We’re coming towards the end of that awkward pre-advent period in which us Christmas enthusiasts constantly straddle the line between acceptable festivities and Yuletide mania.
Of course, we all know that from mid-November listening to Christmas music with your headphones in is moderately acceptable, and we can all agree that decorating the outside of your house before December 1st can be a big festive no-no for your neighbours.
But where do we stand on Christmas films? If you think about it, and if you look beyond the many Christmas greats, we’re also likely to include every marginally festive, Xmas-referencing “B” movie ever made on those all-important Christmas movie lists, so we could very well end up having enough Christmas movies to watch for each day of the year – which even I know is beyond excessive (although it does nicely epitomize Wizzard’s sentiments of “I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day.”
With all this in mind, I think even the Scrooges amongst us can sympathize with the Christmas lovers’ concern in trying to fit all of their favourite movies into one month. So, for anyone who is looking to channel their festive cheer beyond their headphones, but isn’t quite ready for Christmas jumpers or extravagant light displays, here are five fantastic films that can be viewed before the mainstream Christmas hype begins.
1. Meet Me in St Louis
This classic movie can actually be watched all year round. The narrative follows one family across many months as they struggle to come to terms with the possibility of a big change in their lives. However, when Christmas comes around and Judy Garland sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, the movie presents us with one of the most moving scenes in any Christmas film, and in my opinion, one of the most treasured moments in cinematic history. It’s perfect for pre-advent viewing as it definitely gets you into the Christmas spirit, without presenting you with too much festivity too fast.
2. The Family Stone
Despite a star-studded cast, such as Diane Keaton as the wonderful matriarch of the family, I would argue that this Christmas movie has been grossly underappreciated. It is set during Christmas day, but the plot goes far beyond festive fun and cheer, touching on some of the most intimate family problems and relationships that many viewers will relate to throughout the year. It’s also at times absolutely hilarious, and so if you’re looking for a film that will make you both laugh and cry -which just happens to be set during a time that brings families closer together – this one is perfect for viewing in our current pre-holiday-build-up.
3. Love Actually
I think this film is probably at the top of most people’s beloved Christmas movie lists, and after the brief but satisfying ten-minute sequel that came out earlier this year, a lot of people are ready to whack this one in the DVD player of an evening. Well, I say: why not now? For those of you who are lucky enough to be viewing this absolute classic for the first time this year, it’s important to note that the film follows many different (and often connecting) relationships across the few weeks building up to Christmas. As we are currently still a few weeks away from the big day ourselves, now is prime time to be viewing this romantic Christmas comedy, especially if, like me, you’re going to want to watch it a few times before the festive period ends.
4. The Holiday
Christmas is arguably more of a backdrop to this film, as the narrative follows two women who switch places (and continents) over the festive period, in order to escape various issues in their personal lives. In switching lifestyles, they are seeking solace in some much-needed alone time, but instead, love finds them, and in the most heart-warming of ways. So in the build-up to the festive favourites you feel cannot be watched pre-December, take a chance on Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black by indulging in a bit of festive predictability before advent season kicks in.
5. Nativity
Finally, one of my family’s favourite modern Christmas films. Some people might not view this as an acceptable pre-Xmas-hype movie, but hear me out. I remember the Christmas build-up in primary school starting a lot earlier than at any other point in my life, and I loved it! Children and parents alike will relate to the festive shenanigans taking place in this hilarious yet endearing movie. The plot follows a teacher’s attempts to fulfill his promise of making his students into big Hollywood stars. Anyone who has ever had to begin practicing for a nativity at the end of November – or better yet, any teachers or parents having to start making/decorating/buying props for their child’s part in the nativity, be it big or small – will belly-laugh all the way through this family classic. And even if you’re not a kid or a teacher or a parent, there’s no doubt about it: there’s nothing like a festive family movie to get you into a merry mood when advent does roll around later this week.