The Christmas season is coming to a close, the cookies are almost gone, and the Michael Bublé is about to be shelved for another year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to watch one more Christmas movie before the magic is gone. The only question is: which one should you watch?
ELF
If you’re in the mood for a funny, heartwarming, insanely-quotable Christmas movie that’s fun for the whole family, then Elf is the movie for you. Buddy is a human, raised by Christmas Elves, who goes on an adventure to find his real family and bring Christmas cheer to all of New York City. Get ready to eat spaghetti and get festive, because the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
The Polar Express
If you’re looking to experience the magic of Christmas, the wonder of childhood, and also you love Tom Hanks, then look no further than The Polar Express. Based on an illustrated children’s book we’ve all probably read at some point in our lives, the movie creates a magical, musical experience perfect for the Christmas time of year.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Into classics? Want something to lift your spirits? Time to pop in one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time - It's A Wonderful Life. It’s been parodied in almost every cartoon and tv special ever - a man sees what the world would be like if he’d never been born. If you’re not emotional by the time a bell rings and an angel gets its wings, then you’re just one big Scrooge.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Shown year after year without fail, watching this is like seeing an old friend. We know the Christmas play, jazz music, and the iconic little tree like the back of our hands. It’s short and sweet and has the perfect combination of humor, spirit, and a great message. Nothing lives up to the moment when Charlie Brown declares “I’ve killed it.”
Home Alone
What’s better than negligent parents, home invaders, and a spunky kid who can outwit two grown adults? If you’re forgetful, this is probably your worst nightmare scenario, but it’s hilarious either way. If you’re into a humorous yet heartwarming story of a boy forgotten at home for Christmas, a mother trying desperately to get back, and two criminals trying to break into said home, this is the movie for you. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Still not out of your emo phase? Does part of you wish it were still Halloween? Or, have you been celebrating Christmas since the second the calendar flipped to November? If you enjoy the darker parts of life, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the movie for you. Although it could technically also be a Halloween movie, it’s really the best of both worlds, it’s where Halloween infiltrates Christmas. Creepy yet festive.
Christmas Vacation
A completely dysfunctional family? 25,000 Christmas lights? An overcooked turkey? A tree on fire? If this sounds anything like your family Christmas, definitely check out Christmas Vacation. Every second of the movie is laugh-out-loud chaos, and despite everything, it works out alright in the end, because it’s Christmas.
A classic animated Christmas movie
There are so many of these, and they’re all probably short enough that you can watch them in one long sitting. You have your choice of Frosty the Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, or The Year Without A Santa Claus (aka the Snow Miser-Heat Miser special). Every one is a classic, and every one will invoke nostalgia. Pick your favorite, and the whole family will enjoy.
A Christmas Story
One of the most iconic, quintessential Christmas movies of all time, A Christmas Story includes all the important facets of a Christmas movie and has some of the most memorable moments and quotes still remembered fondly to this day. You don’t even need to seek out this one: there are bound to be multiple TV channels showing 24-hour marathons of this movie all Christmas day. You don’t need to be in a particular mood for this movie, this is one everyone should watch. But be careful, or you’ll shoot your eye out.
Of course, this doesn’t cover every Christmas movie. You could be into The Santa Clause, Love Actually, one of many versions of A Christmas Carol, Die Hard, or any number of infinite Christmas movies out there. I can’t talk about them all, we’d be here all day. But no matter what you pick, be sure to revel in the Christmas spirit before it’s gone for another year.
