Movie Night Theme: Thanksgiving Travel
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Published Nov 1, 2024
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As the autumn leaves swirl and the smell of turkey wafts through the air, it's that time of year again-time to gather the family and enjoy some cozy, movie-filled evenings. Thanksgiving is not only for feasting; it's a wonderful opportunity to bond over heartwarming films that celebrate family, friendship, and adventure. We've curated a selection of movies that capture the essence of Thanksgiving travel, perfect for snuggling up on the couch.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Age: 4+
Year Released: 2009
Teaser: Join George and the Man with the Yellow Hat as they prepare for a very special Christmas together.
This delightful film provides caregivers with a charming way to engage young children in the holiday spirit. Its themes of friendship, fun, and the joys of learning are perfect for little ones who are just beginning to understand the magic of the season. Involving both laughter and heartwarming moments, it showcases the importance of holiday traditions-a notion that resonates deeply during Thanksgiving travel as families gather to create new memories.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that this film is based on the beloved book series created by Margret and H.A. Rey, and it was the first Curious George film made specifically for television?
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Age: 12+
Year Released: 1987
Teaser: When a man is stranded in Chicago, he reluctantly teams up with a cheerful shower curtain ring salesman on a wild road trip home for Thanksgiving.
This classic comedy brings the chaos of travel into full view, making it relatable for anyone who's ever faced mishaps during family gatherings. Caregivers will appreciate the humor mixed with touching moments, highlighting how bonding often happens amidst unexpected challenges. It's a reminder for families to cherish the journey-the beautiful messiness of togetherness, especially during the holidays.
Interesting Fact: Steve Martin and John Candy improvised many scenes, adding a spontaneous energy that makes the film feel authentic and relatable.
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Age: 10+
Year Released: 2015
Teaser: Gilly, a sharp-tongued orphan, tries to come to terms with foster care while devising schemes to return to her biological mother.
This film embodies resilience and the importance of family, themes that resonate strongly during Thanksgiving. Caregivers will find Gilly's journey compelling, as it highlights the impact of love and loyalty while demonstrating how unconventional families can create meaningful bonds. It serves as an inspiring reminder that family doesn't always mean blood, especially in times of travel and togetherness.
Interesting Fact: The Great Gilly Hopkins is based on the Newbery Honor-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, who is known for her deep exploration of children's emotional lives.
My Neighbor Totoro
Age: 8+
Year Released: 1988
Teaser: Two girls move to the countryside and discover magical creatures that help them navigate life's challenges.
This beloved Studio Ghibli film touches the heart with its themes of nature, family, and friendship, making it perfect for a family movie night. Caregivers will love the gentle storytelling and lush animation, which evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate small moments-ideal for the Thanksgiving spirit. The delightful interactions between the characters remind us of the importance of community and support during festive gatherings.
Interesting Fact: Totoro has become a cultural icon in Japan and is often used as a symbol for children's connection to nature and family which is central to the film's theme.
The Peanuts Movie
Age: 4+
Year Released: 2015
Teaser: Charlie Brown embarks on a quest to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl while his friends cheer him on.
The heartwarming charm of Charlie Brown and his friends resonates with all generations, making this film a delightful choice for family viewing. Caregivers will enjoy the lessons about perseverance, friendship, and acceptance, easily prompting conversations about what really matters during the holidays-connection and love, rather than perfection. With its gentle humor and nostalgia, it serves as a lovely reminder of simpler times and the joy of togetherness.
Interesting Fact: This film is the first fully 3D animated feature in the Peanuts franchise, staying true to the unique art style of Charles M. Schulz's beloved comic strip.
Gather your family, snuggle up on the couch, and make this Thanksgiving travel a little cozier with these heartwarming films that celebrate the ties that bind us all.
As the autumn leaves swirl and the smell of turkey wafts through the air, it's that time of year again-time to gather the family and enjoy some cozy, movie-filled evenings. Thanksgiving is not only for feasting; it's a wonderful opportunity to bond over heartwarming films that celebrate family, friendship, and adventure. We've curated a selection of movies that capture the essence of Thanksgiving travel, perfect for snuggling up on the couch.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Age: 4+
Year Released: 2009
Teaser: Join George and the Man with the Yellow Hat as they prepare for a very special Christmas together.
This delightful film provides caregivers with a charming way to engage young children in the holiday spirit. Its themes of friendship, fun, and the joys of learning are perfect for little ones who are just beginning to understand the magic of the season. Involving both laughter and heartwarming moments, it showcases the importance of holiday traditions-a notion that resonates deeply during Thanksgiving travel as families gather to create new memories.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that this film is based on the beloved book series created by Margret and H.A. Rey, and it was the first Curious George film made specifically for television?
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Age: 12+
Year Released: 1987
Teaser: When a man is stranded in Chicago, he reluctantly teams up with a cheerful shower curtain ring salesman on a wild road trip home for Thanksgiving.
This classic comedy brings the chaos of travel into full view, making it relatable for anyone who's ever faced mishaps during family gatherings. Caregivers will appreciate the humor mixed with touching moments, highlighting how bonding often happens amidst unexpected challenges. It's a reminder for families to cherish the journey-the beautiful messiness of togetherness, especially during the holidays.
Interesting Fact: Steve Martin and John Candy improvised many scenes, adding a spontaneous energy that makes the film feel authentic and relatable.
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Age: 10+
Year Released: 2015
Teaser: Gilly, a sharp-tongued orphan, tries to come to terms with foster care while devising schemes to return to her biological mother.
This film embodies resilience and the importance of family, themes that resonate strongly during Thanksgiving. Caregivers will find Gilly's journey compelling, as it highlights the impact of love and loyalty while demonstrating how unconventional families can create meaningful bonds. It serves as an inspiring reminder that family doesn't always mean blood, especially in times of travel and togetherness.
Interesting Fact: The Great Gilly Hopkins is based on the Newbery Honor-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, who is known for her deep exploration of children's emotional lives.
My Neighbor Totoro
Age: 8+
Year Released: 1988
Teaser: Two girls move to the countryside and discover magical creatures that help them navigate life's challenges.
This beloved Studio Ghibli film touches the heart with its themes of nature, family, and friendship, making it perfect for a family movie night. Caregivers will love the gentle storytelling and lush animation, which evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate small moments-ideal for the Thanksgiving spirit. The delightful interactions between the characters remind us of the importance of community and support during festive gatherings.
Interesting Fact: Totoro has become a cultural icon in Japan and is often used as a symbol for children's connection to nature and family which is central to the film's theme.
The Peanuts Movie
Age: 4+
Year Released: 2015
Teaser: Charlie Brown embarks on a quest to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl while his friends cheer him on.
The heartwarming charm of Charlie Brown and his friends resonates with all generations, making this film a delightful choice for family viewing. Caregivers will enjoy the lessons about perseverance, friendship, and acceptance, easily prompting conversations about what really matters during the holidays-connection and love, rather than perfection. With its gentle humor and nostalgia, it serves as a lovely reminder of simpler times and the joy of togetherness.
Interesting Fact: This film is the first fully 3D animated feature in the Peanuts franchise, staying true to the unique art style of Charles M. Schulz's beloved comic strip.
Gather your family, snuggle up on the couch, and make this Thanksgiving travel a little cozier with these heartwarming films that celebrate the ties that bind us all.
