Christmas movies Archives

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Ah, the holiday season — a time for cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and, of course, classic Christmas movies. One of my absolute favorite Christmas movies of all time ( and believe me, I watch a lot of movies) is the 1945 classic, Christmas in Connecticut. Amidst the snowy landscapes, romance and heartwarming tales, there’s one character who deserves a spot on the influencer pedestal — Elizabeth Lane of “Christmas in Connecticut.” Move over, modern influencers, because this yuletide icon was the original trendsetter, making Martha Stewart look like an amateur elf.

Why Christmas in Connecticut’s Elizabeth Lane was the Original Influencer

1. Home and Hearth Extravaganza

Elizabeth Lane, portrayed by the enchanting Barbara Stanwyck, wasn’t just a writer; she was the high priestess of domesticity. Her columns weren’t mere recipes and decor tips; they were a guide to achieving the epitome of holiday perfection. Move over, Pinterest, because Elizabeth’s Connecticut farmhouse was the original DIY wonderland.

2. Culinary Sorceress

Pre-dating the era of avocado toasts and gluten-free everything, Elizabeth Lane was already concocting culinary masterpieces that could make Gordon Ramsay nod in approval. From perfectly roasted turkeys to decadent Yule logs, her kitchen was the epitome of gastronomic delight. Forget influencers collaborating with chefs; Elizabeth did it all herself.

3. Fashion Forward in Fur

While today’s influencers flaunt sponsored fashion lines, Elizabeth Lane was strutting around her Connecticut haven in fur-trimmed perfection. Her winter wardrobe was the envy of every snowflake, making even the most seasoned Instagram fashionistas rethink their coat game.

4. Romance, Connecticut Style

In the age of dating apps and swipes, Elizabeth Lane was crafting romance with the finesse of a seasoned matchmaker. Her flirtations with the charming Jefferson Jones were as orchestrated as a Hallmark love story, proving that love in Connecticut was the ultimate influencer narrative.

5. Multitasking Maven

Elizabeth didn’t just dabble in one aspect of holiday magic; she juggled it all. From penning heartfelt columns to hosting extravagant gatherings, she was the original multitasking maven. Move over, lifestyle gurus; Elizabeth was doing it all before it became a hashtag. In the time of strict gender roles, Elizabeth Lane dared to embrace her independence and forged her own way.

6. Holiday Hack Extraordinaire

Forget life hacks; Elizabeth Lane was the queen of holiday hacks. Need a last-minute centerpiece? She’d whip up a masterpiece with a few branches and some tinsel. Her creativity was the original inspiration for everyone looking to hack their way through the holiday hustle.

7. Connecticut Chic

Modern influencers spend hours curating the perfect Instagram aesthetic. Elizabeth Lane had Connecticut as her backdrop, turning snowy landscapes and quaint farmhouses into the chicest of settings. Who needs filters when you have the picturesque charm of New England?

8. No Photoshop Needed

In the age of airbrushing and filters, Elizabeth Lane’s perfection required no digital enhancements. Her flawless holiday celebrations were presented without the need for Photoshop, making her the original influencer embracing authenticity.

9. Literary Luminary

In an era of tweets and short captions, Elizabeth Lane was a wordsmith extraordinaire. Her columns weren’t just about recipes; they were love letters to the holiday spirit. Move over, Twitter; Elizabeth was crafting 280-character magic long before it was a thing.

10. Legacy of Laughter

While modern influencers strive for likes and shares, Elizabeth Lane’s legacy endures through timeless laughter. Her comedic escapades in “Christmas in Connecticut” are still inducing chuckles decades later. In the influencer world, laughter truly is the best engagement.

So, as you cozy up with your cocoa for the umpteenth or your very first viewing of “Christmas in Connecticut,” raise a toast to Elizabeth Lane — the OG influencer whose holiday prowess set the stage for all the Instagrammers, bloggers, and influencers of today. Here’s to the lady who made Christmas in Connecticut not just a location but a lifestyle!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Ah, the season of joy, goodwill, and cozying up with the Christmas movies! Maybe you’re a Hallmark movie girl? I get it, I am sometimes too. However, I love a good classic movie. As you deck the halls and await the arrival of the big man in red, why not add a touch of cinematic cheer to your holiday traditions? Here’s my merry list of the 13 best classic Christmas movies that will make your heart grow three sizes and have you ho-ho-ho-ing all the way.

