Classic movie drives holiday disputation

Christmas and Halloween are two of the most widely-celebrated holidays, yet they carry immensely different traditions and themes. One is, to most, considered to be cheerful and fun, a time when family can convene and celebrate, while the other stands as an opportunity to instill fear in the hearts of many with a side of sugary payoff. These two holidays were never meant to coexist; at least, not until 1993, when The Nightmare Before Christmas was released to the world. The movie brought out the best in both Christmas and Halloween as the king of Halloween, Jack Skellington tries to remake Christmas in his own view. But this movie raises an age-old question: Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Christmas movie, or a Halloween movie?

The answer is somewhat simple, but requires a dive into the movie’s plot to assess. The Nightmare Before Christmas is arguably...both! (but not so equally divided). Jack Skellington is tired of Halloween and, through his curiosity, finds the door into the world of Christmas. He is beyond fascinated by the colorful lights, classic Christmas cheer, and all of the fun traditions that are a complete change of pace for his life. The chestnuts roasting by the fire, kissing under the mistletoe, and hanging lights at every house inspires Jack so much that he wants to take Christmas for himself. Halloweentown is transformed into its very own version of Christmas, copying everything from making toys like Santa’s elves to attempting to replicate the cheerful atmosphere of Christmas music. This is the Christmas-heavy portion of the movie since a lot of common traditions, which are staples of classic Yuletide movies, are trying to be re-created by the residents of Halloweentown. However, as Skellington becomes envious of everything the season encases, events turn sour.

This leads to the kidnapping of the renowned Santa Claus and almost the ruin of his holiday when Skellington attempts to take his place. It is then that the season takes a dark and spooky, more Halloween-like, turn, supporting the Halloween side of the movie. Skellington attempts to replicate everything that Santa would on Christmas Eve - except for one thing. Instead of the toys that bring joy and cheer into the hearts of children, he gives each child Halloweentown’s twisted versions of toys, that destroy and scare rather than give joy, causing chaos to ensue. This is where the Halloween-heavy themes of the movie begin. 

Children are terrified as their toys come to life and try to eat both them and the Christmas decorations adorning their homes. But the main theme switches over to Christmas once again when Skellington realizes his mistakes and decides to make things right. This involves him having to save Santa Claus from Oogie-Boogie. As an act of kindness, at the end of the movie, Santa turns Halloweentown into a winter wonderland, and the ending gives viewers that happy resolution as a comparison to the eerie Halloween vibes in the initial conflict. 

Thus, although the main theme of The Nightmare Before Christmas is predominantly a reincarnation of the Christmassy spirit, it carries with it a notable Halloween twist that ultimately makes the movie a perfect match for both holidays. Nonetheless, it is a true classic that can be watched whenever, as it satisfies the criteria for both types, and could genuinely be watched year-round.

By Ellie Nessman

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue II

November 1st, 2021