Romantic adj. Having an imaginative or emotional appeal.

As Christmas approaches, a sense of romance fills the brisk air in my corner of the world. Holiday romance movies are a double dose of magical emotions, which is why they are my absolute favorite genre. Here are just a couple of my favorites.

The Family Man

Jack Campbell (Nicholas Cage) is a successful business man in his early thirties. He's single, rich, confident and self-made. He's also a touch arrogant, a bit insensitive, and all sorts of shallow.

It's been a busy day at work, but Jack has managed to exact a brutal work schedule from his staff in spite of Christmas being just a day away. An unusual conversation at the convenience store seems to set something into action. He falls asleep in his sleek Manhattan apartment. Imagine his surprise when he wakes on Christmas morning in a cozy middle class home, next to his old girlfriend, a little girl calling him Daddy, and a family dog panting into his face. It isn't a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

Looking around at this life, Jack is certain marrying Kate (Tea Leoni) after college would've ruined their lives. And then he unwillingly gets a better look.

This is a great holiday film for romantics.

It's A Wonderful Life

This 1946 Frank Capra classic is a classic for a reason. If you haven't seen it, you really must. George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) is anxiously awaiting his chance to escape the little town he grew up in. He's going to see the world, build things, see things. He's been dreaming of it since he was a little boy.

Mary Hatch (played by Donna Reed) has had other dreams, though. Since she was a little girl, she's been dreaming of marrying George Bailey. And Mary is everything good about their little town.

George faithfully helps at the family building & loan business while his brother, Harry, gets his college education, chomping at the bit for his escape. Then Harry is kept away longer as war breaks out. George is unable to serve in the military, but sells war bonds in their town and does his best to do his part.

This movie is the opposite of The Family Man. George marries the girl, raises the family, takes over the family business and is the picture of reliability.

One Christmas eve, George faces a crisis that threatens everything he has, including his freedom. George finds himself contemplating suicide for the insurance money that would be left to his wife and children. Poised on the bridge, ready to jump, George finds himself coming to the rescue of someone else yet again. It happens to be his guardian angel in disguise, sent to help George take a better look at what he has to lose.

I purchased both of these movies on DVD at my own expense. I haven't been compensated to write these opinions.

The Family Man
It's A Wonderful Life (Includes a color version)