As the holidays arrive slowly and sweetly, many of us have our go-to Christmas movies to watch to get into the holiday spirit. There are so many to pick from, such as Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Polar Express, to name a few. But there’s always been one Christmas movie that has had a special place in my heart and its own unique way of giving me that joyful, cozy feeling in December. Here’s why The Santa Clause movies are easily the best Christmas movies to watch during the holidays.
The modern santa claus origin story
Most Christmas movies already come with the belief that Santa Claus exists. Everyone simply assumes he is real, without questioning the actual existence of this jolly old man whose sole purpose is to deliver everyone presents. However, The Santa Clause provides a fresh explanation for how and why Santa exists in their world. The first movie answers all of main character Scott Calvin’s (played by Tim Allen) burning questions, such as how Santa makes it to every house in the same night, the trick to fitting down chimneys, and his technique for determining if people are naughty or nice. Plus, the biggest question of all, how someone becomes Santa. This happens with a magical contract, which makes the story feel whimsical and grounded at the same time. As you watch each movie, you’ll also learn why it’s imperative to read every word of a contract, even the ones in fine print.
The use of comedy and relatability
Throughout the trilogy, there are many humorous moments and sarcastic one-liners. When Scott accidentally makes Santa fall off his roof, his risky encounters at people’s houses as he delivers presents on Christmas Eve, and his relentless teasing of his ex-wife’s new husband, Neil (played by Judge Reinhold), are a few examples in just the first movie. This type of fresh comedy throughout the movies keeps the audience engaged and makes the characters more relatable in the midst of a magical storyline. It also makes it easier to root for Scott, who begins the first movie as a cocky toy executive uninterested in the spirit of Christmas entirely.
Scott’s relationship with his family is strained as he continues to fight with his ex-wife, Laura (played by Wendy Crewson), and struggles to form a bond with his son, Charlie (played by Eric Lloyd). The movies cover numerous family dynamics that aren’t represented in many other Christmas movies, such as co-parenting, balancing work, family, and romantic relationships, and managing a child’s strong belief in Santa Claus. These aspects of the movies increase relatability and make the audience feel more connected to the story.
the true heart and spirit
Christmas movies are known for making people feel happy by the end, but I think The Santa Clause movies stand out in this regard. Their recurring message “seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing” is a unique take on the idea of Christmas and Santa Claus overall. It’s the idea that the spirit of Christmas comes from within, and that someone must truly have faith in the magic to be able to see it. In addition, the way Scott’s bond with Charlie strengthens over the course of all three movies is a wonderful thing to watch, along with his relationship with Laura and her new family. Charlie is a lovable character in the first movie, but his redemption arc in the second movie is a great subplot as he changes from a rebellious troublemaker to a supportive son and hero in the story.
The aesthetic of warm lights, snowy neighborhoods, dark winter skies, and people bustling about — both in the town and in the North Pole — gives off such a cozy, nostalgic vibe. This setting always reminds me of Christmas during my childhood, which adds so much comfort to the watching experience. The North Pole doesn’t feel too cartoonish or disingenuous, either. They use real people to cast the elves and practical sets, along with cool gadgets such as a cocoa machine and sleigh technology that makes it feel like an actual place with rules and history. These core messages and strong spirit capture the heart of Christmas because the trilogy has a focus on realistic characters, redemption, and the art of believing, all while remaining sincere and genuine.
The Santa Clause movies are truly special in my family. They show realistic family dynamics and challenges while also creating a unique world where Christmas is full of magic and wonder. They allow the real world to mix with the fictitious realm of the North Pole, which gives the audience the nostalgic sense of magic from their childhood to hold onto in their hearts. With the modern take, the comedy and relatability, and the movie’s genuine spirit, The Santa Clause movies have become a tradition to rewatch every year, the perfect way to make me feel like a kid again. All Christmas movies are great, but this trilogy will always stand out to me, even though I know how it’ll end every time.