It’s finally Christmas: our guidelines to enjoy its atmosphere in art

The holidays are finally arrived and you can already hear the Christmas air in town. What better time to soak in the atmosphere of Christmas going to the theater or staying at home to read a good book or watch a movie?

Christmas stories in literature and cinema

Among the most famous Christmas stories ever there is the Christmas Carol, the novel written by Charles Dickens in 1843, that has become emblematic of the festivity in Anglo-Saxon countries and beyond. It's a fairytale that narrates the conversion of Ebenezer Scrooge, ruthless businessman whose only religion the money. The themes of greed and child labor aim to make adults and children think. The story has many characteristics of the medieval mystery play but has been transposed many times on the silver screen since 1914, involving Disney's Scrooge and partners, Bill Murray in the role of a television mogul and even the Muppets. The most recent film (2009) A Christmas Carol by Robert Zemeckis who gave voice to the eclectic talent of Jim Carrey - who was previously also The Grinch, remember?

Another story loved by adults and children (perhaps more by the first) is The Nightmare Before Christmas, a magical animated film by Tim Burton. In the world of Halloween, the King Jack Skeleton, tired of screams and fear, sinks into a life crisis and decides to replace Halloween with Christmas. The King of pumpkins hatches a plan to "steal Christmas" giving to inhabitants of Halloween Town the task of building gifts, a sleigh, reindeers and even a costume. Sally, a rag doll in love with Jack, will warn him of the inevitable failure of his project and get him back on his steps.

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A classic of the Christmas television programming, Love Actually is an ensemble film of 2003 written and directed by Richard Curtis, with a rich star cast as British Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley and many others. The plot is a tangle of romantic relationships: Ten stories related by the simple fact of taking place simultaneously and begin five weeks before Christmas.

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 Christmas on stage in Milan

Also the theater has set between 24 and 25 December memorable stories as Natale in casa Cupiello (1931) by Eduardo De Filippo. The argument between father and son on the sacred nativity scene in this play is among the most catchy moments seen in italian theaters. You can see the story adapted, directed by and starring Fausto Russo Alesi at the Piccolo Teatro Grassi December 4 to 20. It is a very original "solo" that has been a great success in many Italian cities during a tour lasting three years.

Always on the stage of the Piccolo Teatro of Milan, this time that of Strehler, 12 to 20 December 2015 will come to life the ultimate Christmas ballet: The Nutcracker. It is a version created by Frederic Olivieri for the young talents of the Ballet School Accademia Teatro alla Scala.

If you are unable to see it in December, will also be at the Teatro alla Scala from 9 February to 13 March 2016. The Corps de Ballet, the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro will embrace you with eternal notes by Tchaikovsky. From February 13 to March 12 on the same stage there will also be the Nutcracker for the children, which is the Act I of the ballet.

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