I know how important the holidays are to everyone. I also know how amazing holiday movies are; they make the holiday season that much more special. Movies that you used to watch as a kid are what makes the holidays magical. Every year it almost feels like we're losing touch with our inner-child, so why not wake them with holiday cheer?
Without further ado, here are 12 movies that will bring you back to being an 8-year-old munching on snowman-sugar cookies with a giant mug of hot chocolate before sitting down to watch a Christmas movie marathon.
1. "Elf" (2003)
GiphyThe utmost sought-after holiday movie featuring the talented Will Ferrell is all you want for Christmas! Buddy is a human that was accidentally taken to the North Pole in Santa's Sack. After finding out he wasn't an elf, he decided to go to New York to track down his biological father. The whole story is about being together, being happy, and believing.
2. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2001)
GiphyThe classic story has a modern twist in this live-action film. Jim Carrey's Grinch is determined to ruin Whoville's Christmas. He almost did it without any guilt, but Cindy Loo Who became the friend he had been looking for his whole life. Plus he's Holiday Cheermeister!
3. "The Santa Clause" (1994)
Giphy"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing." One Christmas Eve, all was still, except Santa who fell off the roof. Tim Allen's character becomes Santa Claus without even realizing it, but what he finds is that being the jolly bearded man was the best thing to ever happen to him.
4. "The Polar Express" (2004)
GiphyThis peculiar Christmas movie taught children about leading, learning, believing, and counting on. This movie features a magical train ride that takes children to the North Pole to see Santa. The importance of friendship and courage is prominent throughout the movie, but it also shows the beauty of believing. And I know I was dying for some of that hot chocolate!
5. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
GiphyJack Skellington, Halloweentown's Pumpkin King, has grown bored with the routine scares. When he stumbles upon Christmastown, he decides to kidnap Santa and replace him. This doesn't last long, however. You have to admit though, this is the perfect Halloween and Christmas movie you could watch on either holiday, or both!
6. "Home Alone" (1990)
GiphyKevin McCallister is left at home alone during the holidays, but it helps him realize that he loves his family, no matter how problematic. Also, he definitely knows how to fool some thieves.
7. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)
GiphyClark Griswold is always trying to do his best for his family, while simultaneously trying to fend off his common misfortunes. As always. In this movie, Clark is trying his best to illuminate his home and pick out the best tree among other dad things, but there's (clearly) many speed bumps and squirrels along the way.
8. "A Christmas Story" (1983)
Giphy"You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" All Ralphie Parker wants is an air rifle, for Scut Farkus to stop bullying him — oh! And he also doesn't like wearing the pink bunny suit. Will he ever get the Christmas he's hoping for?
9. "Frosty the Snowman" (1969)
GiphyFrosty the Snowman is born when a magic top hat makes a children's snowman a jolly soul. Frosty and the group of kids that put him together are meant with conflicts when the magic top hat's owner wants it back. What will they do? Watch this classic tradition to find out!
10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
GiphyWe all know Rudolph the Reindeer's story because we've been singing his song since kindergarten. This little reindeer was able to be the brightest help to Santa Claus on one very foggy Christmas Eve.
11. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965)
GiphyThis adorable Charlie Brown special starts out as a seemingly sad Christmas, but by the end of it, everyone's smiling and singing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
12. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990)
GiphyIt may not be the most kid-friendly movie, but it definitely sends a message of not judging a book by its cover. The emotional ending is also set during the holiday season which gives the story's "treat others as you would want to be treated" message a powerful meaning.
Get cozy for these movies and get ready to cry both sad and happy tears because these movies will have a special place in your heart. Have a happy holiday season and don't forget to drink ALL the hot cocoa you make, and eat ALL the cookies you bake.
