241. What Are the Best and Worst Fantastical Christmas Stories?

‘Tis the season for Christmas stories and stories fans claim are Christmas stories. Which ones have aged for every season? And which ones could be safely left back in childhood when we thought they were fun? In this special episode, let’s open the spiced eggnog, celebrate the best, and boo the rest.

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1. Which are the best/worst Nativity adaptations?

• Netflix’s recent Mary film starts with a narration from their heroine:
• “You may think you know my story. Trust me, you don’t.” (Source.) Huh.
• Stephen prefers The Nativity Story and of course The Chosen specials.
• He grew up watching many Nativity adaptations from Christian creators.
• Zack is a fan of Sony Animation’s 2017 animated version The Star.

2. How do we like secular Christmas stories?

• Tales like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Arthur Christmas count.
• So do “secular” stories that engage with faith, like It’s a Wonderful Life.
• Classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have some surprising edge.
• For other films, like The Santa Clause (series) and Elf, mileage may vary.

3. What about ‘honorary’ Christmas stories?

• Fans argue for Die Hard and such-like, but Stephen really does not care.
• Similarly, does it matter that Iron Man 3 and Shazam occur at Christmas?
• None of these films, after all, actually released for the Christmas season.
• Stephen might claim The Hobbit, LOTR, and TLWW are Christmas tales.

Top question for listeners

• Which are your best and worst fantastical Christmas stories?