If I had it my way, Christmas season would definitely begin Halloween night, when the clock strikes midnight. Christmas season is my absolute favorite time of the year, and I honestly feel so happy and energized during it. I spend most days of the year just waiting until it is socially acceptable to bring my Christmas playlist out, light my holiday themed candles and watch my favorite holiday movies. This year is my first time living in my own apartment during the lead up to Christmas, and I’m able to have more agency over when my environment starts to feel more and more festive. On Nov. 1, my roommate and I pulled out or tree and at least put the lights on it, lit our apple cider scented candles and embarked on our Christmas movie marathon. These are the movies that we are counting down to Christmas with.
- “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
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This is the perfect starting point for a Christmas movie countdown. It acts appropriately as the bridge between the two profoundly different holidays, Halloween and Christmas. I think it’s the perfect movie to watch on the night of Nov. 1, since it occurs exactly after Halloween ends and goes into Christmas. You can still appreciate the spooky vibes of the characters if you aren’t fully out of the Halloween mood yet and slowly begin to introduce the festivity of Christmas into your mind.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
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Words can’t describe how much I love this movie. It is such a fun take on a classic Dr. Seuss story. I’m sure many people can relate to growing up and watching the original animation of the story, and then this live-action movie starring Jim Carrey as the titular character. I love that this movie adds on to the original story and incorporates more modern aspects (for its time). Even with these additions, they don’t necessarily feel dated which contributes to its longevity. Watching it again as an adult has allowed me to pinpoint moments when the Grinch is the most relatable character (ex., when he can’t pick an outfit he likes and decides he isn’t going to the event). It’s also interesting to note how much more complex the story is. The commentary it provides on perceptions of holidays and what people are truly celebrating that went over my head when I was younger.
- “The Santa Clause” Trilogy
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This might be my absolute favorite series of Christmas movies. I had the entire DVD set growing up, and this series was the highlight of my Christmas movie-watching. The first one is especially fun to watch, because I think it incorporated a superb blend of child-focused jokes and plot elements while also sneaking in some clever mature jokes. I loved the evolution of the story throughout the movies and the ability to watch characters like Charlie and Lucy. I also think the expansion of the movie’s universe in the second and third movies, with the Council of Legendary Figures, was brilliant!
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“The Polar Express”
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I know there’s an assortment of different takes on this movie, but I personally love it dearly! Sure, the animation style can be a little frightening/creepy, but i think it is such a fun story about the power of our own beliefs. Also, there are a ton of bops on the soundtrack. (The hot chocolate song forever lives in my brain.) Something that I think is particularly fun about this story is the fast friendships that develop between these characters with different backgrounds and perspectives, and the ideas they learn from each other. I stand by my opinion that its such a heartwarming story that is visually and sonically captivating!
These movies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impressive collection available to watch in the lead up to Christmas. I truly love the way they get me excited for the season and warm my heart with their important messages and themes. Whether or not you observe the holiday and despite what it may be centered around for you, these kinds of movies showcase the significant parts of being human and connecting with others.