What makes the perfect Christmas movie?

Settling down on the sofa to watch a Christmas movie has become as much a part of the festive tradition as turkey, crackers and mistletoe, but what can psychology tell us about the phenomenon? Psychologist and filmmaker Justin Spray offers his thoughts and his personal festive film recommendation and settles that perennial Christmas argument: is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie?

The 2019 animation, Klaus, offers a beautiful and imaginative Santa origin story that I predict will in time become a classic because not only is it a fabulous yuletide story but it offers the vital ingredients of an enduring Christmas tale: loss, redemption, hope and a bit of moral elevation.

We'll start with loss, hope and redemption…

The narrative arc of redemption, with its inherent conflicts and resolutions, aligns with our natural inclination for coherent and satisfying storytelling but it offers much more than that. We are drawn to redemption stories because they tap into fundamental aspects of the human experience, resonating with universal emotions and desires. As the long dark nights of winter draw in and we wonder if the warmth of the sun will ever return, Christmas stories offer hope and the possibility of positive change. When characters undergo redemption, it communicates a message that individuals can overcome their flaws and mistakes, fostering a sense of optimism.

Additionally, redemptive Christmas stories often address moral and ethical themes, such as forgiveness and the consequences of actions – all packaged in a festive romp. These themes tap into universal values, sparking contemplation and resonating with the heightened sense of justice and fairness we feel at this time of year. This creates a powerful emotional connection, evoking empathy and a shared sense of humanity.

Moral elevation

Which brings us to moral elevation and the Christmas story's ability to inspire and motivate.

That genius of the Christmas storyteller, Charles Dickens, knew that a good story could do much more than entertain. The words he gave to Scrooge's nephew, Fred, in his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, go a long way towards summing up why he pursued the Christmas story and why we continue to tell and seek out stories like that of Scrooge.

As Fred declares, "I have always thought of Christmas time … as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."

Sparking debate in his lifetime about social and economic inequalities of the haves and have nots, time, Charles unashamedly set about to influence social reform. He didn't just set out to entertain us, he wanted to move us.

And as Klaus explains when challenged about why he gives gifts to strangers, "A true selfless act always sparks another".  Or if you were to ask a psychologist, they might tell you that a good Christmas tale includes the ingredient of moral elevation.

The social psychologist Jonathan Haidt described moral elevation as being the warm, uplifting feeling that people experience when they see unexpected acts of human goodness, kindness, compassion, love, gratitude, forgiveness, courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice or any other strong display of virtue. Who does not love a warm feeling at Christmas?

Haidt proposed that witnessing moral excellence leads to individuals feeling 'lifted up, optimistic about humanity'. This, he suggested could reduce feelings of cynicism and encourage 'feelings of hope, love, and optimism and a sense of moral inspiration'. This, he concludes is likely to lead to motivational outcomes of opening up to and desiring to help others.

So a good Christmas movie might do much more than entertain us. It could just help us connect us with our fellow humans. And as well as being more optimistic about humanity, we might even do something to help our fellow passengers to the grave.

Which brings me to my two recommendations

If you want to stick to the classic redemptive tale of Dickens, there can be no better example than that served up by Michael Caine, Gonzo and the gang in The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).

At the start of the story the miserly misanthropic character Ebenezer Scrooge represents the opposite of the human traits we associate with Christmas but through his transformation, by the end of the story we can see Scrooge adopt the spirit of Christmas and his newly found sense of generosity and kindness moves us. As well as one of Michael Caine's finest performances, there are also some catchy songs and great gags. Heatwave.

But the standout winner for me has to be It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Frank Capra's movie may be interpreted as A Christmas Carol in reverse. Unlike Scrooge who becomes aware of the negative impact his choices have made on those around him, George Bailey learns how his community would have been different if he hadn't existed.  As he contemplates suicide, George witnesses the negative impact of his absence and gains a renewed appreciation for his own life. As George realises the profound influence he has on others, we are moved by his self-sacrifice. I challenge you to watch the film and not shed a tear and vow to be more George.

Awe

And finally there's one more ingredient: the awe bit. Recall the final scene of a Christmas movie and you'll be hard pressed to find one where the following doesn't happen. Perhaps our heroes are finally reunited. Maybe love is declared, or the value of friendship revealed. Undoubtedly, we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. As the writer reaches into their toolbox looking for one more piece of movie magic to provide that emotional punch, we can almost hear the director shout,  'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow'.  As Scrooge heads out on Christmas morning with a turkey to headed for Kermit's home, it snows. As George Bailey runs through Bedford Falls to be reunited with his family, the heavens open and snow falls.

And, of course, that's the ending of Die Hard, miraculously in Los Angeles courtesy of burning bearer bonds, which settles the argument: it is a Christmas movie.

Justin Spray is on Instagram: @justin.spray