The Nightmare Before Christmas: A November Delight, Not Just a Halloween Film
Strong opinions often surface around classic films, and The Nightmare Before Christmas is no exception. While many confuse the director—it’s Henry Selick at the helm, not Tim Burton—what truly irks me is labeling it solely as a Halloween movie. Let’s delve into why this enchanting tale deserves to be celebrated beyond just the spooky season.
Setting the Scene: November, Not Halloween
The narrative of The Nightmare Before Christmas commences *after* Halloween has concluded. Technically, the film begins on November 1st, when we encounter Jack Skellington and his trusty companion Zero. This pivotal detail effectively places the film within a November context. While I am open to it being considered a Christmas movie, it predominantly unfolds during this autumnal transition. Just let me champion this notion!
The Spooky Connection: Personal Reflections
As a proud Scorpio, I embrace the continuation of the spooky season through my birthday. My proximity to Halloween inspired numerous themed costume parties during my youth. Movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas have been my allies in asserting my affinity for the eerie yet enchanting. Jack’s fascination with Christmas, sparked by his unexpected visit to Christmas Town, resonates with my own spooky inclinations.
Timing is Everything: When to Watch
My principal argument for not screening The Nightmare Before Christmas until after Halloween stems from the wealth of Halloween-centric films available. Why not immerse in those cinematic experiences leading up to All Hallows’ Eve? Reserve The Nightmare Before Christmas for that perfectly liminal time—between festive joy and lingering spookiness—when you’re not quite ready to swap tricks for treats.
A Thanksgiving Tradition
Contrary to the popular belief that it belongs solely to Halloween or Christmas, I have an unconventional tradition of viewing it during Thanksgiving. The film essentially captures that unique moment in the calendar—a blend of spooky season and the Christmas spirit. For me, it’s also an embodiment of a quintessential Scorpio love story.
Jack and Sally: A Match for the Spooky Girls
One day, I aspire to craft the perfect costume of Sally the Ragdoll, yet until I can ensure it meets my high standards, I won’t settle for anything less than splendid. Their love story has enchanted me since childhood; as a November baby with a penchant for all things spooky, Sally’s Song resonates with the kind of yearning we all understand.
The magic of Jack and Sally’s relationship is rooted in their unwavering support for one another, particularly during Jack’s moments of whimsical delusion. It’s mesmerizing to behold—despite their not confessing their feelings until Christmas arrives. This intricate emotional tapestry makes November the perfect time for a rewatch.
Inviting a Change of Perspective
While I may not sway every person who clings to the Halloween label for The Nightmare Before Christmas, I propose a compromise: consider rewatching it every November. After all, that’s the actual temporal setting of the film, and it deserves its spread of appreciation beyond a single holiday.
Discover even more insights about this beloved classic and its seasonal significance in the full article.
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