Column: Thanks for Listening, by Scott Schmeltzer

This is the time of year that everyone has a favorite Christmas or holiday movie. I will list my top 10 choices and see if they match up to what you have for a favorite movie.

1. “A Christmas Story”: “You’ll shoot your eye out” and the leg lamp are just two of the reasons that this movie is a must-watch every year. TBS runs a 24-hour marathon just because of how many people love this show.

2. “Elf”: Two words: Will Ferrell.

3. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: The original cartoon is the best one. I love the little puppy with the antlers.

4. “Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase: The Griswolds are too funny with the best lighting display of any movie about Christmas. Do not judge it by the corny Old Navy commercials.

5. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Since I was born on the island of misfit toys, this classic has always been one of my favorites.

6. “Charlie Brown Christmas”: I love the Charlie Brown tree.

7. “White Christmas”: Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye sing and dance through every scene with old time charm and poise.

8. “Scrooged”: Bill Murray makes the classic tale come alive with a new twist.

9. “Frosty the Snowman”: H-A-P-P-Y Birthday! with a wonderful snowman.

10. “Miracle on 34th Street” with Richard Attenborough’s spot-on Kris Kringle. This movie is timeless.

So grab some eggnog, popcorn and have a great family night.

 

Twelven magic

Here is my version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

It is called “Twelve Amazingly Awesome People.” I am going to list 12 awe-inspiring and remarkable people. These of course are not the only amazing people in our area, so feel free to add your own to your list:

1. Tiffany Carlson

2. Tom Sorenson

3. Kari Brick

4. Nate Jansen

5. Jill Koehler

6. Tiffany Syverson

7. Nancy Skophammer

8. Jenni Hanna

9. Bob Sturtz

10. Joyce Nixon

11. Heather Benda

12. Dak Sorenson

When you see these 12 people or your own version of 12 amazingly awesome people, please shout at the top of your lungs: You are amazing! It is guaranteed to make their day.

 

Celebrate the holidays

Please join us next week for Holiday Business After Hours.

Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18

What: Lots of food and prizes

What else: Show up and find out!

 

Listen to your elders

The holiday season is a time for great cheer but also of reflection. You may miss a parent or a grandparent who was special to you while you were growing up. This special person might have done something each holiday season that you will always remember and cherish. During this season, please take the following steps to secure the precious history of your friends and family and the treasures they all hold.

1. Talk to your parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Ask questions about your family traditions and stories about your parents and grandparents youth.

2. Take this information down. Today’s technologies have allowed us to video-record, take photos, write and preserve our family’s histories better than at any time in our history. Take advantage of this.

3. Buy a hope chest. Keep family heirlooms, photos and heartwarming family memories in an important area. Log information on your computer and catalog important events.

You might not see this as a huge deal now, but trust me, in time you will. Someone in your family will want to carry on the traditions you had and it could be that beautiful baby daughter or son that you are holding right now. When these younger generations get older, they will have questions about the past and what a shame it would be to not have that information for them. Please take the time and record your families now. You will not regret it.

 

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.