The Christmas Movie You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Christmas movies have everything: scrooges, eternal optimists, family drama, heartwarming endings, discovering the true spirit of Christmas, and even horror. In most Christmas movies, there are no true villains, just characters who have hardened their hearts to love and happiness (think, the Grinch). On the other hand, sometimes it's the most well-meaning characters — overbearing parents or grandparents, for example — who become the antagonists of these films, despite their good intentions.
Christmas movies show us that, when it comes down to it, everyone is capable of happiness, and coming together despite our many differences is the most important thing, especially during the holidays. Though most Christmas movies have many of the themes highlighted above in common, it's how they tackle these themes that gives each its own unique vibe.
Astrology can say a lot about you as a person, as can your favorite Christmas flick. With that in mind, let's look to the stars, to consider which signs align most closely with these seasonal classics. Are you more of a Grinch, or a hopeless romantic? Are you more keen to travel the world on Christmas, or just stay home with family? Read on to discover which Christmas movie you are, based on your zodiac sign.
Aries: A Christmas Story
Based on the novel "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash," "A Christmas Story" centers on Ralphie Parker, a nine-year-old boy who wants nothing more than a BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads and pleads for "an official Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time," but all the adults around him can say in response is: "you'll shoot your eye out, kid." "A Christmas Story" is all about impatiently waiting for something you desperately want, which most closely overlaps with the Aries sign, applicable to those born between March 21 and April 19.
One of the fire signs, they are known for being very action-oriented and direct, always pushing to get things done and not taking a lot of time to think about it. All of "A Christmas Story" centers around Ralphie's unstoppable desire to own that Red Ryder gun, and his impatience and frustration at not having one. Even though he is told time and time again that he might hurt himself if his dream came true, he refuses to relent.
When he does eventually receive his beloved gun, he immediately takes it outside and shoots it, only to have the BB ricochet back and knock his glasses off his face. Though it's said that patience is a virtue, "A Christmas Story" suggests that frustration over gifts — and nervousness about whether you'll get them — is a universal truth at Christmastime.
Taurus: Home Alone
"Home Alone" was a hit when it came out — in fact, it became the third-highest-grossing movie of all time upon its release — and it remains an all-time classic. Perhaps the film's lasting appeal has something to do with the childhood fantasy of having the house all to yourself, maybe it's the understanding some adults have that it's not so great to be alone, or maybe it's just the vicarious thrill of watching robbers get hit in the face with paint cans.
The sign most associated with home and all the tactile pleasures therein is the Taurus, which includes all people born between April 20 and May 20. Taureans are earth signs, which means they are very grounded, and their archetypical symbol is the sensualist. Eight-year-old Kevin — the main character in the film — loves the feeling of being home alone (at least initially), and he is thrilled to be able to indulge in all the simple pleasures he couldn't normally enjoy. He dances around the house, listens to music, watches TV all night, and eats as much ice cream as he can devour. Though he initially revels in staying in one place and creating his own routine — another Taurus quality — he eventually misses his family and wants them to come home. Between all the laughs, the film asks: What is a home without a family to live in it?
Gemini: The Holiday
Geminis — those born between May 21 and June 20 — are known as the twins, and they are air signs that are very rooted in the process of communication. Curious and adaptable, Geminis love learning new things and being around people who are different from them. This may not sound like the characters in the Christmas rom-com "The Holiday," but it certainly could describe the plot and the message the film attempts to convey.
"The Holiday" centers on a Christmastime house-swap between two women, Iris (Kate Winslet), a depressed columnist who lives outside of London, and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), an energetic movie trailer producer who lives in LA. Both have man troubles (the ex of Iris, who she is still in love with, has become engaged, and Amanda recently dumped her cheating boyfriend), so the women decide a change of scenery will do them good. Amanda and Iris — as well as their respective homes — are very different (you might say they represent the "two faces" of a Gemini, even), but they each learn valuable lessons while away, and, of course, fall in love in the process (it's a Nancy Meyers Christmas rom-com, after all). Learning, exploration, and communication are key elements of the film — which, were it a person, would be a Gemini through-and-through.
Cancer: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Like he is in most incarnations, the titular character in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is mopey, depressed, and feeling neglected by his rambunctious peers. When he tells these problems to Lucy at her psychiatrist booth, she suggests he direct a Christmas play. He accepts her offer, but becomes dejected once again when he sees how overrun Christmas seems to have become with rampant commercialization. "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Charlie Brown asks.
Above all else, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is about the importance of celebrating tradition and remembering one's roots. The sign having the strongest association with the concept of tradition is the Cancer, which applies to those born between June 21 and July 22. Cancers are water signs, which means they are strongly intuitive and emotional, and for this reason, they seek the comforts of home, tradition, and family.
