Rockhurst Sentinel

Media Credit: Brian Roewe Rockin' around the Christmas tree ... and bell tower!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…and it has for the past few months or so.  But enough about my commentary on the forcefulness that Christmas is thrust upon us by department stores and certain local radio stations.  The true Christmas season is upon us and I for one couldn’t be more excited.  I think I actually love the build-up to Christmas more than I like the actual holiday. 

Flipping through the television and coming upon a classic Christmas movie, helping mom put up the slew of decorations, and coming home to a warm home filled with great Christmas music are just a few of the many things that really help get me in the spirit.  And to help get you in the spirit, here are some of my pop-culture Christmas picks that are sure to scare away any Scrooge or Grinch sentiments that you may be harboring.

Best Movie

This is by far the toughest category to call as there are so many great holiday films out there and it is probably my favorite part about Christmas.  When it comes to Christmas movies, nothing can beat a good knee-slapping, rolling-on-the-floor-laughing comedy, and three movies make the grade as holiday movies that should be watched at least once, or more, every season. 

First up is The Muppet Christmas Carol.  Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, and Tiny Tim gets a modern makeover only the Muppets could produce.  The songs are great, and Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat steal the show as the narrators. This next movie may have claimed my top spot had it not been for the fact that it is severely overplayed—24 hours in a row is a bit ridiculous. 

 A Christmas Story is one of the best stories because we can all identify with Ralphie and his scheming and planning to try and land that one dream present.  But for me, the single greatest Christmas movie is and will always be National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  Chevy Chase gives what is probably the finest performance of his career and Randy Quaid is hilarious as lovable red-neck Cousin Eddie. 

Best Song

The seemingly un-ending parade of Christmas songs makes it tough to choose just one, so I’ve divided this into three categories: Religious, Traditional, and Non-traditional.

Religious: For those of you who might be confused, I’ve limited religious to songs about Jesus and his birth.  And for me, the best among these songs is O Holy Night.  As with any Christmas song, there are numerous recordings of this song, but the version that I prefer is by Josh Groban.

Traditional: This is of course any classic carol that doesn’t fall into the religious category.  I love the original Bing Crosby recording of Silver Bells, but I also can’t help but stop whatever I’m doing and listen to Bruce Springsteen’s rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  Gotta respect the boss.

Non-traditional: This category is reserved for those special one-time, holiday edition recordings.  Last Christmas by Wham! is a great example of a Christmas song that could transcend the holiday season and be played all year long.  But my favorite non-traditional Christmas song is Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You by Billy Squier of The Strokes fame.  If you haven’t heard this song, be warned that if you listen to it you’ll be singing it every chance you get.

Best TV Special

It’s hard to mention Christmas TV specials and not conjure up images of A Charlie Brown Christmas.  It is a true classic.  However, I prefer another old standby—Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  The voice we hear in this special is that of Boris Karloff, a Hollywood legend most noted for his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in the 1930s.  When it comes to TV Christmas specials, it is the oldies that are truly the goodies.

In light of Kansas City recently being featured on Good Morning America for their Christmas attractions, I felt it necessary to include the best the city has to offer during the holidays.

Best Song

As far as I know, Brad Millison’s Christmas in Kansas City is the only song dedicated to glorifying the many great Kansas City Christmas traditions, so I guess this has to take the cake.

Best All Christmas Music Radio Station

Well, as a totally un-biased observer, I would have to give the nod to Star 102.1 FM.  They have a great mix of old classics and new favorites, not to mention the best produced morning radio show I have ever heard.  (Ed. Note: Bryan Jackson is currently the morning show producer for Mornings with Dave and Christy on Star 102.1 FM)

Best Christmas Attraction

So many to choose from.  The first time you see the Plaza Lights is a memory that will remain with you for you lifetime.  Holiday shopping abounds not just at the Plaza, but also at Zona Rosa in the Northland and at the Legends at Village West, both of which also have holiday attractions like breakfast with Santa and strolling carolers.  But for the best combination of shows, shopping, and Christmas fun, one definitely needs to check out Crown Center.  When GMA came to town, even they knew to set up their cameras at the Ice Terrace at Crown Center.

Best Christmas Show

Kansas City has holiday shows that are an annual affair, and many of them are definitely worth checking out.  Kansas City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is one of the biggest and best of its kind, and I can personally. attest to greatness of this show.  Also, back in elementary school I attended the Kansas City Repertory Theater’s performance of A Christmas Carol and absolutely loved it.  However, perhaps the greatest show that routinely makes stops in Kansas City is Trans Siberian Orchestra.  Granted that it isn’t a homegrown Kansas City tradition, but this show makes its way to the city every season, and it has been kicked up a notch by moving into the Sprint Center for their blend of orchestra and rock music.  I attended this year’s show and was glued to my seat for the entire show—all two and a half hours of it.

Well, there you have it.  The best that Pop Culture and Kansas City have to offer this Christmas season.  So turn on your radio, head to Crown Center, or pop in Christmas Vacation.  However you spend your holidays, be safe and have fun. 

Merry Christmas!

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