Christmas time is here! Now that the lights are up and the tree is decorated (hopefully), it’s time to sit back and relax with a good Christmas movie and some eggnog.
Yes, you could turn on the Hallmark Movie Channel and probably find a movie about a lost dog making his way home for Christmas, or maybe a reindeer that can’t fly, but why waste your time when you have SO many movies available for you and your family to enjoy!
HOME ALONE
The movie that set the tone for the holiday season in 1990 and made countless people do the scream (you know which one I’m talking about). The premise is simple… a family goes out of town and forgets their 8 year-old son at home. So, what does an 8 year-old do being home alone? Simple! Shopping, cleaning, fighting off burglars… all the typical stuff you would expect. The movie has turned into a classic and it’s perfect to re-watch.
LOVE ACTUALLY
Ok, it’s true this is my secret “chick flick” fave. Love Actually is directed by Richard Curtis who worked on Bridget Jones’ Diary, Mr. Bean, Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Love Actually is a simple story about love old and new, friendships and family. It takes the spirit of Christmas over the pond and ties in five different stories while making you laugh and cry along the way. Don’t judge me. This has been a Christmas must-watch for me ever since it was released.
KRAMPUS
Nothing says Christmas like a movie about a bunch of spoiled kids, cranky parents, and a family who lost their way. Add in an ancient evil demon who punishes kids when they make the naughty list and Christmas has begun! Krampus is based on old Bavarian folklore and focuses on one family who have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Krampus and his evil demonic trolls and killer toys show up to take your family and make you slaves for eternity. This movie has funny moments, so it’s not 100% scary, but it does have some creepy scenes as well. This movie might not be for everyone, but it does have a good moral lesson.
CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
As I write this, I can hear the music and picture the Peanuts gang dancing. Since 1965, this has been one of the favorite Christmas specials and continues to remain a top-watched show every year. It’s SO popular that they’ve started selling the famous “tree” for your own home. I mean, who can forget the poor little scraggly tree that couldn’t even hold the weight of a star topper?
ELF
Will Ferrell in a Christmas movie sounded like a long shot, but what started out as a funny outrageous movie turned into a great story. Ferrell plays a human raised by elves in the North Pole. He eventually notices that he isn’t like the other elves, and sets out to find his real Dad in New York City who is played by actor James Cann. This movie combines all the elements of a good story with singing, comedy, and heart. You’ll enjoy some great downright funny moments and this is one that you can watch with the whole family.
ALL THE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
When it comes to Christmas movies, I always think of what I like to call the “original childhood classics.” Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss, and Mickey Mouse’s Christmas Carol. These are the ones we all remember and can count on to instantly bring back our childhood putting us in the mood to enjoy the holidays.
SCROOGED
This funny, twisted take on the classic Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” stars funny man Bill Murray as a TV executive who’s trying to produce a new fresh Christmas special. While working through the holidays and ignoring his family, girlfriend, and employees, the only thing to do is to show him the error of his ways, and who better to show him than the Three Ghosts of Christmas. This movie is not your typical tale and it might not be family-friendly (except for my family, because we all have a twisted sense of humor). but overall this is a great movie and perfect to watch if you want a break from the norm (or have a serious ’80’s fashion flashback).
Whichever movie(s) you watch for the holidays, make sure that you enjoy them with friends, family, and loved ones. The Christmas list is long, but I chose these movies because they all have a message to offer and capture the spirit of Christmas.
