It's the most wonderful time of year! Yes, this is the time when the holidays sneak up on us again and we prepare for the month's chaos. Through that chaos, we have some cute and funny Christmas movies to keep us sane and happy. Christmas movies always make me feel cheerful, so I'm going to share 15 of my all-time favorites to keep you in the holiday spirit.
1. "Elf" (2003)
How could Buddy the Elf not make you smile from ear to ear? Separated from his orphanage as a baby by crawling into Santa's bag, Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, is raised in the North Pole with an older elf as his caregiver. After finding out that he was adopted and not an actual elf, he goes on a mission to New York City to find his biological father. It's such a great movie to make you laugh and feel good inside.
2. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)
This one is my personal favorite. Sit back and relax with this hilarious Christmas film starring Chevy Chase. Join the Griswold family in their traditional Christmas adventures with some mishaps and silliness along the way. You will not regret watching this! 'Tis the season to be merry!
3. "The Santa Clause" (1994)
Tim Allen plays a Scrooge-like character who absolutely despises Christmas and does not believe in Santa Claus. Christmas Eve rolls around and Santa falls off his roof. Scott Calvin (Allen) picks up the Santa jacket and pants in his front yard and wears them. To his unpleasant surprise, he is now the new Santa Claus. Watch it to find out the rest!
4. "The Polar Express" (2004)
Tom Hanks takes the court as he shows his magic in this awesome film. A little boy hops on the Polar Express, a magical train bound to reach the North Pole. It's all about believing; there are many lessons learned in this. Grab some hot cocoa and warm slippers, and cuddle up watching this adorable film about Christmas spirit!
5. "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966)
A classic in itself, the Grinch is ready to destroy Christmas. The residents of Whoville are wondering why their Christmas decorations and presents are gone. Did Santa not come, or did the Grinch steal it all? This movie is cute and awesome for any age! Also, there is a 2000 live-action version, with Jim Carrey as the Grinch.
6. "A Christmas Story" (1983)
This one is a traditional Christmas movie guaranteed to make you laugh and wish you were a kid again. Ralphie wants something for Christmas very badly, and he goes out of his way to make it known. He tells Santa, his parents, and even his school teacher. You had to have heard the saying, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" at least once around the holidays. This movie is on a 24-hour loop on TV from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, so make sure you watch it to find out Ralphie's wish!
7. "Home Alone" (1990)
Kevin is home alone! His big family left for Paris for the Christmas holiday and forgot all about him. His mother didn't even notice he was gone until mid-flight across the ocean! This is scary for them, but for Kevin, it's heaven on Earth! He can do whatever he wants. Two burglars, however, are on a mission to break into a house in his neighborhood. Will it be his house?
8. "Frosty the Snowman" (1969)
Happy birthday! Frosty is the cutest and happiest snowman you can ever meet. If you listen to the song, it basically tells you the plot of this movie. He's a jolly, happy soul. Don't you cry, he'll be back again someday! This film is another classic, and it's bound to make you happy inside, no matter how old you are.
9. "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983)
Charles Dickens would have been super proud. Disney remakes this classic with Ebenezer Scrooge, using Disney characters for Dickens' characters. Scrooge hates Christmas, but with a little help from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, he turns his attitude around and gives back.
10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
We sing about this cutie, too! Although this is an older movie, Rudolph has never failed to make us smile, generation to generation. The poor little thing is bullied because he has a red nose, but in the end, he's the most important reindeer of them all! How can you resist such an adorable figure of the holidays?
11. "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" (1970)
This is a classic story about the beginning of Saint Nick. You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout because Santa's going to tell you why. Throughout this movie, you see Nick grow up to be the true Santa Claus, after being dropped off at the doorstep of the North Pole elves. He also finds and falls in love with his future Mrs. Claus. This is such a cute movie, and it's usually on TV from time to time!
12. "Scrooged" (1988)
Charles Dickens would be proud of this one, too! This is a hilarious remake of "A Christmas Carol". Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a Scrooge for Christmas. He is always rude to people, including his workers, and he never gives in return. That all changes when the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future give him a piece of their minds. Bah humbug!
13. "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946)
Money troubles arise in George Bailey's life. He wonders if life is really worth it. He wishes he wasn't born. Unfortunately, George has some suicidal thoughts, and he thinks about what everything would be like if he was not there. Because of this, a Christmas angel is sent down to him and turns his outlook around. Grab the tissues with this one. Family is the most important thing, regardless of financial problems and other issues. It really is a wonderful life.
14. "The Holiday" (2006)
Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law star in this romantic comedy about two women wanting to get away for the holidays after going through major break-ups with their exes. They switch houses until New Years, not expecting to fall in love again with new guys. This is a film that will make your heart smile for sure.
15. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965)
Last but not least, Charlie Brown works his kindness to make it the best Christmas ever with his best friends and community. There is a lesson portrayed here, along with a really sentimental play Charlie Brown creates. No matter what we all have in possessions, there is nothing more important than family, friends, and love! Especially during the holiday season, this will warm you up for sure.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!