The reason Charlie Brown is so depressed in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is that he feels all others have forgotten what Christmas is really about and they seem to mock his sincerity. They laugh at his puny Christmas tree, which only makes Charlie even more depressed, but they eventually come around in the end, experiencing for themselves the joy of the true Christmas spirit. The holiday special remains a beloved classic, one you can always return to when you're feeling particularly Cancerian, itself now a holiday tradition to families all over the world.
Leo: A Muppet Family Christmas
Leos — those born between July 23 and August 22 — are renowned for their extravagance, passion, and love for having fun with friends. They are creative fire signs, who, despite their occasional vanity, are also generous, cheerful, and fond of entertaining. Coincidentally enough, the embrace of generosity and a desire to be surrounded by friends are also the main themes in the 1987 Muppet TV special "A Muppet Family Christmas."
"Muppet Family" sees Jim Henson's robust Muppet gang spending Christmas together with Fozzie Bear at his mother's farm. Since Fozzie's mother Emily loves surprises, they've elected not to tell her they're coming, which results in numerous amusing logistical complications. Miss Piggy — most certainly a Virgo herself — is late because she's at a photoshoot and has decided to do some Christmas shopping. The Swedish Chef arrives to cook dinner, Big Bird sings carols, and poor Emily — always the entertainer — must decide where everyone sleeps.
Like fiery Leos, the Muppets are a loud, dramatic bunch when they all get together, but they always find a way to have a good time in the end. Miss Peggy eventually arrives after becoming snowbound in her limo, and the Muppets are able to swap presents and revel in each other's company, finally celebrating Christmas in a manner of which even Charlie Brown would approve.
Virgo: Let It Snow
You just knew there had to be at least one Hallmark Christmas movie on this list, and it makes the most sense for this particular one to fall under the sign of Virgo. Those born between August 23 and September 22 are known for being practical, detail-oriented, and hardworking. They quite literally sweat the small stuff, and for this reason, sometimes have a hard time slowing down or taking a break. Sound familiar? This archetype describes probably ninety percent of the female leads in Hallmark Christmas movies, which often follow a busy woman who travels to a small town for the holidays and finally learns to relax.
Since we need to focus on just one of these movies, it's a classic: 2013's "Let It Snow," starring Hallmark mainstay Candace Cameron Bure. The former "Full House" actress has been in a whopping twenty-nine Hallmark movies — many of them Christmas-themed — and "Let It Snow" is a banger. Her character Stephanie is described as a "driven executive" who leaves her beloved Arizona home the week before Christmas to work on a proposal for renovations on a lodge in Maine. The owner of the company, of course, is her distant father who never gave her the love she deserved.
Obviously, the serious-minded Stephanie butts heads with her free-spirited tour guide, Brady, whose parents own the property. But, not to worry — love will prevail, and the Christmas spirit will be reborn. A Virgo Christmas movie should absolutely be about learning to relax and understanding that feelings are just as important as facts, and "Let It Snow ” delivers this theme with made-for-TV panache.
Libra: Love Actually
The Libra — those born between September 23 and October 22 — is represented by the scales, and is all about finding balance in the world. Symbolized either by the archetype of the lover or the diplomat, Libras are interested in achieving equality and keeping the peace. The Richard Curtis Christmas rom-com "Love Actually" is similarly focused on achieving balance and equality, even if the way it goes about finding such things is rather silly. Like the sign of Libra, the film is invested in the meaning of relationships and the ways in which we see ourselves reflected in others. In this sense, balance applies to both the interpersonal and the universal.
"Love Actually" is an ensemble film that follows nine different stories all connected through one simple theme: love. While some stories end more hopefully than others (remember that devastating Emma Thompson storyline?), they all illustrate the power of love in our lives, and the need we have to find someone who balances us out. "Love Actually" is a film about miscommunication, about finding and losing people, and about learning to listen to one's heart. The ones who make the big decisions and have those important conversations — something Libras often struggle to do — are those that win with love in the end.
Scorpio: The Nightmare Before Christmas
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" might be a controversial choice here. After all, is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? The answer is, yes.
In this case, since the word "Christmas" is in the title, let's roll with it. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, who has tired of celebrating Halloween and is bored with scaring people. Jack travels to the neighboring Christmas Town, finds himself enraptured by this other holiday, and decides that Halloween Town should celebrate Christmas instead. But not content to just duplicate how they celebrate Christmas in Christmas Town, Jack kidnaps Santa in order to enact his nefarious plot.
This unique offering — which contains both holiday cheer and evil schemes — most closely aligns with the sign of Scorpio, which applies to all those born between October 23 and November 21. Scorpios are known as alchemists, and they are the most cunning and resourceful of the signs. Scorpios who give into their darker instincts can be manipulative and suspicious. Though Jack eventually learns what's most important about the holidays — love, of course — his initial plot to take over Christmas and make it scary is quite distressing (in fact, the movie was originally considered "too dark" to be a Disney film — although, they certainly have changed their tune). For all those spooky Scorpios out there, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a Christmas movie made just for you.
