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10 Christmas Movies You Need to Watch This Season

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Alberta chapter.

Elf

Forever a classic, this festive comedy is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! Buddy the Elf’s contagious holiday cheer shows us all how to set aside our expectations of adulthood and harness the true spirit of Christmas. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” after all!

 

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Miracle on 34th Street is a highly underrated Christmas film that takes a look at how society views those who are different or unique. Santa Claus is institutionalized, as adults in the film claim that he is an insane man, while in reality he truly is Santa Claus. This heartwarming story helps to bring back your belief in Santa and to remind us that adulthood does not mean that we have to stop believing in the magic of the Holiday Season.

   

 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

This feel-good movie is sure to make you chuckle, and the Griswold family is far too relatable. Every family has their crazy cousins, family traditions and holiday fails, but the true meaning of Christmas really is to embrace your family during the holiday season regardless of their… differences.

 

Arthur Christmas

Arthur’s goofy, underdog personality is relatable to adults and children alike, and this upbeat movie outlines that the true spirit of Christmas is time with your family, and giving to those you love.

 

The Polar Express

If you haven’t yet seen this film, finish reading this article and then immediately check it out. Even as an adult, this film is powerful enough to bring back your true belief in Santa.

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The famous story of how the Grinch is perfect to get you into the holiday mood. If the Grinch can grow to love Christmas, anyone can. Keep an eye out for the new Grinch movie that just came out in theatres!

 

Home Alone

“Merry Christmas ya filthy animals,” it’s time for the annual family Home Alone marathon. Kevin’s misadventures are hilarious, but the importance of family time during the holidays is the real moral of this classic story.

 

A Christmas Carol

Check out the films and the play for this classic story for a perfect blend of spooky and interesting, all while telling an important tale. A Christmas Carol helps us to take a look at our lives and our priorities, and to try especially hard during the holidays to value the people in our lives.

 

The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause movies were all the rage when I was growing up, however they aren’t as popular now- it is time to bring them back. Watching Tim Allen gradually turn into Santa Claus is outrageously funny, and his comedic take on Santa Claus is fantastic. This film combines the struggles of a split family with the importance of believing in Santa and Christmas magic.

 

Christmas with the Kranks

You cannot skip Christmas, especially when you’re the Krank family. The struggles that the Krank family encounter as they attempt to skip Christmas to go on a cruise, and then inevitably decide to celebrate Christmas at the last minute are so realistic and hilarious. Definitely check out this film if you are looking for a movie to make you laugh until you cry, and then finish off feeling warm and festive!

 

 

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Robin is a senior student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. She is getting a Science Degree, with a Psychology major and a double minor in Sociology & Biology. Part-time jobs, full-time classes, various student groups and volunteering fill most of her time. Robin is the 2020/2021 President of Her Campus at UAlberta and served as the social media director for the 2018/2019 year!
Breanne D

U Alberta '19

Co-founder and proud alumna of Her Campus at UAlberta.