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Classic Christmas Movies that will Spark your Holiday Spirit

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

As we begin the transition from fall to winter, the holidays aren’t too far behind. I like many others believe that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. One of the best ways to spark your holiday spirit is by watching some of the greatest Christmas movies ever created.‘Tis the season! 

  1. The Polar Express

This depicts the journey of a group of kids on a magical train en route to the North Pole. This movie is significant because it allows you to discover who you are and the importance of believing in the Christmas spirit. When individuals choose not to believe in the spirit of Christmas, this can cause Christmas joy to die in the process.

  1. Elf

This movie tells the story of Buddy the elf, a man who was raised from infancy to adulthood at the North Pole. Despite his love for the North Pole, he knew he wouldn’t feel whole till he found his father. When he finally finds his father he seeks to start a relationship with him. Along the way, Buddy learns how to teach his father and his family the essence behind Christmas.

  1. Home Alone

The McCallister family sets out for a Christmas trip to Paris. Their youngest child, Kevin, gets into a huge fight with his family to the point where he wishes they would all go away. When the dream comes true he is left spending the holidays alone. Although Kevin feels he is alone, he must protect his home from ex-cons plotting to rob his house. Kevin will do whatever it takes to ensure he is not robbed of the ideal Christmas.

  1. This Christmas

Every time the holidays approach, the Whitfield family gathers at Ma’Dere’s house to engage in their family traditions. As the family traditions begin, strained relationships are exposed in the process. Due to the family not being together for four years, each member begins to fight their own personal battles. No matter what, they never forget how important family is especially during the holidays.

  1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

This classic originated from the book created by Dr. Seuss. The Grinch is the modern-day scrooge who didn’t want his community to enjoy Christmas, so he schemes and plots to steal their gifts and decorations. Despite having everything stolen it never stopped individuals from having the Christmas spirit. This led to the Grinch’s change of heart causing him to change his view on Christmas.

  1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 

The holiday season is around the corner and Clark Griswold and his family are on a mission to create the ideal Christmas. Despite the efforts to make everything perfect, nothing goes according to plan for the Griswold family. 

  1. The Santa Clause 

Scott is a divorced father who is celebrating Christmas Eve with his son. One night Scott accidentally kills Santa, which then forces him to transport to the North Pole. After the incident, Scott is informed that he must replace the former Santa. Scott’s new profession allows him to truly understand the essence of Christmas.

  1. Santa Baby

This is an animated holiday special that shows how everybody in a small community can come together to celebrate Christmas. With good spirit in the air, a girl named Dakota tries to get her father to enjoy the fun. He turned into a scrooge because of not being able to create a jingle for his job. Dakota wants to change her father’s perspective to understand the importance of Christmas.

  1. Home Alone 2:  Lost in New York

The McCallister family sets out for a Christmas trip to Florida. This plan gets detoured when Kevin gets on a flight to New York by mistake. Kevin is left feeling stranded once again around the holidays. Additionally, he is met with the same criminals who plot to rob a toy store that raises money for a children’s hospital. Kevin begins the fight to protect Christmas and the charity the money goes to.

  1. Christmas with the Kranks

 Nora and Luther decide to plan a Christmas trip since their daughter won’t be spending the holiday at home this year. They do everything in their power to get rid of all their Christmas traditions, which then causes conflict with their neighbors who love Christmas. However, they learn their daughter is coming back for the holidays at the last minute, leaving them to undo their damage.

Happy watching, I promise you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy yourself this holiday season!

Jazmyne Easley

St. John's '23

Hi! I am Jazmyne Easley ! I am a criminal justice major with a concentration in forensic psychology. During my journey at St.John's I have been inducted into honor societies and promoted as team leader at my campus job pretty early into my college career. I love to shop, read, write, and hang out with friends/family. I am the CEO of GlamourGirl Lash Bar !NC. I've had a passion for writing since I was a little girl. I always felt that I could express myself in a manner that is unmatched through my writing. I am super excited about my journey with Her Campus ! Ig@_1jse