Page 62 of Christmas at the Movies
Sarah felt sad that so many local people were struggling. Although relative newcomers to the village, she and James felt like part of the community. The other local business owners had been incredibly supportive.
After having Nora’s delicious apple pie for dessert, they returned to the living room with coffees and a box of chocolates.
‘We showed CharlotteThe Muppet Christmas Carolfor the first time last night,’ said Nora, stirring her coffee.
‘Oh, that’s such a great Christmas movie,’ replied Sarah. She couldn’t wait to share classic Christmas films with Holly when she was older.
‘My favourite Christmas film isDie Hard,’ said Simon.
‘That’s not a Christmas movie,’ scoffed Sarah.
‘That’s what I always tell him,’ remarked Nora. ‘See, Simon – Sarah agrees with me.’
‘I’m with Simon.Die Hardis set at Christmastime,’ said James. ‘It’s about a man trying to get his family back. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about – family?’
They had a lively debate about what constituted a Christmas movie – and what the best one was.
‘I like all the oldies,’ said Roger. ‘Holiday InnandWhite Christmas.’
‘For me, the perfect Christmas film isIt’s a Wonderful Life,’ said Sarah.
‘Is it terrible that I’ve never seen it?’ asked Pari.
Roger gasped in mock outrage.
Pari popped a chocolate in her mouth. ‘What’s it even about?’
‘It’s about a guy named George Bailey,’ explained James, ‘who wants to go travelling and become an architect. But he has to take over his family’s bank instead.’
‘My heart bleeds for him,’ said Pari sarcastically.
‘At beginning of the movie he’s planning to commit suicide,’ continued Sarah.
Pari pulled a face. ‘It sounds super depressing.’
‘Oh, but it isn’t,’ Omar assured her. ‘An angel comes down and helps George see how his small acts of kindness to friends and family have made a huge difference in people’s lives.’
‘For instance, during the Great Depression, he loans customers his own money so they can keep their houses,’ Roger elaborated.
Ian snorted. ‘They definitely don’t make bankers like that any more. I can’t tell you how many house foreclosures I’ve been to lately. It’s great for my shop – I can pick up cheap furniture – but sad that so many people can’t afford to pay their mortgages.’
Sarah suddenly had an idea. If George Bailey could do something to help his community during tough economic times, perhaps they could too …
‘James, what if we showed free Christmas movies for local residents this year,’ she mused. ‘It sounds like a lot of local people could use a bit of a pick-me-up.’
A movie couldn’t solve anyone’s problems, but it could provide a few hours of escapism, a much-needed break from troubles and worries.
‘That’s a great idea,’ said James.
Sarah’s gaze landed on the chocolate advent calendar that Holly had ravaged. ‘Maybe we could do it like an advent calendar.’
‘How do you mean?’ asked Roger.
‘We won’t say what movie we’re screening beforehand. It will be a surprise – like opening a door to an advent calendar.’
‘That’s brilliant!’ said James.
Roger frowned. ‘I hate to be a spoilsport, but how can you show twenty-four movies for free? You’re going to have to pay the distributors and you won’t be making any profit.’
