Holiday Movie Collection

This selection, which is not exhaustive by any means, is designed to instill in you a distinct form of nostalgia: when you were reading stories and watching movies, staying up late with the feeling of anticipation and sheer joy that the holidays were near. Some of these movies can indeed be considered children’s films. I just see them as being for everyone, regardless of age. Most I’ve watched since I was a little girl, and I find that they bring me delight every time I watch them. Some are new, others are classics. All of them have to do with the infectious spirit of the holidays and the happiness it brings us. Please enjoy!

1. Home Alone- It has become a tradition in my family to watch this movie every year. True, as a Macauley fan, I might be biased. The antics of this film will make everyone laugh, while the overall moral of the story has to do with the genuine sense of family- unconditional love.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas- Another favorite of mine. Even if you’re not a fan of cartoons or Charlie Brown, this is truly a modern classic. The songs are unforgettable and quite famous. The tale of acceptance and coming together is something we should all celebrate during the holidays, and every other day of the year, too.

3. The Holiday- Finally, a good romance movie. It’s set during the holidays, and has to do with two women who trade homes, and locations, for a winter holiday and fall in love in the process. It reminds us that the holidays are a superb time to make new friends or fall in love. With Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black.

4. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas- Both the old cartoon version and the more recent live action film with Jim Carrey are excellent. The story is quite hilarious, and yet reminds us how the holidays are a time for generosity, not a time for being a Grinch!

5. A Christmas Carol- This Dickens novel has been a holiday staple for generations. There are several film versions (around 40, dating back to the 1930s). My favorites include Disney’s cartoon featuring the usual suspects, a Muppet’s version, Scrooged with Bill Murray, and more recently, a CGI type with (surprise!) Jim Carrey. While I have yet to see the latest version, this story is always fun for the holidays. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it is entertaining and very true in many ways- you get what you give. Go on, expel “Bah Humbug” from your vocabulary.

6. Edward Scissorhands- Most people probably wouldn’t classify this as a “holiday” movie. Au contraire- the most climactic and meaningful scenes take place around Christmas, and the story has many of the undertones shared by the other films on this list. At its core, this film is about accepting outsiders and even finding love in rather unusual places. One of my favorite films of all time, and one of Tim Burton’s finest.

7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation- Who doesn’t love the all-out hilarity of watching the Griswolds’ misguided adventures? These films are Chevy Chase at his hysterical best, and there is never a dull moment in this holiday version. An added bonus comes purely from watching the outdated 1980s garb and technology beloved by the Griswold family.

8. It’s a Wonderful Life- As a kid, I always found this movie a bit dark. I wasn’t completely fond of the black and white, since I grew up on Technicolor. However, I think it is best viewed as an adult holiday movie. I have grown fond of the poignant tale of near suicide, which celebrates the joys of life and the way the holidays are a commemoration of that joy.

9. Elf- This semi-recent Will Ferrell flick is sure to be a holiday classic. The story of a transplanted human elf to New York City, who attempts to infuse even the grumpiest characters with a fair amount of holiday cheer, is certainly original and amusing. This movie will make you laugh, but it will also remind you that conjuring up your holiday spirit is an important task at any age.

Although I feel that I should add another movie for the sake of having an even ten, I’ve decided that only the nine above really make my list. While I’m sure that you’ve heard of most of the movies listed here, I hope that you now go curl up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, some gingerbread cookies, and a delightful flick to keep you warm. Be merry and rejoice with the spirit of the holidays- they only come once a year!