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10 Christmas Movies To Put The Jingle In Your Bells

It's time.

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10 Christmas Movies To Put The Jingle In Your Bells

It’s the second week in November, which means that it’s time to start getting jazzed up for Christmas! Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not someone who allows the magic of Christmas to completely overshadow Thanksgiving. People who neglect Thanksgiving are filthy and you don’t need that in your life. I love turkey, pumpkin pie, and forced family interaction as much as the next guy. I am merely advocating that we start spreading the Christmas spirit early this year.

With finals, spring course registration, and uncertainty about the future looming, I think we could all use an advance on those good tidings. Without further ado, allow me to share the list of my 10 favorite Christmas movies. Add these flicks to your Netflix queue, because they’re sure to give you a preview of that Christmas morning joy.


1. "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945)

This is the epitome of a feel-good Christmas movie that warms you up inside like Mom's hot cider. Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck), a prominent food writer in New York City, is caught in a pickle when she is asked to host a soldier (Dennis Morgan) at her Connecticut farmhouse. Lane's publisher is all over the idea, but is clueless to the fact that her farmhouse is fictional - as are the husband and baby frequently mentioned in her columns. I won't say much more than that, because the hilarity that ensues has to be seen to be believed. This is a must-see if you like romance, comedy, and babies!

2. "The Holiday" (2006)


THIS. MOVIE. IS. EVERYTHING. Seriously. Two women, one from America (Cameron Diaz) and one from England (Kate Winslet) decide to swap houses during Christmas after they both suffer brutal breakups. Both women wind up falling in love while on holiday, and they learn so much about themselves along the way. This is the movie equivalent to a hug from Grandma. You will feel all your feelings. This flick is full of empowering messages, advocating for self-love and acceptance. Plus, with Jude Law serving up some serious eye candy, where can you go wrong?

3. National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" (1989)


I have some pretty strong sentimental ties to this movie, seeing as I've watched it with my family every Christmas for as long as I can remember. Its plot is relatively simple, which allows you to focus entirely on the outrageously enjoyable humor the film provides. Basically, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) just really wants to have a nice Christmas with his family. However, his plan goes hilariously awry as random relatives, a miserly boss, and a rogue squirrel bring his holiday dreams to a screeching halt. This movie is not sophisticated, and it doesn't have a nuanced message. It's just a slapstick comedy with a lot of heart that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

4. "Elf" (2003)


"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?" What's a Christmas movie list without mentioning this literal masterpiece? If you haven't seen this movie, stop reading this article right now and go do that. If your friends haven't seen "Elf," they aren't your friends. Will Ferrell absolutely steals hearts in this film as Buddy the Elf, a human raised in the North Pole. Convinced that he just doesn't fit in, Buddy travels to New York city to find his dad Walter Hobbes (James Caan). Coincidentally, Walter is a huge Scrooge, and Buddy teaches him about the true meaning of Christmas through a variety of shenanigans. "I'm sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR."




5. "White Christmas" (1954)

If you're interested in a fun-filled Christmas musical with stunning visual effects, look no further. In this charming film, a song-and-dance team (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) fall in love with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen), and they team up to save a quaint Vermont inn from bankruptcy. If you like musical theater, this movie will capture your heart. With a delightful story line, meticulous dance numbers, and gorgeous costumes, "White Christmas" is a complete classic. What could be better?





6. "12 Dates of Christmas" (2011)

If I didn't include a cheesy made-for-TV movie, this wouldn't be a complete Christmas movie list. So, here we go. My mom and I first discovered this movie last Christmas, while avidly watching ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, as one does. The film follows Kate (Amy Smart), a hopeless romantic who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she gets it right - really right. Kate's blind date is Mark-Paul Gosselaar, also known as Zack from "Saved by the Bell." If that isn't enough incentive to watch this movie, I don't know what is. The movie has a great message about living in the moment and being thankful, but honestly, it's just really cute. Watch it.


7. "Love Actually" (2003)


"It's All About Love... Actually." Similar to "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve," "Love Actually" follows the lives of eight very different couples and how they handle their love lives in various connected stories centered around Christmas. However, unlike those holiday movies with like 40 actors, this one is set in London, which automatically makes it better. The movie features heavy-hitters like Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson, but is really just about how complicated love is, especially around the holidays. An unflinchingly honest and heartfelt take on relationships and family, this is not a film you want to miss. (Did I mention Hugh Grant?)



8. Disney's "A Christmas Carol" (2009)

Disney worked its magic on this timeless story, with Jim Carrey fully embodying the role of Scrooge. No Christmas movie list is complete without a reference to this classic story, but this version stands alone due to its aesthetically pleasing production. The special effects and computer animation utilized by Disney make watching this film a truly incredible experience. It doesn't matter how familiar you are with the story, you've never seen it like this.





9. "Last Holiday" (2006)

If you want a movie that will inspire you to kickstart your list of New Year's resolutions, this is the perfect one. Upon discovering that she has a terminal illness, introverted Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) decides that she hasn't lived her life the way she wanted to at all. She clears out her life savings and flies to Europe, where she lives her life to the fullest and has a "last holiday." This movie seriously makes you realize how precious life is. It's clever, full of passion, and just plain sweet - with a happy ending, don't worry. Although the time frame of the movie doesn't occur specifically during Christmas, it's set during the winter, and there's definite Christmas undertones. It still deserves to be on this list because it's too heartwarming to not be. Also, LL Cool J is Queen Latifah's love interest, which makes it worth watching in and of itself.

10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)

I decided to finish strong by selecting a vintage classic for my last Christmas pick. This movie truly defined my Christmas experience as a child, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one. First of all, let's just take a moment to commend the quality of stop-motion animation used in this film because it's top notch. "Rudolph" details the journey of a misfit reindeer who bands together with his friends to look for a place that will accept them. After being released from the reindeer games because of his shiny happy nose, Rudolph eventually finds an island of misfit toys where he can live with all his strange little friends. This one will bring out your inner child, I guarantee it.


Well, folks, there you have it. I hope at least one movie on this list is new to you, so you can add some excitement to your yuletide cheer. If there's one that I forgot, feel free to share your own list with the people you love! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be listening to the *NSYNC Christmas album on repeat.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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