Why are Christmas movies so popular?

Merry Christmas! [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 25 December 2019 [The Conversation]( [Support The Conversation in 2020 with a monthly gift]( [Kalpana Jain] A note from... Kalpana Jain Senior Religion + Ethics Editor Many Americans spend time around the holidays watching movies. New films are in the theaters, of course – but every Christmas, old classics make a welcome comeback. Popular in my home around this time is the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which ushers in a spirit of joy and cheer year after year. Scholar S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate sees these films and the emotions they evoke as more than a form of “escape” – but rather [“a glimpse into the world as it could be.”]( Also today: - [How St. Francis created the nativity scene]( - [Connecting with loved ones with dementia]( - [What that "organic" label on your holiday ham really means]( Top story A still from the 1946 classic ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’ National Telefilm Associates [What makes Christmas movies so popular]( S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate, Hamilton College Holiday movies offer us a glimpse into how the world is could be, often in sharp contrast to our lives as they are. In that way, the annual act of viewing them is like a religious ritual. Featured articles - [How St. Francis created the Nativity scene, with a miraculous event in 1223]( Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University Nativity scenes showing the birth of baby Jesus first originated in the small Italian town of Greccio. - [‘Organic’ label doesn’t guarantee that holiday ham was a happy pig]( Michael Haedicke, Drake University US federal regulations say little about how animals on organic farms should be treated. So if you're planning to serve an ethical holiday dinner, you'll have to do some research. - [Asking people with memory loss about past holidays can help them recall happy times]( Michael R. Nadorff, Mississippi State University; Mary E. Dozier, Mississippi State University Asking loved ones with memory problems to discuss holiday memories can help them retrieve some memories, studies suggest. In turn, that can improve mood and quality of life. - [Mexican Mennonites combat fears of violence with a new Christmas tradition]( Rebecca Janzen, University of South Carolina Chronic violence was dampening the holiday spirit in Chihuahua, Mexico. So the Mennonite community planned a 'Parade of Lights' and holiday party where neighbors could celebrate safely even at night. [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111