Christmas time is the best time of the year. We get excited for spending time with our loved ones, presents, decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols, making cookies, and all that good stuff. For me, my favorite part of the holiday season is Christmas movies. I have made a list (and checked it twice) of my favorite Christmas movies to watch every year. If you haven't seen any of these, I highly recommend you do! Ho ho ho, here they are:
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
This is by far my favorite Christmas movie of all time. This movie definitely illustrates the craziness during the holiday season as Clark Griswald attempts to give his family the Christmas he's always wanted. You will be laughing until you cry throughout the entire thing, and end this great movie with the lovely Aunt Bethany singing the Star Spangled Banner as flaming lawn reindeer soar through the night sky. Sounds great, doesn't it? Exactly, so go watch it.
2. A Christmas Story
If you haven't seen this movie, you're doing everything wrong. This is a classic and although I've seen it about a million times, it's still great to watch. Young Ralphie spends the entire movie trying to get himself a Red Ryder B.B. gun and every person says the same thing to him, which becomes a famous line: "you'll shoot your eye out, kid!" I won't spoil the movie and tell you if he gets it, but I will tell you he gets an adorable bunny suit for Christmas. I have to admit, I'm quite jealous.
3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Although the animated version is pretty good, I personally think this version is better. Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch who attempts to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. Carrey is absolutely hilarious in this movie and it's jam packed with so many comedic quotes that will stick with you forever. Plus, Cindy Lou Who is undeniably adorable and the scene where she sings "Where Are You Christmas?" steals my heart.
4. The Santa Clause movies
All three of these movies are both hysterical and touching, teaching you a lot of valuable lessons about the true meaning of Christmas that we all sometimes forget. Throughout these movies, you will watch the adventures of Scott (AKA Santa), played by Tim Allen, his son, and his family and friends. From accidentally killing Santa and taking his place, to finding a Mrs. Clause, to defeating Jack Frost, you will laugh endlessly and also be reminded of what the holiday season is really about.
5. Home Alone movies
Young Kevin McCallister can never seem to actually go on vacation with his family because they always end up forgetting him, leaving him to fend for himself. However, we soon learn that this boy is a genius and not one to mess with. I'd hate to be looking like those burglars that always are after him after falling into one of his traps. These movies are great to show to your children if you plan on leaving them home alone. No, I'm just kidding...Maybe.
6. Elf
If you love Will Ferrell, you have to watch this. Actually, if you haven't seen it already, just know I'm extremely disappointed with you and you should probably go watch this right now. Buddy the elf sets out to find his dad, Walter Hobbs, a cynical and bitter businessman and has his first encounters in our world that he didn't expect. His childlike behavior throughout the movie will have you wanting to watch it again and again. I'm not going to lie, I definitely started answering my phone with "Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?" for awhile after seeing this for the first time. It just kind of sticks with you.
7. The Polar Express
This is an adorable movie that you're never too old to watch. A young boy is surprised by a train that pulls up outside his house in the night, called the Polar Express, that takes him and other children to the North Pole. On his journey, he learns a lot of important lessons, such as the importance of believing. The music in this movie is so catchy and you'll have a hard time refraining from singing along. I'm still waiting for the Polar Express to show up outside my house, but until then, I'll just settle for watching the movie.
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This can be watched during not one, but two, great holidays: Halloween and Christmas. It so perfectly combines the feelings of both holidays into a family animated film. The catchy music and the interesting and diverse characters are just two reasons why it's so loved and popular. If that's not enough, then you'll fall to your knees at Jack Skellington and Sally's inevitable love for each other. I don't care what anyone says, they're relationship goals.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Who doesn't love Charlie Brown? Charlie gets himself into a downer as the holidays approach and decides to take on directing the Christmas play. He becomes disappointed when everyone picks on his choice of tree. It may be small and puny, but Charlie and the gang will learn that Christmas is a magical time of year and anything can happen. If you're a Peanuts fan, this movie is a must see.
10. The Christmas Shoes
Warning: do NOT watch this movie without a box of tissues nearby. If you love heartwarming movies that make you cry, this is the movie for you. I've seen it so many times and still end up swimming in a pool of tears by the end. A young boy is trying to get his mom a pair of shoes for her last Christmas before she passes away and seeks the help of an attorney, an angry and mean man who's going through a marriage break-up. Sometimes, we just need a little reminder to be thankful for all that we have. This movie definitely is that reminder.
If there are any of these movies you haven't seen, I suggest you check them out. Christmas time is the best time to curl up on the couch with people you love and enjoy a good movie. So why not watch some of these? If you don't watch them, then I'll just watch them for you. Happy holidays, everyone!
