Why do we watch movies over and over again? But, each time we still like them and feel Christmas magic. Through research on the topic of the subject, learn psychology and from students.
The psychology behind people watching Christmas movies is not, as simple as you may think. In the artcile THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES :by Steven Hartman on December 20, 2023. They say four main reasons why we can watch them over and over again.
The first point they bring up is that Christmas movies are predictable and comfortable. Almost most Christmas movies have a predictable plot which gives the viewer a sort of comfort. This, because you know nothing bad will happen to the characters and that there is a happy ending.
They used the example of the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. “When the holiday season comes around, people start watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation again because it brings comfort, which stems from knowing what will happen. “ From THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES :by Steven Hartman on December 20, 2023.
The second point they bring up is that Christmas Movies are Family Movies. Christmas shows family and togetherness and gives people comfort and nolasgie. Family is a strong feeling during the holidays, so when movies use it in movies they touch the hearts of many.
They used the example of Miracle on 34th Street, the 1947 version. ”…my wife watches Miracle on 34th Street, the 1947 version, every Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition that started when she watched it with her mom as a child and now we watch it as a family as we cook the Thanksgiving turkey.” From THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES :by Steven Hartman on December 20, 2023.
The third point they bring up is that Christmas Movies are Nostalgic. Using childhood nostalgia is a Christmas movie’s biggest weapon. People during the holiday season cling to nostalgia.
They used the example of A Christmas Story. “A Christmas Story is about that very thing: a grownup narrating their childhood memories and the year they desperately wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun despite the constant warnings he’d shoot his eye out.” From THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES :by Steven Hartman on December 20, 2023.
The final example is that Christmas Movies can be Therapeutic. Christmas movies are relaxing to watch by removing the stress of real life. Then putting you in a magic world of christmas cheer. They make you feel good and fill you with holiday spirit.
They don’t use a direct example but they do talk out the most of Christmas movies. “It also reminds us of the importance of family, friends, and the magic of the season. countless christmas movies provide us with that feeling and it’s why we crave it every holiday season.” From THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR OBSESSION WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES :by Steven Hartman on December 20, 2023.
Now students answer “Why do we watch movies over and over again?”. And other Christmas movies. The first question is what is your favorite Christmas movie? But out of the reports the favorite christmas movies are Home Alone & The Polar Express. But some of the others were Elf, Jim Carrey’s The Grinch, and Die Hard.
Next, “why is it your favorite?” Bella Decoster said “It’s just a family Favorite” Her favorite Jim Carrey’s the Grinch. While Noah Fegley said “ I like comedic action” He said his favorite was Home Alone & Die Hard.
The third question was “What was your least favorite movie?” But out of the reports the least favorite christmas movie is Die Hard. But some of the others were Anything on Hallmark, and Elf.
The fourth question was “Why do you think we can watch it over and over again?” Ella Stanley said “Because it never gets boring, and it’s a good movie for night time.” While Brennen Wilson said he does not know.
The fifth question is “What are your top five classic Christmas movies?” But out of the reports the top five christmas classics are Home alone, Polar Express, The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Elf, and The Santa Claus. Some of the other ones said were Klaus, Noelle, National Lampoons Christmas, and Rudolph.
The sixth question is “What movie can you only watch one time?” But out of the reports Die Hard was the movie people could only watch once. Some of the other ones were Elf and Rudolph.
The seventh question is “When do you start watching Christmas movies?” For most people it was after Thanksgiving to the beginning of December. But there also was “Whenever I’m Bored” and “When my mom watches them”.
And Final “Which movies can you watch over the Christmas season?” For most people it was Home Alone, but there were some others. Like Rudelph, Polar Express, Frosty the snowman, and The Grinch.
To conclude, Christmas movies remind us of a simpler time of joy. With funny jokes, Christmas magic, and the feelings of family. With some of the best movies doing this being movies like Home Alone, The Polar Express, Elf, and Jim Carrey’s The Grinch. But others do not, but it all depends on the person who watches the movie.
