SCREENSHOTS: The Nightmare Before Christmas

The first time I watched “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” I hid under the couch and then locked the video in the closet. I also slept with a baby blanket until middle school.

But in my later and wiser years, I realized there’s a lot more to his film than the average seven-year old can appreciate. Tim Burton brings to the otherwise staid genre of holiday films a freshly twisted execution, even though Santa saves Christmas in the end. That’s not to say that I don’t jump a little when Jack’s eyes glow red, but I’ve gotten past looking for monsters under my bed—and I gave up that blanket.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a multi-holiday movie, perfect for most of the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re about to dress up and beg for candy on the corner or curl up in front of the fire and drink some hot cocoa, get ready to enjoy Tim Burton’s animated masterpiece.

Mix up the spiked apple cider if it’s October, or break out the Peppermint Schnapps if it’s December...

TAKE A SHOT...

1. Every time the creatures of Halloween Town break into song, and you are suddenly reminded of how truly eccentric Tim Burton is. Extra points if you can sing along.

2. Every time you’re reminded of a costume from Currier’s “Heaven ‘n’ Hell” party.

3. Every time the scientist makes inappropriate sexual advances towards Sally.

4. Every time the mayor changes from his happy face to his concerned face. And also spin in a circle. Try not to fall down.

5. Every time Sally detaches one of her limbs in order to perform a superhuman feat—do not try this at home, no matter how good of an idea it may seem at the time.

6. Every time you recognize Catherine O’Hara’s voice. Yes, Kevin McCallister’s mom is in the movie. Scary!