the family together movies, well maybe except Die Hard.
Merry Christmas 
I do not like candy canes. To get rid of them, I’ll place them in applesauce that I warm up. the candy cane dissolves and adds a nice touch.
I think Bad Santa is one of the best Christmas movies.
I’m not sure what it says about me but my 2 favorite Christmastime films are It’s a Wonderful Life and the Trailer Park Boys’ Dear Santa Claus: Go F*@$ Yourself. The Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol is close behind.
Some comedian once remarked that he liked to watch “Die Hard” backwards. He said that, watched that way, it becomes a movie about how a bunch of terrorists remodel an office building just in time for a Christmas party.
My vote for the best Christmas movie is “Comfort and Joy,” the 1984 version with Bill Paterson.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087072/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
It’s very low key and quirky and Paterson is always fun to watch.
My confession? I like the Grinch. I identify with him.
Any oldtimers here gotta remember Bing… The Bells of St. Mary’s or White Christmas
Aye Lad,
I remember Bing. Does that officially make me an old fart like you? Truth be told, I really liked Bing’s appearance with Curt Gowdy on “The American Sportsman” with the two of them hunting ducks. Makes me wonder what they would think of Duck Dynasty today?
Quacking Up,
Cayden
I’m an old f**t too. Cayden, I’ve to to tell some family history about Bing. Herself’s Da’ was in Bing’s College class, at least until Bing was invited to leave GU. . .something about a piano being hoist to the fourth floor of DeSmet Hall for a party. . .seems the rope broke as it got to the fire escape landing. . .!
Bing was jamming with her Uncle when they were teens at her Grandmothers house. Seems he burnt a cigarette hole in the rug, and then compounded the offense by singeing a picture on the piano of her deceased husband. Grandma said “That boy has no respect for the dead! He’ll never make anything of himself. . .” 
Bob
Bob,
Great story! Thanks for the glimpse at one of the greats!
Cheers,
Cayden
We haven’t had a Christmas Tree for years because we used to have a dog that would live under the tree the moment it was set up, making the tree worthless to place presents. Plus, she could smell her presents and she’d just unwrap them before Christmas and when she stood up under the tree, she’d get her head caught in the lights and garland and drag the tree all around the living room while we were at work. So we’ve placed lighted garland all over the furniture and doorways in our living room and that’s where we hang our ornaments. Last year, we took the ornaments down and only noticed a couple of months later that we left the garland up. We’re hanging the ornaments again this weekend.