The holidays are officially here. Sure, I’ve been seeing Christmas related commercials since mid-October, and yes, my roommate put up wreaths in our dorm a couple of weeks ago (to my dismay), but it’s after Thanksgiving and that is when the true holiday magic officially begins.
This also signals the beginning of the annual Christmas movie take over. They’re not only in the theaters, but on every conceivable T.V. channel and probably stocked up in your house somewhere. Personally, I don’t like wasting my Christmas spirit watching ten different Hallmark movies that are essentially all the same. Let’s be honest, that’s precious time that could be spent making a snowman, reading a book by the fire, or you know, eating that entire tray of Christmas cookies.
Consider this no longer a dilemma. Here are the five best Christmas movies (pretty much ever) that you should watch over winter break.
5. “Love Actually” (2003)
I have faith that we can all avoid getting sucked into the Lifetime Christmas movie marathons this year and here’s why: “Love Actually.” If you’re looking for a holiday rom-com, this is without a doubt the one. For starters, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Professor Snape as not Professor Snape (I know, it’s fascinating). The film follows the lives of many different characters around Christmastime – their relationships, careers and the conflicts that ensue. Like “Valentine’s Day” or “New Year’s Eve” all of the characters are interconnected somehow, but frankly “Love Actually” does this the best. Maybe it’s because it’s set in London during the holidays or it could be because Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are always beautiful and amazing. Either way, “Love Actually” is the only rom-com you’ll need this season.
4. “The Polar Express” (2004)
If you’re like me, you grew up reading “The Polar Express” every December. I remember my mom being upset when she found out they were making it into a film because she was afraid they would ruin it. Luckily for you, me and my mother, the movie gave her nothing to really be mad about. An animated film staring Tom Hanks (after dropping the T-Hanks bomb, I feel like I shouldn’t have to go on, but I will just to be safe), “Polar Express” is about a Christmas-loving young boy that takes a magical train to the North Pole. It’s visually beautiful and the sweet and heartwarming story will make you feel like a kid again.
3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
Okay, I know this is technically a half-hour T.V. special, but go with me on this one. The Peanuts are classics when it comes to almost any holiday but “A Charlie Brown Christmas” may or may not be Charles Schulz’s magnum opus. The soundtrack alone is enough to get me feeling nostalgic and in the Christmas spirit. Watching the Peanuts gang sing “Hark, the Harold Angels Sing” while huddled around Charlie Brown’s frumpy little tree is enough to make a grown man cry. The best part of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” may be the lessons it teaches. As cheesy as it sounds, “Charlie Brown” does a great job addressing the true importance of the holiday season, which is something we need. Especially in a time where commercializing the holidays seems to become more and more overwhelming each year. It may be a T.V. special, but it will warm your heart and put the true meaning of Christmas in perspective.
2. “A Christmas Story” (1983)
Confession: My entire life has been filled with people raving about this movie, exclaiming how it’s a “classic”, but up until last year, I had never actually watched it. Don’t worry, I watched it around 10 times to make up for it. Set in the early 40s and made in the early 80s, the characters and stories in this movie are still incredibly lovable and hilarious (maybe that’s why TBS has turned Christmas day into a 24-hour marathon of this movie). From Ralphie dropping the F-bomb to Mr. Parker buying that infamous leg lamp, there’s probably something in this movie that you and your family can relate too. We’ve all experienced our fair share of stressful and chaotic holidays, but that doesn’t mean we can’t laugh about it.
1. “Elf” (2003)
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear”…or by watching “Elf.” TBS hasn’t started playing this movie 24-hours straight on Christmas day, but it’s only a matter of time. Will Ferrell hysterically plays Buddy the Elf, a human who was raised by elves in the North Pole but travels to New York to find his biological father – who happens to be on the naughty list. I’m almost positive the world has adopted the custom of quoting this movie year round (I know people that regularly answer the phone with “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?”), which is completely fine by me. It’s hilarious, sweet, cute – everything you want out of a Christmas movie. Nothing makes me feel complete during the holidays like watching this movie – even eating an entire tray of cookies.
So grab a cup of hot chocolate, cozy up in a blanket and get your DVD player fired up because you only get around a month to truly experience how amazing these Christmas movies really are.