It's past December 1, which means Christmas time is here and I don't know about you, but I am ready. Ready for the overwhelming sense of joy, houses covered in lights and other decorations, and the movies. One of my favorite things about Christmas time is ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, where holiday movies are played from December 1 up until Christmas Day. It makes me giddy with excitement just knowing that every single night until December 25 I can put on ABC Family and have a Christmas movie waiting for me.
Now don't get me wrong, ABC Family has a great selection of movies, all ones that we all know and love - but there are more Christmas movies not played on the channel that are just as glorious and favorites of mine. Without further ado, here is a list of the Top Ten Christmas Movies.
1. White Christmas
Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera - Ellen, this movie is a Christmas classic. Based off Holiday Inn, White Christmas tells the story of two pairs of singers (Wallace & Davis and Betty and Judy Haynes) and their trip to Vermont for a show. All of the songs in the movie were composed and written by Iving Berlin and boy, are they catchy. From "Sisters" to "Gee! I Wish I was Back in the Army" these songs and this movie will make you laugh, cry and appreciative of a community feeling.
2. Elf
Nothing is more hysterical than Will Ferrell in an Elf costume. For real though, this movie is filled with so many funny one liners and other quotes that I find myself laughing from start to finish. With an all star cast of Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel and James Caan, Elf is the perfect feel good family Christmas movie.
3. The Santa Clause
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. When I get home, I'm getting a cat scan!!" This quintessential holiday season movie is the movie that I first think of when I hear "Christmas." The story is absolutely heartwarming and truly makes you believe (just in case for some crazy reason you don't).
4. Home Alone
The pure genius of 8-year-old Kevin McAllister is one of the main reasons why it's my favorite - I mean who else at 8 years old casually rigs their whole house to get rid of invaders? This movie is full of wit and genius, as well as the perfect movie to watch right before your family goes on vacation. (Sidenote: If you enjoy this movie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is the perfect sequel.)
5. A Christmas Story
"You'll shoot your eye out kid!" "I triple dog dare you!" "oh ffffudddgeee" - all of these quotes from this iconic movie. We've all had that one toy that we wanted for Christmas that was absolutely unrealistic, that one 'prized possession' that was actually the worst item to grace your house and that one trip to the mall to see Santa that didn't go so well. This movie is family friendly and very relatable - and if you enjoyed your viewing of it - it'll be on again for another 24 hours on Christmas Eve!
6. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
This animated cartoon stars the voices of Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney and tells the story of how Santa Claus came to be. As a little kid, this was one of my favorite movies and still is today. The stop motion is pristine and the story is one that will always stay with me at heart.
7. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Nothing starts off the Christmas Spirit more than Chevy Chase lighting up his house with the 'Hallelujah' chorus playing in the background. This Christmas comedy is the movie for one of those late, dark, snowy Christmas nights. It is the perfect pick me up.
8. The Year Without A Santa Claus
The Snow Miser/Heat Miser song. This is all.
9. It's A Wonderful Life
"Look daddy! Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." This heartfelt movie makes Christmas feel like Christmas and teaches a wonderful (wow so punny) lesson to all of us.
10. Miracle on 34th Street
Two things about this movie: the 1947 version, not the remake and another heartwarming story. This movie has touched many people and brings out the true spirit of Christmas.
