There is a plethora of Christmas movies that exist in the world. So many that some people might say one too many. But not me! I love a good Christmas movie. Several channels on TV dedicate their lineup to holiday movies during December. Channels like Hallmark, and Lifetime have original movies. The Freeform channel has 25 Days of Christmas which show modern Christmas classics. So, when the kiddos go on Winter break you can sit them down, pop some popcorn, make some hot cocoa, and wear your Christmas pjs while you watch a movie.
I’m counting down some of my favorite Christmas movies that I just can’t live without.
Drumroll….
12. The Christmas Shoes- A heartwarming story that started as a novel and was also made into a popular song. It was turned into a tv movie, about a little boy who wants to buy a pair of shoes for his dying mother.
11. Home Alone- The beloved family comedy from 1990. I remember as a kid watching this movie and just laughing and laughing. The McCallister family goes on Christmas vacation only to realize that the youngest Kevin has been left behind. He must protect his home from two wacky burglars.
10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation- This hilarious installment from the National Lampoon’s series find the Griswold family hosting Christmas at their home. I love watching this movie every year. The outlandish characters and memorable lines. It never fails to get me in the Christmas spirit.
9. The Santa Clause- Who doesn’t love a movie about Santa? It all started with a noise on the roof. Tim Allen stars in this family friendly Disney movie. His character Scott Calvin must become the new Santa after the other one falls off his roof. A fun must watch holiday movie.
8. Elf- Brought to you by the man who directed Iron Man, Jon Favreau, and starring SNL (Saturday Night Live) alum Will Ferrell this adorable Christmas movie gives you the warm and fuzzies. Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole in search of his biological father and tries his hardest to fit in with his new family.
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas- The original animated version from 1967. I think this version is unique and captures every child’s attention. From the second you hear the music … “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.”
6. Miracle on 34th Street- I’m going with the 1994 version, although the original is good too. A mother and daughter are turned into believers after meeting their Macy’s store Santa and he shows them the magic of Christmas.
5. A Christmas Story- A cult classic from the 1980’s. Every year on TNT they have a marathon. My family loves watching this movie every year. About one little boys’ determination to have Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas.
4. Meet Me in St. Louis- I love musicals so had to put a couple on my list. Judy Garland is one of my all-time favorites. A 1944 classic movie, about the Smith family in disarray after hearing they may have to move to New York. A stand out moment of this movie is Judy Garland singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol- I have a soft spot for this movie. One of my favorites to watch growing up. The Muppets version of the Charles Dickens tale is sweet and humorous. If you’ve never read the story or seen other versions, it’s about a man Ebenezer Scrooge, who in his old age has grown cranky and mean and hates Christmas. He is visited by three spirits who show him the true meaning of Christmas.
2. Little Women- I was conflicted on which movie to make my number one. Perhaps this movie has the most sentimental value for me. This was my favorite book when I was younger and when the 1994 version came out and I fell in love with the movie. Based off the Louisa May Alcott novel it follows the lives of the March sisters, during the time of the Civil War.
1. Love Actually- So this one is probably one of my all-time favorites to watch during Christmas time. It’s better to watch with your significant other after the kids have gone to bed only because of a few scenes that are not for kids. I love it because there are a handful of little stories that all connect. All the characters are dealing with love in some form or another it’s a beautifully done romantic comedy. It’s currently airing on HBO.
There you have it! My top 12 countdown of my favorite Christmas movies. I hope you get a chance to watch a few while you wait for Santa and let me know what you think. Do you have a favorite that didn’t make my list? I’d love to hear about it.
