Its everyone’s favorite time of year, exams are finally over, you finally get some time off work and you can finally enjoy the holidays stress free. The holidays to me are all about spending time with loved ones, indulging in all the snowflake sugar cookies I can get my hands on and watching all the Christmas movies on TV. I love watching Christmas movies because not only do they help get me in the Christmas spirit, they also remind me about my childhood. Below is a list of all my favorite Christmas themed movies, I recommend you all watch during this holiday season.
1. Elf
What better way to kick off the holiday spirit than watching Elf? Elf stars funny man Will Ferrell, as Buddy the elf. The movie is about Buddy, a human that was raised and adopted by elves in the north pole. The plot of the movie revolves around Buddy finding his birth father and trying to navigate through everyday human life, in the process he discovers love, acceptance and the true meaning of Christmas. This movie is hilarious, will get you in the Christmas spirit and it’s a movie you can watch repeatedly and not get sick of. I love watching this movie while wrapping my Christmas gifts or baking some holiday cookies and it always puts me in a happy mood.
2. Home Alone
Who hasn’t seen the classic Home Alone movie starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. If you haven’t seen the movie it is about a misunderstood little boy named Kevin that accidently get left behind home alone while his family is on a Christmas vacation in France. The movie follows Kevin as he struggles to live alone and has some unexpected challenges through the movie. In the end Kevin realises the value of his family and Christmas. This movie also makes me laugh and I can relate to this movie on so many levels coming from a large family myself. Home Alone is a great movie to watch with the whole family while doing Christmas festivities like baking cookies, decorating the tree however it is equally as good just watching on your own whenever you get a chance to relax.
Also, if you liked the first film be sure to also check out the follow up sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which features the same cast as the original film but is set in New York City.
3. The Grinch Stole Christmas
Easily my favorite Christmas movie of all time. I love the live – action adaption of the Dr. Seuss timeless classic. The movie stars Jim Carey as the cynical Grinch and follows his attempt to ruin Christmas for the cheerful citizens of Whovillie. The movie will bring a giant smile to your face as you get transformed into the whimsical created by Dr. Seuss. This movie has something for everyone: comedy, love, suspense and action. I have yet to meet a person that doesn’t like this movie, you can not go wrong with this cult classic.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton films are always a great choice, the Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite films he has created. I personally like to watch this film for both Halloween and Christmas time because Burton is known for his signature creepy film style but the movie does revolve around Christmas. The movie is centered around Jack Skellington and how he has grown bored of his current life in Halloweentown and then he accidently stumbles upon Christmastown and begins a new adventure while also causing chaos. If you are not a huge fan of stereotypical Christmas movies, you will enjoy this film. A Nightmare Before Christmas is creative, innovative and a fresh take on a holiday themed film.
5. A Christmas Carol (Various adaptions)
Charles Dickens world famous story, A Christmas Carol, has been adapted into several movies. The one I like to watch is called Ebbie, a modern take on the story starting Susan Lucci as Elizabeth “Ebbie” Scrooge. I like this adaption of this movie because it follows the story line of the classic tale but with a much more relevant and contemporary feel to the story. Regardless of which version of a Christmas Carol you like to watch, the story is an iconic part of the holiday season and is a must see every Christmas.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Another staple holiday movie that always plays at least once (if not multiple times at my house) is A Charlie Brown Christmas. Who doesn’t love seeing the adorable Charlie Brown celebrating Christmas with the rest of the Peanuts gang? The film will take you through Charlies misadventures as he tries to rekindle his chiltomas spirit. Definitely watch this film during the holiday season especially when you start to feel stressed out or overwhelmed during the holiday season.
7. Christmas With the Kranks
This is an unconventional pick but is still one of my favorite Christmas films. The movie stars Jamie Lee and Tim Allen as the loveable couple Nora and Luther. The pair struggle to get into the Christmas spirit as their one and only child has left home and the holidays don’t feel the same without her. The film is a great story about friendship, sacrifice and accepting change. This movie will also make you laugh hysterically and is another film you can watch over and over again without getting sick of it.
During December, there is an abundance of Christmas movies; you can’t go wrong with a feel good holiday classic. A bonus suggestion I have is to watch the various Hallmark made- for- television movies. Sure they are a little cheesy, but they are sure to always leave you feeling happy, which is what the holidays are all about. Happy holidays!