Switch Up Your Christmas Movie Routine with Re-Aired Cubs Playoff Games

I love Christmas movies. The Grinch and Rudolph would be staples in my rotation even without a pair of young kids. We recently watched Home Alone and will no doubt take in such standards as It’s A Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation, maybe even Die Hard and Road House (Be on the nice list until it’s time to not be on the nice list).

Because I’m participating in two fantasy football championships, the Thursday Night game should have held sway over my viewing predilections. And it did, though only fleetingly. After seeing Kevin McAllister make the Chicagoland area a little safer by almost single-handedly taking down the Wet Bandits, I was jonesing to relive the saga of the Cubs making their city a little brighter.

And wouldn’t you know it, CSN Chicago was airing Game 1 of the NLDS with the Cubs taking on Daniel Stern lookalike, Hunter Pence. Late to the party as I was, Javy’s home run had already nestled into the basket in left by the time I tuned in. But that didn’t stop me from watching. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t clench up a little when Bustey Poser drove a double into the gap off of Aroldis Chapman that first looked as if it was going to tie the game.

How is that possible, though? Why was I reacting to a hit I knew was harmless in a game I knew the Cubs won in a playoff series I knew they won in a postseason in which they won the World Series? It might have been the beer, but I think more of it stems from the fact that the whole thing is still steeping into the fabric of my reality.

If you’d like to be equally steeped but are afraid you’ve missed your chance, allow my to abolish that fear. CSN still has nine more games to air (NLDS Game 2 immediately followed Game 1) over the next four days.

Friday, Dec. 23

10:30 p.m. — The Cubs’ epic comeback in NLDS Game 4

Saturday, Dec. 24

5 p.m. — NLCS Game 1 featuring Montero’s heroics
8:30 p.m. — NLCS Game 4 (Zobrist’s bunt heard ’round the world)

Sunday, Dec. 25

8 a.m. — NLCS Game 5
12:15 p.m. — NLCS Game 6, the pennant clincher
3 p.m. — World Series Game 2
7 p.m. — World Series Game 5

Monday, Dec. 26

7 a.m. — World Series Game 6
10:30 a.m. — World Series Game 7, aka the best baseball game ever played

I’m not sure how TNT feels about the impact Sunday’s schedule will have on their 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story, but I can tell you that at least one set of eyeballs will not be fixed on Ralphie the Deranged Easter Bunny. Truth be told, I’m actually more excited for the Saturday slate. Other than highlights, I’ve not watched those NLCS games since I saw them live.

Any of these games you’re looking forward to in particular? And do you still get anxious watching them despite knowing the outcome in advance? Whether you curl up to take in a Cubs game or five or you prefer to stick with the classic holiday flicks, I hope you’ve got someone to share them with. If not, just know that I’ll be watching with you and offering up a virtual hug or fist bump or [insert platonic celebratory gesture here].






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