Old Cinema and New Cinema

Whether relaxing, sitting next to a fire with classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or trying newer movies like “The Red One,” Christmas movies have always brought us into the holiday spirit. But have you ever noticed how different these films feel? The timeless charm of storytelling today’s CGI uses and the evolution of holiday films reveal how traditions adapt to the times. So, which reigns supreme: yesteryear’s classics or modern-day movies?

There has always been something magical about old Christmas movies. They’re warm, sentimental, and often filled with life lessons wrapped in heartfelt storytelling. Muted colors, slower pacing, and genuine acting styles give these films a nostalgic charm. Think “White Christmas” with its music, or “Miracle on 34th Street”-- which still makes me believe in Santa Claus.

Dieter Galicia, 12, says his favorite Christmas movie is “Polar Express. " He explains, “I think new holiday movies can often be similar to each other in terms of the plot, but the older movies felt more unique and different from each other.” However, he does still enjoy the newer movies.

If you go past the warm feeling of nostalgia, these films brought us together and formed last memories. Families and friends gather around creating lasting bonds and new experiences. The traditions reflected in these movies feel as classic as the films themselves.

But if we fast-forward to the present, Christmas movies have evolved to meet the tastes of a different world. Brighter colors, sharp editing, and digital effects are the norm. Today’s holiday hits often rely on quirky humor and feel-good plots with a sprinkle of magic (think “The Christmas Chronicles”).

While the production quality has dramatically improved, some argue the soul of storytelling has shifted. Lincoln Vetne, 12,  another movie enthusiast, shares his favorite Christmas movies being “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,” or “The Polar Express:” “I miss the unique characteristics, like a slightly grainy video and shoddy sound quality, that gives the movies a welcoming, home-classic feel everyone loves.” He says, “‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ is a great example of this and is another movie I love. Newer movies miss out on this just because of superior technology and recording equipment.” But similarly to Dieter, he still enjoys the newer Christmas movies, especially Hallmark movies.

However, modern movies shine in their relatability. Diverse cast members, contemporary challenges, and fresh twists make them accessible to audiences young and old. And, let’s face it, seeing Christmas through different lenses can be good; nowadays that lens is high-tech wizardry.

While many enjoy modern films, the classics often take the crown. Why? According to Fielding Graduate University, “The anticipation of the emotional journey we know is to follow creates a neural reward before the movie even starts.” They said, “When the characters feel like old friends and the settings like familiar places, these parasocial connections trigger the oxytocin-induced warm fuzzies of real social experience.” These films evoke timeless themes—family, love, and the season's magic. In an era when streaming allows us to revisit these classics easily, they’ve become an anchor to our memories.

Regardless of how we feel about Christmas movies, nothing compares to the spirit they put us in during the holidays. They could be a reminder of simpler times: coming home after watching a movie in 4th grade, or enjoying the time with siblings and family making cookies in the kitchen.