(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Timeless Holiday Classic [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-11-21 taps mic Uh, hello? taps mic Is this thing still on? Hello friends, it's your trusted former Daily Kos staffer here, Cara Zelaya. Although I no longer work at Daily Kos (I'm now the Social Media Director at Rewire News Group!), I still love lurking here. I've written about this in the past, but my fiancé and I are co-hosts of a holiday movie podcast called 12 Days Pod! We originally started this as a way to find some joy during the lockdown era of the pandemic, but also for me to be able to learn how to produce a podcast so I could apply those skills here. It worked! Upon learning how to make my own little podcast, I was able to harness that new knowledge into being part of the original team that created both The Brief and The Downballot. I like to leave the bulk of the political writings to my extremely gifted former colleagues and to the great community here at Daily Kos. That said, I do like to add some levity and talk about all the holiday movies (and sometimes other movies too) here in a place that I feel like I'll always be able to, in one way or another, call home. Alright, enough intro, let's get to the meat and potatoes here. In the realm of holiday cinema, there are certain films that have become so ingrained in our collective consciousness that they transcend mere entertainment and become cultural touchstones. The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton's 1993 stop-motion animated musical masterpiece, is one such film. x YouTube Video Chances are, you've already seen this movie. It's been a staple of holiday programming for nearly three decades, and its iconic imagery and catchy tunes have seeped into the very fabric of our seasonal celebrations. But I urge you to revisit this gem, not just for the nostalgia it evokes, but for the themes it explores and the sheer joy it delivers. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a visual spectacle, a feast for the eyes that showcases the artistry of stop-motion animation. The characters, from the skeletal Jack Skellington to the mischievous Oogie Boogie, are brought to life with incredible detail and expressiveness. The backgrounds, whether the eerie Halloween Town or the vibrant Christmas Town, are equally captivating, transporting viewers into worlds both fantastical and familiar. But the film's true magic lies in its ability to blend the macabre and the merry, to seamlessly weave together the spooky spirit of Halloween and the heartwarming cheer of Christmas. Tim Burton's signature gothic aesthetic is on full display, but it's tempered by a sense of whimsy and charm that makes the film accessible to audiences of all ages. Danny Elfman's score, a haunting symphony of Christmas carols and eerie melodies, is the perfect complement to the film's visuals. The songs, like mischievous sprites, dance and weave their way into your consciousness, leaving an indelible mark long after the credits roll. x YouTube Video At the heart of this enchanting tale lies Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Jack, a creature of routine and tradition, finds himself yearning for something more, something beyond the confines of his spooky domain. His journey of self-discovery, as he attempts to grasp the true meaning of Christmas, is such a complete joy to watch. Through his missteps and misadventures, Jack learns the importance of embracing one's true identity and respecting the traditions of others. He realizes that happiness lies not in imitating the world around him but in fully embracing his own unique essence. The Nightmare Before Christmas is more than just a holiday movie; it's a parable about self-acceptance, the importance of community, and the transformative power of embracing one's true self. It's a film that reminds us that even the most mischievous among us can find redemption and joy in their own way. If that’s not the liberal agenda, I don’t know what is. If you want to hear more of my thoughts on this iconic film, be sure to check out our episode of 12 Days Pod, where we delve deeper into its nuances, from its stunning animation to its heartwarming story. We also explore the film's political subtext and how it resonates with our current world. Happy holidays, and may your season be filled with the magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas! [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/11/21/2200408/-The-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-A-Timeless-Holiday-Classic?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/