Spending time together during the holidays is something I reminisce on every single year. With Christmas Eve upon us, I felt it would be perfect that I start off my Christmas blogs with one of my favorite holiday tradition - Christmas movies. So many of these holiday films have shaped the way how I celebrate Christmas. It’s also a great way to learn about the true meaning of Christmas. So here is my go-to Christmas movies - they're somewhat unconventional (in no particular order). Some classics, some animated, some on Netflix, some you can't find and some just my guilty pleasure. Enjoy and please don't judge me.
"Merry Christmas ya filthy animal!"
Home Alone (1990)
This is one of my favorite movies to pull out at Christmas time. It is very funny, and like all good holiday flicks, it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, by reminding us of the importance of family. It appeals people of all ages. Watching a kid go wild with no parents and no rules is any kids dream. From Buzz, Uncle Frank to Old Man Marley… the film is filled with characters that we can all relate to.
“And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”
A Christmas Carol (1984)
The George C. Scott (1984) is my favorite version of the Dickens classic. After a visit from Jacob Marley and the 3 spirits (past, present, and Christmases yet to come), George C. Scott makes you believe that Scrooge is a "new man" on Christmas morning.
"Gentlemen, this is our last Christmas together. Isaac’s sacrificing his whole life and Chris is just too fucking famous."
The Night Before (2015)
This is a guilty pleasure I was referring to. How can you go wrong with a Seth Rogan Christmas film? He is at his best by taking a mixture of drugs to counter the effects of other drugs so we can guess what happens. If you don't like Seth Rogan then I'm afraid this movie will be very disappointing to you. I’m still trying to talk my closes friends to get together before Christmas and have our own version of “The Night Before.”
"Your name is Thurman Merman?"
Bad Santa (2003)
Guilty pleasure #2. Another rated R adult Christmas comedy, Bad Santa is a well made comedy that is a must see for the Christmas season. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie, a safe-cracking crook who masquerades as Santa every December in shopping malls across the United States. The film is good and is definitely one of Thornton's best comedic performances. There are plenty of memorable moments in this film, and some are downright hilarious. Those expecting a fun, family oriented holiday film; you aren't not going to find it here. And don't forget about Bad Santa 2.
"I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas Vacation is one of the few films that is still worth watching year after year during the Christmas season. The comedy bits are very funny, and most importantly memorable. We all have something we can relate to in it. The Griswolds has surely inspired my outdoor Christmas lights and tree hunt. With the looks of my decoration of my house... I'm on my way of becoming Clark Griswold.
"To me, you are perfect. And my wasted heart will love you. Until you look like this."
Love Actually (2003)
It’s All About Love... Actually. Great Movie!!! Loved the stories in each equal way and the phrase "To Me You're Perfect" will forever be imprinted with me. Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. I’m a total sucker for holiday romance. You will also get to see another side of Rick Grimes.
♫ There’s children throwing snowballs, instead of throwing heads, they’re busy building toys and absolutely no one’s dead... WHAT IS THIS!!!!!♫
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Although Tim Burton has always said that NBC is a Halloween movie that was release in October, I still love watching this movie during Christmas. The most magical film ever created by the mind of Tim Burton. It truly captures your imagination, you feel magic, wonder, and fear while watching it and you come back to the real world satisfied at the end truly one of the best. A cult film that deserves its status. My inner Disney makes this film a year around go to.
“I always stay at Hogwarts for Christmas and Easter holidays, and I don’t ever want to go back to Privet Drive.”
A Harry Potter MARATHON (2001-2011)
EXPECTO PATRONUM! There has been much debate on social media whether Harry Potter is a Christmas movie just cause it takes place during Christmas. For me, it's always a good time to visit Hogwarts, especially during the holidays. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge Potterhead. In case you're wondering, a marathon will be 1,179 minutes (under 20 hours) of Hogwarts letters, Quidditch matches, Butterbeer, Polyjuice potion and Patronus charms. And less face it, Christmas parties are always better at Hogwarts. (Who wants to the Yule Ball?? ME!!!)
"I planned out our whole day: First, we'll make snow angels for two hours, and then we'll go ice skating, and then we'll eat a whole roll of Toll-House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we'll snuggle."
Elf (2003)
Each passing year, I find myself loving Elf more and more. It really has become just as good a Christmas movie as any other movie out there. Will Ferrell gives a fantastic and crazy performance as Buddy the Elf. A human who grew up in the North Pole, who sets out to New York City to meet his real father. By the way, I just watch it last night on Netflix.
"Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra finds the most perfect balance between bittersweet and optimistic in this timeless holiday tale, to remind us that life is always worth it, even in the worst of circumstances. A wonderful story that resonates for a very long time after it is over.
"Bah humbug!"
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Again, I am a sucker for all versions of Christmas Carol and when you add Disney to the mix, pure genius!! Mickey as Bob Cratchit, Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge, Goofy as Jacob Marley - all in 25 minutes!
"I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love."
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
I have to admit, when I was younger I didn’t understand a lot of the content in this cartoon short. I just enjoyed this film as a Christmas tradition and is the most mature and accurate depictions of Christmas. Charlie Brown does some soul searching to discover why he isn't excited by Christmas. Is it the commercialism of it all. For something from 1965, this still has messages relevant today.
"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)
Doubting that Santa really exists, Hero Boy hops on a magical train where he learns about friendship, bravery and the true meaning of Christmas. What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, which shows the boy that the wonder of life never fades for those who believes. I too still believe in Santa.
I know, I left out many of the Classics. A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th, The Grinch... the list goes on and on. Everyone has the own list of Christmas movie traditions (movies they only watch, or watch more frequently, during Christmas). What are yours? Share so we all can benefit from maybe extending our own Christmas movie lists. I would love to hear some of your favorites and suggestions. HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!
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