Christmas movies can often be a little on the saccharine sweet side. There’s nothing wrong with that; this is the season of candy canes and gingerbread after all. However, sometimes something a little ghoulish to scare the sugar down is just what Santa ordered. That’s where The Nightmare Before Christmas comes in. The timeless tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, and his search for something more than fright will simultaneously creep you out and touch your heart.
Whether you’re on the naughty or nice list this year, you can be secure in one thing: At least, you didn’t kidnap Santa and start a manhunt on Christmas Eve. Check out these classic quotes for your scariest Christmas yet.
“There’s children throwing snowballs / instead of throwing heads / they’re busy building toys / and absolutely no one’s dead!” — Jack Skellington
When Jack, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, goes searching for more than the day in and day out frightfest that is his life, he stumbles across the portals to the other holiday worlds. When he chooses the Christmas option (who wouldn’t?), he’s transported to a world of snow and “Sandy Claws,” leaving him expectedly bewildered.
When you’re surveying the carnage that is Christmas morning, it might be best to remind yourself that at least no one’s throwing heads.
“How horrible our Christmas will be!” — The Mayor
“No. How jolly!” — Jack Skellington
“Oh. How jolly our Christmas will be!” — The Mayor
While it seems at the beginning that the Mayor of Halloweentown would be a rival for Jack, he is instead one of his staunchest supporters and an early adopter of Jack’s Christmas aspirations. He may not understand the whole tone behind the holiday, but at least he’s enthusiastic.
Let’s face it: Sometimes, the holidays are out of this world stressful, and you have to psych yourself up for it if you’re going to survive. Focus on the jolly, try and ignore the horrible.
“You don’t look like yourself, Jack. Not at all.” — Sally
“Isn’t that wonderful? It couldn’t be more wonderful!” — Jack Skellington
“But you’re the Pumpkin King!” — Sally
“Not anymore!” — Jack Skellington
Poor Sally deserved better than the hand that she was dealt in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Not only is she constantly trying to escape from her creator, the town’s resident mad scientist, no one will listen to her when she’s certain that their Christmas plans will backfire.
Much like Sally tries to convince Jack that he’s just fine as he is, without the Christmas trappings, try to be yourself as much as possible for the holidays. Keeping up appearances is just exhausting.
“Santa?” — Kid
“Merry Christmas! And what is your name?” — Jack Skellington
“Uh… uh…” — Kid
“That’s all right. I have a present for you anyway. There ya go, sonny! Ho ho ho! HEEHEEHEE!” — Jack Skellington
Honestly, the sight gag of the kid revealing that “Santa” brought him a shrunken head for Christmas is better than the line itself.
Still, if this kid can not totally freak out at this horrifying gift, you can muster up a little enthusiasm for that hideous sweater.
“Haven’t you heard of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men?” — Santa
“NO!” — Lock, Shock, and Barrel
Lock, Shock, and Barrel are horrifying, but easily one of the most memorable parts of the film. Despite being in cahoots with Oogie Boogie and kidnapping Santa, these creepy trick or treaters are kind of the best. Plus, they truly embody the “Bah Humbug!” spirit that so often creeps in at the holiday seams.
“Well, what the heck, I really did my best/And by God I really tasted something swell, that’s right/And for a moment, why, I even touched the sky/And at least I left some stories they can tell, I did/And for the first time since I don’t remember when/I felt like my old bony self again/And I, Jack, the Pumpkin King… That’s right. I AM THE PUMPKIN KING!” — Jack Skellington
Despite all the hard work and enthusiasm in the world, Jack just wasn’t able to get the hang of being “Sandy Claws.” It wasn’t for a lack of trying; it was just against his true nature. Still, his foray into the world of red and green gave him a greater appreciation for the world he was chosen to lead and everything in it. He will always have a soft spot for Christmas, but his heart truly lies with Halloween (and Sally).
The holidays are the perfect time to shake up your old routine, and can make the old seem new again. You might even get a good story out of it.
“I hope there’s still time.” — Jack Skellington
“To fix Christmas? Of course, there is! I’m Santa Claus!” — Santa Claus
Despite looking grim there for a while, The Nightmare Before Christmas ends on a hopeful note. Santa is free to do what he does best, and Jack is done trying to force his life in a direction that it was never meant to go. Often times the best gift of all is just contentment in your situation and accepting who you are deep down. Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t hop over to another town once in a while — just remember where you came from.
