Ten Christmas Movies You Shouldn’t Miss

If you out there grumbling that EVERYONE has all ready seen all these movies, I think you will be surprised to know you are wrong. I’m constantly astonished that these films, which I consider staples of the holiday season, are missing from people’s homes, memories, and experiences.

I’m going to give it one last go and attempt to talk some folks into branching out their holiday movie viewing. If my suggestions stink, at least you know TBS will be running A Christmas Story for twenty-four hours straight in a few days. I’m a warm fuzzy kind of gal when it comes to Christmas films, as you are about to find out.

10 – Home Alone (1990)  I have to say, I debated on this one. It almost didn’t make it. Then I remembered the old man and the lessons learned by both young Kevin and his parents during his ordeal, softening my heart toward Macaulay Culkin just a smidge. In addition, it’s a movie that can be watched with children for both entertainment value and a message. I recall my mother not caring for it because it was an unbelievable premise, but several holiday films fall into that category, and its not a reason to banish this one. Solid family viewing.

9 – Holiday Inn (1942) Some might call it old, I call it classic. Be prepared, because the classic Christmas movies do it best and there will be plenty more on my list. This one belongs here because, A. It has Fred Astaire. B. It has Bing Crosby. C. It was the first time the song White Christmas was ever performed. See it. Yes, it’s in black and white. I promise that doesn’t mean it stinks. Good for any age, might have trouble holding the attention of the wee ones.

8 – The Polar Express (2004) In my opinion, this is one of the more moving experiences in holiday movies in recent memory. It gets back to what we love about the more traditional movies, a heartfelt message about what can be accomplished when we let ourselves believe in something outside our realm of understanding. A young boy who has trouble believing in fanciful things like Christmas and Santa, boards the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole. Your kids (and you) will be impressed by the animation and wooed by the story.

7 – A Christmas Carol (various versions) Countless versions of this old tale have been woven for us over the decades. Most recently, of course, Jim Carrey took on the role of Mr. Scrooge. The Muppets have given it a go. Scrooged, with Bill Murray, is worth a mention in this category. It’s a different take and funnier than most, not for kids though. The basic plot is a timeless one, with a crotchety old Christmas hater being given the chance to look at his life through the eyes of others. It never fails to touch me at the end when he realizes the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Most versions, especially the Muppet one, are kid friendly.

6 – Elf (2003) You have no idea how hard it is for me to include this film on my list. Typically, there are about a million things I’d rather do than watch a Will Ferrell movie. I forgive the casting director for this film because its sweet message is not completely obscured by Ferrell’s ridiculous over acting. His character is endearing as he searches for his father and his place in the world. His enthusiasm for Christmas spreads to those around him, infecting previously grumpy folks with appropriate amounts of cheer. Another one for you and the kiddos and plenty of laughs plus good feelings.

5 – A Christmas Story (1983) Yes, it made my top five. I know most of you probably would have ranked it higher. I’ve seen several lists that rank it as the number one Christmas movie of all time. I’m not sure if I’ve been negatively affected by the twenty-four hour running of it on TBS the past few years or if the humor wears off after the first fifty viewings, but I can’t imagine wanting to sit and watch the whole thing anytime soon. It is funny, it depicts the era in which my parents grew up in an amazingly realistic light, and every family can identify with some aspect of the story. It’s missing a message, though, and it doesn’t give me that warm fuzzy. Still, solid Christmas fun.

4 – White Christmas (1954) This film, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, grew out of Holiday Inn. It features fabulous singing and a warming story about two army buddies who go out of their way to save the failing business of their old commanding officer. There is also love, intrigue, and plenty of laughs. If you enjoy music, singing, knock-your-socks off performances, and a sweet and sturdy story, this one can’t be missed. In fact, if you haven’t seen this film, I’m glaring at you right now. Get to it.

3 – Miracle on 34^th Street (1937, remade 1994) The first thing I want to say is see the original. The second one creeps me out a little bit. With a theme reminiscent of Polar Express, the young and street savvy girl in this movie doesn’t believe in Santa Clause. Her mother works at Macy’s and she begins to interact with a man who believes he actually is Saint Nick. Through a series of events the little girl opens her heart to the man, giving in and believing in him, in Santa, for the first time in her life. There is also a parallel story arc with her mother, a grown version of the cynical girl, who manages to finally loosen up long enough to fall in love. Touching and adorable, this one can’t be missed if you’re looking for a movie to leave you feeling better about people.

2 – Christmas Vacation (1989) I love this movie. If you can watch this and not laugh at least a half a dozen times, you should have your funny bone checked. This is my family’s Christmas Day tradition, and listening to my dad and sister laughing out loud is part of what makes Christmas for me. Remembering my grandfather shaking his head and grinning from his chair brings happy memories of when my house was full of family who are now gone. Despite all the laughs, it is a genuinely touching story as Clark realizes that the tree, presents, dinners, and lights don’t make Christmas – his family does. Its something we can all use a reminder of every once in a while, and this film can give it to you while you are cracking up. A rare gem of a combination. Fine for older children. Innuendo and cursing may be too extreme for the little ones.

1 – It’s a Wonderful Life (1947) Not just my favorite Christmas movie, but my favorite movie of all time, it’s a must see any time of year. Watch it. Make your kids watch it. Talk about what it means, about why it’s important, and why we all need to learn the same lessons as George Bailey sometimes. I’m dumbfounded at how many people have told me they’ve never seen this movie. I didn’t even know that was possible, or legal. It should be illegal. George begins the movie as a man who believes that because he’s never left the town he was born in, never made a lot of money, or never accomplished anything he dreamed of as a child his life is worth nothing. When he stands to lose what little he does have, he considers killing himself. An angel visits him (with some great bits of comedy) and gives him the chance to see what the town, his family, and friends would be like if he’d never been born. He realizes that even though he hasn’t made money or done any great act, all of the acts of kindness, of friendship, and being a decent human being have had great impact on both those he knows and those he doesn’t. That being rich or having influence doesn’t make you successful. I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen the film but I cry at the end every time. The message is one that everyone could use, at least once a year.

I would love to hear opinions on what your favorite holiday films are, and whether or not you think I left out something glaringly obvious. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.