Well it is finally upon us - the most wonderful time of the year! And what makes it so wonderful? You could say the love, laughter, and light, the good cheer and the merry festivities. Or you could be honest and say it's so wonderful because it's the only time when it's expected that you spend hours on the couch watching movies while snuggled under a blanket, dressed in your pajamas, and drinking a giant mug of hot chocolate. But with so many amazing movie choices out there, it's pretty hard to make a decision as to what to watch. So rather than sitting and surfing the channels, hoping something good is on, I am here to provide you with some suggestions I have personally vetted and broken down by genre. Enjoy!
1. Comedy: Elf
If you’re looking for something funny to watch this Christmas season, look no further than Will Ferrell’s 2003 movie "Elf." Ferrell plays Buddy, an adult human who was accidentally brought to the North Pole as a toddler and raised as an elf by Santa's elves. Upon learning he is not an elf, Buddy sets off in search of his real father in New York City. I might be a little biased on this one, since it’s my family’s go-to Christmas movie, but trust me when I say that if you love laughs and you love Christmas, there's no better one out there. It's an insanely quotable movie and when you watch it, it's not hard to feel like we are all Buddy.
2. Dramedy: The Family Stone
While "The Family Stone" also contains strong comedic elements, this 2005 movie is also a real tear-jerker. The basic premise is Everett bringing his uptight girlfriend Meredith home to meet his free-spirited family, where, after being antagonized by his sister, she then calls her own sister for back up, and chaos ensues. With a star studded cast, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAddams, Claire Danes, and Luke Owen, this movie is actually so much more than my description could provide. It really is one of those films where you're crying one minute and laughing the next, and I couldn't recommend it enough as a work that really embodies the Christmastime experience.
3. Family: A Charlie Brown Christmas
After first airing in 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has solidified itself as the go-to family Christmas movie over generations. It's classic Charlie Brown - after being asked to direct the gang's Christmas pageant, he finds himself wondering about the real meaning of Christmas. And, of course, we find out in a heartwarming scene. A Charlie Brown Christmas highlights the Christian roots of Christmas, without being too preachy, which I appreciate. Honestly, if you're looking for a movie that is both funny and sweet, and that both adults and little kids will like, you can't go wrong with this one.
4. Romance: The Holiday
If you're someone who (not so) secretly loves a good romantic comedy, this 2006 movie is what you need to watch this Christmas season. After two women, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, go through heartbreak, they swap homes - one in America and the other in England - in order to spend Christmas in a new place. During their stays, they both fall in love with locals, played by Jack Black and Jude Law. Although it can feel cliche at points, as all romantic comedies can, the relationship that blossoms between Iris and Miles (Winslet and Black) is particularly adorable and worth a watch.
5. Classic: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
If you've ever wondered the backstory to Rudolph, look no further than this 1964 classic. It turns out that the story of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is far more exciting than you could have imagined! With an elf who dreams of being a dentist as his sidekick, Rudolph sets out to leave his constant bullying at the North Pole behind. The two go on a crazy adventure, running into trouble with the Abominable Snowman and coming across the Island of Misfit Toys. A cute feel-good movie, there is no way you can make it through December without watching it at least once!
