I love movies, especially Christmas and holiday films. They hold a special place in my heart and soul. They’re like the scent of sugar cookies, pine needles or a crackling fire. When I watch them, I’m transported to the days of opening gifts as a child, making ornaments with my mom and friends, and spending time with people some of whom have passed. Movies are a shared experience. They can bond you to new friends, and you can share their joy with your children and make new memories.
Without further ado, here are my top five holiday movies and scenes (BTW: In case you didn’t notice, I enjoy a good laugh at the holidays):
5. Elf
Incredibly silly, this movie shows Will Ferrell at his good-natured best as a grown man raised by elves at the North Pole. Playing opposite cynical, straight-laced James Caan, he proves that when you embrace your inner child, Christmas magic is possible.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Holiday with the in-laws was never funnier. Between the electrocuted cat, dinner fiasco, cousin Eddie’s kidnapping misadventure, and a hitchhiking squirrel in the tree, it’s so ridiculous that it’s plausible.
3. White Christmas
I grew up watching classic movies, the one I looked forward to every year was White Christmas. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the story centers on these ex-soldiers who save their former commanding officer’s inn by putting on a special show, which features the classic song White Christmas. I love the romantic entanglements between the lead males and Rosemary Clooney’s and Vera-Ellen’s characters. Of course, it has a happily-ever-after ending, which makes it even better.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Back when I was a kid this movie played non-stop around the holidays. But there’s a reason it was popular then and still popular now. This story reflects on the impact our lives have on others. It opens on a sad scene with a down-on-his-luck businessman, George, feeling helpless and believing the world would’ve been better without him in it. Clarence, an angel, comes down to Earth to help him reconsider by rewriting the town’s story without George. The angel’s message to him is powerful and speaks to anyone who feels depressed around the holidays (which is many of us). Plus, every time I hear a bell ringing, I wonder if an angel is getting their wings. 😉
1. A Christmas Story
“It was soap poisoning.”
“You’ll shoot your eye out.”
“Fra-gee-lee.”
“I can’t put my arms down.”
“It’s a pink nightmare.”
“Only I didn’t say ‘Fudge.'”
I judge films by the quality of one-liners. If their dialogue becomes part of our pop culture canon then it is a true classic—especially if I use them. 😛 Sometimes I’ll repeat them to new friends, if they answer correctly then I know they’re cool. 😉
This movie has become my yearly favorite. I watch it with my mom every Christmas Eve. It’s become a tradition. Maybe it’s the childlike wonder the movie makes me feel or how realistically the family is portrayed. Maybe it’s the references to a bygone era as well. But the dynamic of the children’s relationships between themselves and their parents, even from the 1930s, is relevant today.
“I triple-dog dare ya.”
So, what are your favorite holiday movies and scenes?
I loved reading this. I wrote a Christmas or two back about “A Christmas Story”. Do you know the infamous comedy movie that led to it getting the green light? Check out the blog post: http://www.nickkelly.com/2014/12/15/12-things-you-might-not-know-about-a-christmas-story/
Great work, JT. I agree completely with your list. Honorable mention to Miracle on 34th Street.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed my list. I was going to add Miracle on 34th Street as Honorable mention. Glad you mentioned it.
Thanks for sharing J.T..
My all time favorite is It’s a Wonderful Life. I’m trying to get my family to watch it this year, but to get everyone to sit for that long is almost impossible.
LOL! I have to watch my Christmas movies by myself or with my husband. It’s hard to even get adults to sit still. I have better luck herding cats. 😉 That is a great movie to share with your kids.
I love this so hard! On Christmas day we watch A Christmas Story and then we go out for Chinese Dinner! We started this about 4 years ago and the kids look forward to it with such fun giddy excitement each year! Let’s us completely relax and enjoy the day without the pressure of preparing a big meal. I love it.
That is awesome! I love how you made this into a tradition to share with your kids. Do you get the smiling duck? 😛