Merry Christmas everyone! The holiday season feels a bit different this year with social distancing and families not being able to gather as one unit to celebrate, but thankfully there are still some comforting traditions in the midst of so much change. I love riding down the roads to see homes that are still glistening from head to toe with lights and I can’t resist stopping by Krispy Kreme when red light is on, but my favorite Christmas tradition is snuggling up with my mom to watching holiday movies, more specifically, my top five Christmas films. These films have held so much nostalgia and brought me so much cheer through the years that I truly hope they bring the same to you and yours this holiday season. Without further ado, buckle up ladies and gentleman, it’s about to get merry!
The Top 5
5. A Year Without A Santa Claus
My Christmas season wouldn’t be complete or officially begin, in my opinion, without this Rankin Bass classic. In this film, Santa is in desperate need of a break because he has a cold, but as we all know, Christmas must go on! So Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves make a plan to save Christmas without him. This plan, however, doesn’t go over so smoothly and they soon need rescuing from the bed-ridden Santa when they find themselves caught in a world of trouble between the Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Will Santa get the day off he deserves? and Will he get the elves out of their mess? You’ve got to watch it to find out. From the whimsical stop motion characters to the campy musical numbers, this movie is fun for the entire family and a sure fire to win you over if it hasn’t already.
Directors: Arthur Rankin, Jr., Jules Bass
4. Elf
This film is easily one of my favorite Christmas movies. The moment I saw it in theaters, 17 years ago, it immediately captured my heart. The soundtrack, the characters, and story had me before Bob Newhart said, “Hello”. This is the tale of Buddy the elf, who was an orphan adopted my Santa Claus. After discovering that his father is on the naughty list, he decides to go on a trip to New York City to find him and show him the true meaning of Christmas. With Will Ferrell in this role, you can be sure that comedy is to ensue and it’s worth every minute!
Director: Jon Favreau
3. Home Alone
Need I say more? Seriously? Home Alone is a CLASSIC! It screams family comedy with enough snarkiness for the adults to enjoy as much, if not more so than the children. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve laughed at this film even knowing what’s going to happen from scene to scene. It’s just that good! This kid gets his Christmas wish to be alone while fending off home robbers in the most slapstick way possible. It’s like Tom and Jerry meets It is totally my cup of tea and if you watch it, it just might become yours too.
Director: Chris Columbus
2. Home Alone 2
The debate about whether the second film is better than the first will not end here, I just feel I can throw my hat in the ring and say the second one is better. It’s inarguable that it measures up to the first, I just believe that they gave Kevin a bit more depth here and really allowed him to wreak havoc on those crooks in ways he couldn’t in his own house. Does it make me a bad person to enjoy watching the comedy duo of John Pesci and Daniel Stern be, humiliated by a child? I don’t think so, I just think it makes me incredibly human, which is an experience we’re all sharing.
Director: Chris Columbus
1. The Grinch
First off, let me say that I can’t believe this film has been out for twenty years! I’m also not sure if I was aware of Jim Carrey’s presence in this world prior to this movie, but it certainly endeared him to me. He IS the Grinch. His essence and charisma are unmatched and in my opinion, there will never be another Grinch, though that didn’t stop them from trying, unfortunately. I could-and I have- watch this film over and over and over regardless of the season. It does, however, hold a special place in my heart during this time of the year. The fact that it’s still available for streaming on Netflix brings joy to the depths of my soul. If you haven’t had the privilege of viewing this cantankerous yet loveable character steal Christmas, I suggest you start a watch party with the Netflix app and enjoy his completely relatable moments with the company of those you love and cherish.
Director: Ron Howard
Although today is Christmas, the season of love and nostalgia isn’t over. You can carry the spirit of it everywhere you go all day, every day and to start, perhaps you can have a watch party and watch one of these films with your loved ones in their respective homes. You’ve already seen a portion of my list, but what films are you and your family looking forward to watching this holiday season?
