Michaela’s Muses: ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie

Sorry Bruce. I have to disagree with you and say that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie.

Readers, if you think “Die Hard” isn’t a Christmas movie, you are kidding yourselves.

While it probably wasn’t intended to be a Christmas movie when it was being filmed in 1988, it certainly has become one over the years by popular vote.

I remember the first time my dad “forced” me to watch it the week of Christmas. It was a common occurrence; my dad picking a movie we all thought we’d hate. But this time was different.

The movie had a perfect blend of comedy and action, similar to movies like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Speed.” Bruce Willis as a Great Value James Bond was exactly what the 1980s needed.

There are a few reasons such a movie is a Christmas movie in my mind.

First off, the Christmas party. The Nakatomi Plaza staff are celebrating Christmas when Willis’ John McClane visits his wife. Secondly, McClane brings a stuffed bear for his kid as a Christmas present. Thirdly, there are Christmas songs playing in the elevator and at the party. Fourth, McClane tells Argyle, “Merry Christmas” when they are reunited. Argyle jokes, “If this is their idea of Christmas, I gotta be here for New Year’s!” Lastly, it snows at the end of the movie, like most Christmas movies.

All that aside, even if “Die Hard” isn’t officially a Christmas movie, it is to my family. It is our little tradition to watch the movie around Christmas time.

“It is not Christmas until I see Hans fall off the roof,” my dad says.

Happy holidays, Rio Rancho! Yippee ki-yay!