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and while this detail doesn’t make “Iron Man 3” more of a Christmas film, it’s still an interesting parallel between it and “Die Hard.”
Convinced as you might be about the status of these action-adventure movies as holiday films, they do have a few strikes against them. For starters, both of these films were actually summer blockbusters. Neither film was released during the Christmas season. But, if you think that disqualifies them, keep in mind that “Miracle on 34th Street” was also released during the summer, and I don’t think anyone is rushing to disqualify that movie — whose main character is Santa Claus — just because it wasn’t released in December. Another possible reason why “Die Hard” and “Iron Man 3” might not be categorized as Christmas movies is that neither of their plots hinge on the holidays. You could take the holiday out of these movies without affecting any of the crucial plot elements. Christmas in these movies is like extra tinsel on a tree — it might make the final product a little more flashy, but it’s still just a superficial decoration. However, not even this argument is rock solid. Take a look at the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Only a fraction of the film actually takes place on Christmas Eve, but the film’s themes of regret and thankfulness, much like a well-rooted pine tree, are evergreen. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you to look at some of the homages to this holiday classic that don’t have any Christmas elements, such as “13 Going On 30,” Adam Sandler’s “Click,” and even “Shrek 4.”
At this point, no matter which side of the Christmas movie debate you’re on, you might be throwing your hands up in the air. However, I don’t want to leave you without an answer to my original question, so let me just say this: A Christmas movie is whatever movie gets you in the Christmas spirit, which varies from person to person. So, whether that means watching Scott Calvin gripe about sliding down chimneys in “The Santa Clause” or watching John McClane gripe about sliding through air ducts, if it signals the start of the Christmas season and makes you feel festive, go ahead and throw it on the TV.
A DRIVER’S GUIDE TO SAFE HOLIDAY TRAVELS Winter Road Trip Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
On Sept. 24, 2019, more than 2.5 million people passed through TSA checkpoints at airports across America. On the same date this year, those terminals saw just 826,316 travelers — a nearly 70% drop. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Americans have been thinking twice about air travel, and this holiday, millions of would-be flyers will set out on road trips instead. Road tripping is a great way to avoid contact with a lot of people, but it can also be dangerous, especially in winter weather. Fortunately, you can take several steps to keep your family safe. Getting your car
checked before you go, for example, can save you a lot of hassle on the road, as can investing in a set of snow tires. It’s also smart to take precautions such as letting a friend or family member know your route, predicted arrival time, and where you plan to stop for gas along the way. Apart from that, one of the best things you can do is pack an emergency kit. AAA sells premade kits through outlets like Amazon, and you can find a basic kit with things like jumper cables, ponchos, rope, batteries, pliers, zip ties, and a first-aid kit at pretty much any Walmart or sporting goods store. You could even save a life by adding a few more essentials to your kit, like a blanket, snacks, and an extra cellphone charger. At this point, you’re almost a safety black belt. But to take your kit to the next level for winter driving, there are three more little-known items you should stash in your trunk: a shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter, and an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid. If you get stuck in a snowbank, the shovel will help you dig your way out without risking frostbitten fingers. The sand or cat litter will boost your traction if you sprinkle it around your wheels in an icy spot, and the extra wiper fluid will make all the difference if you run out during a snowstorm.
Once you’re prepared, crank up the Christmas carols and get driving!
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