“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
If you know this code, then you have seen Elf. Maybe even recently, since it’s being shown almost non-stop on some channels and is on demand on HBOMax. Since I had never seen it, I made it a point to watch it the other night so I could include it in the Favorite Christmas Movies countdown posts.
If you don’t know the story, it begins with an orphan sneaking a ride in Santa’s sack on Christmas Eve. From there, he is raised by elves, with Papa Elf being played by the ever-amazing Bob Newhart, who has been busy ensuring that this younger generation knows and adores him as Professor Proton from The Big Bang or Young Sheldon. Bob has one delivery style, and he incorporates that into his Papa Elf character. Ed Asner (Mary Tyler Moore, Lou Grant) plays a great Santa.
Buddy, as they all call him based on the brand of diapers he was wearing, soon is acclimated into the elf culture and elf life.
Buddy is on a quest to find his real Papa, so off to New York City he goes with the blessings of Santa and all the elves. James Caan plays his real Papa, and Mary Steenburgen is his stepmother. Will Farrell (Saturday Night Live, Talladega Nights) plays Buddy, and in typical Will Farrell fashion, dominates and overwhelms anyone and anything else in the scene. Particularly the scenes with his love interest, Jovie (Zooey Deschanel).
Is the movie corny? Yep. Is it dumb in places? Yep. Do we feel for Buddy? Eh. Maybe. Do we laugh? Yep. Peter Dinklage (Multiple Emmy Winner for Game of Thrones, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) steals one scene that is both hysterically funny and cringe-worthy.
We follow Buddy’s journey to get to know his real family and to work towards fitting into human life. Of course, there is a Christmas crisis and everyone must rally around to solve the problem or Christmas is doomed. Santa crashes a sleigh and is chased by Central Park Mounted Police who are permanently on the naughty list. Zooey demonstrates her beautiful voice and sings loud for all to hear and saves the day.
It is a fun movie, and unlike Die Hard, which apparently is a Christmas Movie, no one gets blown up or dies. If it is cold outside and you want to curl up on the couch next to a cozy fire, Elf might be a movie to watch.
While you are curled up on that couch, do some shopping for the holidays. They are going to be here before you know it! Here are some wonderful handmade Christmas gifts for everyone your list:
Beach Sunflower Canvas Print
Shamrock and Flower Scalloped Wool Felt Candle Mat Table Topper 12"
Farm Animals Cupcake Toppers
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Dark Grass Green Etched
Wire Beaded Kippah
Green Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals
Crocheted Victorian Fingerless Gloves
Labradorite Gemstone Necklace with Pendant
Christmas Tree Earrings Crystal Green Yellow Handmade Holiday Jewelry
Venetian Glass Brilliant Hunter Green Beaded Statement Necklace
Green and Yellow Lampwork Beaded Necklaces for Women
Don’t see what you want here?
Here are some more places to shop handmade by these artists, and if nothing else, ask one of them to create something for you.
Countdown to Christmas 2022
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
More Places to Shop:
Favorite Christmas Movies - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Story
Favorite Christmas Movies - Miracle on 34th Street
Favorite Christmas Movies - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Carol
Favorite Christmas Movies - Home Alone
Favorite Christmas Movies - It's a Wonderful Life
Favorite Christmas Movies - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Favorite Christmas Movies - Frosty the Snowman
Check back for more gift ideas.
Happy gift giving,
Julie
Not a fan of corny, dumb movies or Will Farrell so I chose not to watch this movie. Another great selection of handmade creations, Julie. Love all the greens. Thank you so much for including our farm animal cupcake toppers. Will share.
Hi Julie! Thanks for sharing such a great blog on the movie Elf!! Lots of funny parts in this movie with a great cast!! I appreciate you selecting my beach sunflower canvas… so grateful!! Thanks for all you do and hope you have a great rest of the week!! I am sharing these beautiful gift selections on Pinterest and Twitter!! :)
There are some very funny parts of Elf. Have seen it once but probably won’t ever watch it again, although it sure has a great cast of actors/actresses! And talk about a GREAT cast of artisan handmade picks for this blog! Thanks for including my crystal Christmas earrings. Will schedule tweets and pin all to several boards. Tasty treats to the Magnificent Harry Boy from the Magnificent Desert Moose!
Such a beautiful collection of artisan handmade gifts. Thanks, Julie and Harry, for including my grass green lampwork beads!