Today’s post was brought to you by:

• Heavy Nostalgia
• Christmas Movies
• Danny Kaye
• Sisterly Love
• Netflix Streamteam!

Last week I was participating in one of my favorite activities: Piling about six majillion movies and shows into my Netflix stream for future viewing. At this point, I should be well stocked until 2023. I can’t help it. I have such glorious plans to sit and watch my malevolent House of Cards, my  geekie Numbers, my obscure international films that involve reading, my endless romantic comedies (I love you, Sleepless in Seattle! You complete me!), and of course, my snooty British wonders: Sherlock, Dr. Who, Call the Midwife…

Oh, I could go on and on. And, as my viewing cue will show you, I do.

But lately, this is how I roll:

WE MUST WATCH ALL THE THINGS CHRISTMAS! AS MUCH AS CHRISTMASY POSSIBLE! SMUSH IT ALL IN, BECAUSE ONCE IT’S GONE IT’S A WHOLE YEAR, YA’LL, SO GET YOUR FIX NOW!

And so, I bring you, with a big drum roll and feather fans:

Ok. Let me give you a little back story on this gem. When my sister, Jenni, and I were little, we would watch this on our television. This was back when our television had five channels. And, to turn the channel, you got up off the couch and walked over to the tv and turned the knob. And, it’s very possible, we had just finished fighting over who got to sit on the smooshy couch verses Dad’s red chair. But, if we spotted this movie? We stopped fighting and would plunk right down and watch, enraptured, by all the colors and songs, and cuteness! Danny Kaye. Adorable.

And, it featured these two:Jenni was always Rosemary Clooney, because, well, older and wiser and all that.

I was the younger one, Vera Ellen, who was spunky and a little crazy, but you know what? She ended up with Danny Kaye, so we’re all good.

The image above is from my favorite number in the movie: their “Sisters” duet. In it they get to wear ridiculously bright blue sparkly stuff, and there’s feather fans!!! SQUEE!!!! FEATHER FANS!!!

And, then, of course there was THIS:

I don’t remember… there’s some sort of madcap caper, and Kaye and Crosby sing the “Sisters” song and really, who needs more explanation of plot? This movie is not about plot. It’s a movie musical, ya’ll. A fifties musical. Leave plot driven realism for The Grapes of Wrath. This has people breaking into song and then tap dancing. Good enough.

They had me at Vista Color.

I am watching this tonight, as I finish up my Christmas wrapping. There will be eggnog and popcorn, and I think I just might be my own Hallmark movie.

Truth be told, my Hallmark moment was tarnished just a teensy bit earlier, when had just found this on the great Netflix, and excitedly played the opening credits for my boys. I prefaced it with the dreaded, “Boys! Boys! This is something Mommy watched when she was little! I love this movie!” This enthusiasm from the Mom pretty much always merits two little raincloud responses from my boys:

Red: He starts inching away, with an embarrassed and rather patronizing smile, like Mommy has clearly lost her marbles. Poor mommy. I will smile and watch for about two minutes to help her feel loved, then I am outta here.

Blonde: Abject horror. “What’s DIS? Dis is boring. Canna I have a snack?”

Note: I must remember never to show enthusiasm for old movies. This will only work against me. Toddlers smell nostalgia and it breaks their synapses. Nostalgia, for them, is like five minutes ago, so don’t even try.

That’s fine. More for me. ‘Tis the season.

What is your favorite Christmas movie smushed all full of happy nostalgia and feels??

And, I would also like to wish you a very VERY Merry Christmas. You, my gentle readers, are a wonderful Christmas present that I am so grateful for.

And yes, I ended that sentence with a preposition.

God bless us, every one.

Postscript: I watched this as I wrapped the last of the presents, and I had forgotten – there is a great scene at the beginning of the movie that is so lovely and poignant, a real thank you to all those who are serving in our armed forces during the holidays… Brought tears to my eyes. I want to add a very big thank you to all who protect and serve – while we celebrate, you sacrifice for us. Thank you.