Sagittarius: Elf
Sagittarians — those born between November 22 and December 21 — are the traveling sign of the zodiac, known for their curiosity and energy. They often find themselves on a quest for knowledge, eager to explore and discover meaning and truth in life. Such eagerness for learning also describes the plot of "Elf," the beloved Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell.
"Elf" — which remains Ferrell's second-highest-grossing live-action movie worldwide — follows Buddy, a full-grown human man who was raised as an elf in the North Pole after he mistakenly hitched a ride on Santa's sleigh as a baby. Learning the truth about his heritage, Buddy goes on a quest to find his father and discover his real origin story.
Having never been outside the North Pole or around other humans before, Buddy is understandably overwhelmed by the bustling streets of New York City. He makes numerous social faux pas and nearly causes his father, Walter, to lose his job – and his mind. Despite all of this, Buddy retains his optimistic spirit and sense of adventure, even becoming a (somewhat) functioning member of human society. Buddy's quest is a Sagittarian one through-and-through, even if eating gum off a NYC handrail might not be most people's idea of a thrilling adventure.
Capricorn: It's a Wonderful Life
Capricorns – those born between December 22 and January 21 — are said to age backwards, being those "old souls" in your life who seem to have been grown-up since they were in kindergarten. They are known for being responsible and committed to duty, which is why they tend to finally lighten up as they get older, rather than the other way around. If there's one iconic Christmas movie character that needs to learn to lighten up and enjoy life a little — besides the literal Grinch and the literal Scrooge, of course — it's James Stewart in the beloved classic "It's a Wonderful Life."
This Frank Capra classic is actually one of the darkest Christmas movies out there. The film begins with Stewart's George Bailey attempting suicide because his family's building and loan is about to go under, he could face embezzlement charges, and he has repeatedly denied his one true wish: to travel around the world and seek adventure. After being saved from drowning by an angel, George wishes he was never born, and the angel shows him what life without him would have been like for the town. George is a leader in Bedford Falls — a position many Capricorns find themselves in – but he has put so much into helping others that he has nothing left in the proverbial tank for himself or his family.
Really, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a movie about the importance of mutual aid (the building and loan is eventually saved when all the townspeople chip in a few dollars each), but it's also about being in the world rather than simply being of it — a message many Capricorns could certainly stand to internalize themselves.
Aquarius: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Let's face it: Aquarians can sometimes be grinches. Though the Aquarius — applicable to those born between January 20 to February 18 — is symbolized by the archetype of the humanitarian, these signs sometimes find themselves separate from humanity because of their philosophical, cerebral nature. Aquarians are more likely than the other signs to be outcasts, those that are committed to personal freedom, no matter the cost. It's not much of a stretch to say that these qualities also describe the Grinch, famous Christmas hater and the titular character of the 1966 Dr. Seuss holiday special (as well as several more recent remakes).
The Grinch lives with his dog Max on top of a hill overlooking Whoville, a small, snowy town where the peaceful Whos celebrate Christmas every year. The lonely, mean-spirited Grinch hates these celebrations and tries to ruin their Christmas, only to find that Christmas is not about the presents or the decorations, but about gathering with loved ones and spreading joy. Voiced by horror icon Boris Karloff (who played Frankenstein's monster and The Mummy in the 1930s, among others) the Grinch reveals himself capable of great happiness and generosity — once his heart grows three sizes, of course. For inscrutable Aquarians, this is an inspirational message, indeed.
Pisces: Miracle on 34th Street
For Pisces — the last sign of the zodiac, known to encompass all that comes before it — sometimes you've got to go back to the beginning. Though it has been remade five times since, the original "Miracle on 34th Street" remains an undefeated classic. The first Christmas movie ever released by 20th Century Fox, "Miracle on 34th Street" was in actuality released in May and wasn't even marketed as a Christmas film initially, as studio head Darryl Zanuck thought the film would do better without any holiday associations.
Like many Christmas films, "Miracle on 34th Street" is a movie about belief, and keeping the childlike dreams you once had alive as an adult. The sign of Pisces — an intuitive water sign which applies to those born between February 19 and March 20 — are known as dreamers often divided between fantasy and reality. This, too, describes the plot of "Miracle on 34th Street," which follows a young girl who believes the Santa at the mall is the real Santa, while her mother very staunchly does not.
In the end, it doesn't quite matter whether this Kris Kringle is the real Santa Claus or not — though the film's conclusion strongly suggests he is — because the most important thing is believing in one another. If Kris Kringle being put on trial to prove he's the real Santa Claus doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, then maybe you simply need to learn from a Pisces and start dreaming a little more.