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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation stars Chevy Chase, an SNL alum, as Clark Griswold, a Christmas-obsessed father of two. The movie follows Clark and his family as they navigate a crazy Christmas where the whole family comes to visit. The family gets themselves into some sticky situations, such as getting their car stuck under a truck and chasing a squirrel around the house. A wacky Christmas with the Griswolds is always sure to give a good laugh and prepare you for the holiday season.  

 

Any Hallmark Movie

 

Hallmark starts playing Christmas movies before Halloween and continue until January, so if you like to get into the holiday spirit a bit early, consider watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. Hallmark movies are fun and lighthearted and are always jam-packed with love and holiday spirit. They are always sure to bring a smile and a cute story that the whole family can enjoy.

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a holiday classic. Rudolph is different from all of the other reindeer because of his shining red nose. He feels like he does not fit in, and the other reindeer reject him, so he runs away from home. Everyone remembers the island of misfit toys, and Santa asking Rudolph to lead his sleigh, despite the constant rejection from the other reindeer. Rudolph is the perfect holiday movie that anyone can enjoy.

 

Frosty the Snowman

    

    A group of children build a snowman, and they decide to name it Frosty. A magician’s hat lands on Frosty’s head, and he comes to life. He befriends the children, specifically a girl named Karen. When Frosty feels the temperature to rise, causing fears that he will melt, the children suggest that he go to the North Pole. On the way there, Frosty and Karen run into Hinkle, the magician who owns the hat that brought Frosty to life, who demands that he get his hat back, and he will stop at nothing to get it. Frosty the Snowman is a fun film for children of all ages, and for adults too. Frosty is a happy-go-lucky character, that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.   

 

The Year Without a Santa Claus

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 After Santa falls ill, he decides to “take a holiday” instead of bringing children presents on Christmas. After two elves, Jingle and Jangle, are sent out to try and find people who still believe in Santa, they run into two feuding brothers, Heat Miser and Snow Miser, have their reindeer Vixen locked in a dog pound, and come across a young boy, Iggy, who is skeptical of Santa’s existence. WIll Jingle and Jangle be able to save Christmas and get Vixen back in time? Watch to find out!

 

The Grinch

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Whether you prefer the animated TV special, the live action version with Jim Carrey, or even the new Grinch movie that just came out, The Grinch is always a holiday favorite. The Grinch starts off angry, cynical, and annoyed by the Whos, but really just wants to be accepted and needs to be loved. After attempting to steal Christmas, the Grinch sees that the Whos are still celebrating despite all of their presents and decorations being gone. The Grinch is able to accept the Christmas spirit into his heart, as it grew three sizes that day. The Grinch is always a good choice when deciding what holiday movie to watch.   

 

The Polar Express

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Everyone remembers “Polar Express Day” at school. Getting to wear pajamas, drink hot chocolate and watch the Polar Express all while you were supposed to be learning English and Math was the best day ever. You may not be in elementary school anymore, but you can still make some hot chocolate and watch the Polar Express with friends and family. You can sing along with the kids and the staff of the Polar Express as you drink your “hot, hot, hot chocolate” and rediscover the magic of Santa Claus and the Christmas season.

 

Home Alone

 

We all know the story of Kevin McCallister, an 8-year old whose family forgets him at home when they leave on a trip to Paris for the holidays. Two thieves, Marv and Harry, think that the McCallister house will be an easy target since the family is away, but they soon find out that they are in over their heads, and that Kevin will do whatever he can to defend his home. Home Alone is a funny movie for people of all ages, and perfect for the Christmas season.   

 

A Charlie Brown Christmas

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It’s not Christmas without the Peanuts. After Charlie Brown finds that he is having a difficult time getting into the holiday spirit, Lucy suggests that he direct a Christmas play. Despite Charlie Brown’s best efforts, he is still mocked by his classmates. He is the laughing stock of the group when he is told to get a Christmas tree, and returns with a small, scraggly tree that can not support a single ornament. When Linus finally explains to him the true meaning of Christmas, the whole group comes together in the end to celebrate. A Charlie Brown Christmas is perfect for anyone who is having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit and needs to be reminded of the true meaning of the Christmas season.  

 

Elf

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 Meet Buddy, an orphan accidentally adopted by Santa Claus and his elves. Buddy overheard an elf say that he is a human and soon finds out that his real father is living in New York, and is on the naughty list to boot. Buddy decides to travel to New York City to help his father get off of the naughty list. Buddy has a difficult time adjusting to life, food, and customs of a big city, and living among people who are not elves. Elf is a funny, lighthearted movie perfect for Christmas time, or anytime you need a good laugh. Starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, Elf will help lift your spirits and fill you with Christmas cheer.

 

Marisa is a sophomore math and education major at The College of New Jersey. She likes music, art, and movies.
Kyra Mackesy graduated The College of New Jersey with a BA in Journalism and Professional Writing and a minor in Criminology in 2019. While at TCNJ, she was an active member of their Her Campus chapter, holding a wide array of positions: President and Campus Correspondent, Editor-in-Chief, Senior Editor, Marketing and Publicity Director, and Social Media Manager. She loved seeing her chapter grow throughout her four years in college, and will remain an active Her Campus Alumni.