Thanksgiving is on its way! And yes, I know that “Over the River and Through the Woods” is not necessarily a Thanksgiving song, but it doesn’t mention Christmas, so by default it must be. Also I am pretty sure it refers to pumpkin pie.

And yes, there are actually some Thanksgiving movies. If you find yourself lacking in holiday spirit, pop in one of these DVDs and bask in the holiday tradition.

Miracle on 34th Street is definitely a Christmas movie, but since it opens on the day of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I think it qualifies. I’m really talking about two movies, of course - more than two, actually, but there are only two that anyone cares about.

The original version stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood. And it’s not as good as the new one. I might be killed for this opinion, but I don’t care - I prefer the 1994 version’s more serious tone, and the resolution of the story - hinging on the “In God We Trust” printed on American money - is not as heavily religious as it seems. Any atheist will agree that it makes as much sense to believe in Santa Claus as it does to believe in God.

But don’t examine a movie like this too closely. Just pick your favorite version and enjoy - the precocious little girl, the magic of Christmas, the importance of faith. Watch it every year, because if you take too long of a break, you’ll begin to realize that it’s not that good. It’s not about the movie - it’s about the tradition.

I fear this is the kind of movie that might fade away as the years pass. We’re raising a generation of cynics, much like the little girl in the film. And that’s no fun. I believed in Santa Claus for a long time, but as I grew older I began to realize that something was wrong. Even so, when Mom finally sat me down with a book that explained the true St. Nick story, I remember the very palpable pain in my chest. It’s hard to let go.

But that’s such an important part of childhood. I can’t imagine being without it. And so I beg you: teach your kids discernment and logic, but not until they’ve had a chance to be kids for a while.

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