By Kathryn Reed

The list of Christmas movies I regularly enjoy runs the gamut from “Frosty the Snowman” to “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It decided it might be time to branch out a bit so into my Netflix’s queue went two films I had not seen before that came recommended from friends.

The first was “Bad Santa”. Wow. I’m going to be thinking twice about the next time that friend recommends a movie. It was just bad. Really bad.

The next was “The Christmas Cottage”. This is one I would definitely recommend.

It is based on one holiday season in the life of Thomas Kinkade while he was in college.

Kinkade grew up in Placerville, which adds a fun, regional twist to the movie. (An aside in the film is how in the late 1970s the chamber president was trying to turn the area into the Christmas tree capital as a way to lure tourists.)

It’s one of those feel good movies that makes you have hope in humanity – especially this time of year when it can be so consumed with commercialism.

It also gives insight into a famous painter’s humble beginnings, the inspiration for his work and why light is central to his artistry.

This film that came out in 2008 would be good for all ages.

While the movie clearly indicates it is based on true events, a more complete bio about the artist maybe fund on the Original Thomas Kinkade Gallery website. That gallery is in Placerville.