The 13 Best Classic Christmas Movies

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):

This is my Christmas eve movie and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What do you get when you mix Jimmy Stewart, an angel named Clarence, and a lesson in holiday spirit? A heartwarming journey that proves life is, indeed, wonderful. Just remember, no man is a failure who has friends.

2. Christmas in Connecticut (1945):

Imagine a recipe for chaos: a food writer ( in my opinion Elizabeth Lane was the first influencer ever), a fake farm, and a Christmas-loving sailor. ‘Christmas in Connecticut‘ whips up a delightful concoction of mistaken identities and festive fiascos. Barbara Stanwyck, in a role that defines holiday hilarity, plays a writer who must fake a Martha Stewart-level home life. As you navigate through this winter wonderland of mix-ups and merriment, you’ll find yourself chuckling at the absurdity of it all while secretly wishing for a Christmas as eventful.

3. My Man Godfrey (1936):

Fasten your seatbelts; we’re diving into the madcap world of ‘My Man Godfrey.’ In this screwball comedy, we meet Godfrey, a “forgotten man” picked up from the city dump by a quirky socialite. What unfolds is a riotous blend of witty banter, social satire, and a dash of romance.

With charming performances and a plot as fizzy as champagne, ‘My Man Godfrey’ is a timeless classic that proves that laughter is indeed the best medicine. This movie is sure to warm your holiday heart while filling your home with laughter.

4. The Bishop’s Wife (1947):

Picture this: an angel, a bishop, and a dash of heavenly charm. ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ isn’t your typical angelic tale. Cary Grant, suave as ever, plays an angel sent to Earth to help a troubled bishop. But, hold onto your halos, because this divine intervention takes an unexpected turn into the realms of love and laughter. It’s a heavenly cocktail with a twist of romantic comedy that’ll warm your heart faster than a cup of cocoa.

5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947):

Can you put Kris Kringle on trial for claiming to be Santa Claus? This timeless classic raises the question and, more importantly, reminds us to believe in the magic of the season. Case closed!

6. White Christmas (1954):

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and a Vermont inn with no snow — a recipe for the perfect holiday musical. It’s a nostalgic journey that’ll have you dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones you used to know.

7. A Christmas Carol (1984):

Ebenezer Scrooge, ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future — Dickens knew how to spin a holiday yarn. Follow the transformative journey of a miserly old man as he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Bah, humbug no more!

8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965):

Charlie Brown ( the original Caillou), Snoopy, and the gang are very nostalgic for me. It’s all about this the journey as this group of friends navigate the true meaning of Christmas amidst a scrawny tree and Linus’s heartwarming recitation. It’s short, sweet, and a Peanuts classic.

9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964):

It’s the tale of a misfit reindeer with a luminous nose, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and an island of misfit toys. This stop-motion wonder is a delightful journey of acceptance and festive fun.

10. The Grinch (2000):

Jim Carrey as the mean, green Grinch? Yes, please! Dr. Seuss’s classic gets a live-action twist, and Carrey’s Grinch brings a comedic touch to the story of a heart that grows three sizes in Whoville.

11. Holiday Inn (1942):

This classic introduced the world to the song “White Christmas” and stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. With song-and-dance numbers, romance, and plenty of yuletide charm, it’s a must for your holiday watchlist.

12. A Christmas Story (1983):

You’ll shoot your eye out! Join Ralphie on his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift, a Red Ryder BB Gun. This nostalgic trip down memory lane is a humorous look at the trials of childhood during the holidays. I was a family favorite growing up because its based on the area I grew up in so it feels very relatable and familiar to me.

13. Elf (2003):

“I just like to smile; smiling’s my favorite.” Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf brings infectious joy to this modern classic. From syrup-covered spaghetti to a magical journey to find his dad, it’s a festive ride filled with laughs and Christmas cheer.

So, there you have it — a sleigh-full of timeless treasures that will make your holiday season extra special. Grab the hot cocoa, gather the family, and let the classic Christmas movie marathon begin. May your days be merry, your popcorn be plentiful, and your holiday classics be nothing short of legendary!

Christmas movies

Decking the Halls with Christmas in Connecticut’s Elizabeth Lane: The Original Influencer