A big reason why Love Actually works so well year after year is the brilliant writing of Richard Curtis. (By the way, he also wrote one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes, Vincent and the Doctor.) Although we only get short vignettes of every storyline - in some cases literally just a beginning, middle, and end - the characters are so well-developed we instantly become attached to them. He also manages to navigate a range of emotions in short succession. The movement between funny, poignant, cute, heartbreaking, solemn, and romantic is seamless.
It also helps that the cast is full of talent. Liam Neeson expertly plays the tortured father, but his "special set of skills" in this movie is less violent. Emma Thompson makes us all cry when she tries not to cry. Bill Nighy brings out his wild side, delivering a strong performance as we'd expect from him. Colin Firth and Hugh Grant each bumble in their own way, as they know how to do so well. Laura Linney is just stellar. This film also happens to be the first time I saw Joanna Page, Martin Freeman, and Nina Sosanya - all of whom are some of my favorite actors now. And that's just a partial list of the cast.
In addition to the writing and the acting, what really makes the film work is the music. I can't talk about the music without mentioning the amazing voice of the then 10-year-old Olivia Olson. I prefer her "All I Want for Christmas" over Mariah Carey's. That song and almost every song from the movie are on my commuting playlist. The soundtrack is one great song after another, and the way they're used in the background makes each scene have more impact. Richard Curtis mentions in the commentary that he always has music playing when he's writing, and the songs picked in the final edit really fit what he's written.
So whether you kick back and watch Love Actually or take part in another tradition, I hope you have a relaxing and wonderful Christmas.
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