Ah Christmas. As Andy Williams says in one of his most famous songs, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!” As the holiday season is now upon us, it is time to celebrate! And what better way to celebrate than with your favorite movies? When you turn on your Christmas tree lights, and have a nice big cup of hot cocoa, it’s always a joy to watch a beloved movie. There are so many Christmas movies that were and continue to be made. So here are the top 5 Christmas movies to watch this holiday season.
Number 5: The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
This movie is the classic rendition of A Christmas Carol, just with Muppets. Did anyone personally ask for this movie to be made? Does anyone truly understand why it was made? Who knows, but many are very glad to have it. Michael Cane is fantastic in this movie. Some might wonder if he knew he was acting with Muppets. However, the best part of the movie is Gonzo and Rizzo. A fan favorite lyric from the song about Scrooge is, “No Cheeses For Us Meeses.” Does it have any significance to the plot of the movie? No. But it’s a funny line to just say randomly, to confuse friends. So for all the folks who love the classics, but want a lighter, funnier, more family-oriented version, this is just the movie to watch.
Number 4: Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
Some might argue that this is a Thanksgiving movie, but this movie begins on Thanksgiving and ends on Christmas and the story is mostly about Santa. You can watch it on Thanksgiving if you wish, but this heartwarming film will stay on a Christmas movie list. In short, it is the story of a lawyer named Fred, a little girl named Susan, her mother, Doris, and Santa Claus. Susan’s mother doesn’t believe in magic whatsoever, so when Fred, her neighbor, gets a new roommate claiming to be Santa Claus, she has her doubts. When “Santa Claus” is up for trial on whether or not he is insane, Fred becomes his lawyer. And Fred decides to prove that this Nick is indeed the one and only Santa Claus. Overall, it’s a must watch for every holiday season.
Number 3: A Christmas Story (1983)
Everyone knows of the iconic 24 hours of A Christmas Story that plays all of Christmas Day. It is a story narrated by Ralphie, a nine-year-old boy, who only wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for the holidays. Though, with everyone telling him that he’ll “shoot” his “eye out,” he loses hope to ever get one. Although many other things happen in the movie, such as Ralphie and his friends getting bullied, his family getting a Christmas tree, one of the biggest aspects of the story is how much Ralphie really wants the Red Ryder BB gun. Now, spoiler, he does get the BB gun on Christmas. And his mother was half right, Ralphie almost shoots his eye out. He’s just lucky he wears glasses. If you have a television, chances are you are going to see this movie multiple times on Christmas day. So watch it! Give it a try. Like it or not, it is a funny, nostalgic movie to at least try watching this Christmastime.
Number 2: Elf (2003)
If you ever need a laugh, this is the best movie for you. Will Ferrell does it again with this hysterical comedy. He plays a human-raised elf named Buddy, who finds out his birth father is on the naughty list. And, of course, in the North Pole, the naughty list is not something the elves want people to be on. So Buddy must travel to New York to help his father be on the nice list once again. High-jinks ensues, as it does, so Buddy must not only help his father, but Christmas as well. This is a highly-recommended film to watch by many people all over the world if a laugh is needed, or even just for fun.
Number 1: It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Such a classic. A beautiful movie that thousands watch year round. Around the holidays, many people contemplate the meaning of sacrifice. This movie is all about the story of George Bailey and his life, and all the sacrifices he has made. While it does take him a while (the whole movie), he learns, with the help of an angel, that all the sacrifices he has made have given him his family. All the people he loves he has because of his sacrifices. And he wouldn’t give any of that up for the world. Those who have never seen the movie are truly missing out. Put this film on the movie’s to-watch list this year as it is one to remember. While, yes, some may shed a few tears, it is a fantastic story that everyone should know. And always remember the iconic quote from this film, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”
Honorable Mentions:
While listing all of the Christmas movies would be close to impossible, some honorable mentions include, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970), A Christmas Carol (1984), A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), Christmas With The Kranks (2004), Home Alone 1 (1990) and 2 (1992), Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1999), Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas (2004), Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), Frosty The Snowman (1969), How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Arthur Christmas (2011), Gremlins (1984), and of course, while up for debate, Die Hard (1988)………yipeekayay!