This is the time of year that I get downright giddy to flip through the channels – it’s Christmas Movie Season!
I have never met a Christmas Movie I haven’t loved. Maybe it’s because I love every single thing about this time of year, or maybe it’s because there’s just something great about curling up on a chilly night and watching movies with people I love. But – and I feel like I need to pay my respects to ELF before saying this – the best Christmas movies, are old Christmas movies.
And you really should share these gems with your children.
1. Miracle on 34th Street
I don’t care if you go old school or new school with this one. It’s a win either way. The Christmas Magic. The feel-good story. SANTA. Oh and obviously the gratuitous shots of NYC at Christmas Time. There’s a reason this is such a classic.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Can’t you hear that little girl’s voice? “Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” I mean. Melt. This is such a good message and a great movie to show kids how much they matter in this world.
3. A Christmas Story
There’s no excuse to not watch this at least once in the annual TBS marathon. And there’s nothing not to love. Too many great things to list. The leg lamp. The BB gun. That bunny suit. Watching this on Christmas Eve with my brother is one of my favorite Christmas memories.
4. White Christmas
I adored this movie as a little girl and still do as an adult. Old school Hollywood glamour at it’s finest. The clothes. The beautiful actors. The music. The dancing. Swoon.
5. Home Alone
A favorite of every kid raised in the 90’s. Your kids will love the mayhem and mischief just as much as you did! Just get ready for them to reenact that famous “scream” scene a zillion times. Payback for when you did that to your own parents!
6. Charlie Brown Christmas
Did you know this is the FIRST Peanuts movie ever? Linus reading the Christmas story directly from the book of Luke gets me every. single. time. Love that this movie focuses on the true meaning of Christmas.
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Love it or hate it, clay-mation is a Christmas movie staple. The jerky movements and dialogue that doesn’t quite match up with the character’s mouths are part of the charm of this movie. Plus, our Pixar-spoiled children need to see how mom and dad watched cartoons back in ye olden days.
8. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen in his heyday! I’m a sucker for any movie about Santa. Seriously. Gimme a good Santa tale and I will STILL, as a 30 year old woman, sit down and watch it with glee. You know you loved this movie as a kid, right down to that grumpy elf and the kid that just BELIEVES. It’s the best. Go forth and watch.
9. Prancer
Did anyone else watch this in school on those last few days before Christmas break? I was totally enchanted by this movie about a faux-reindeer come to life and the girl that nursed him back to health. It’s such a sweet story and one your family will love!
10. Muppet Christmas Carol
Raise your hand if you have been watching the Muppets now that they’re back on prime time TV. This is the PERFECT year to introduce your kids to these characters in all their Christmas Carol glory. I mean, c’mon. Kermit as Bob Cratchit? THE BEST EVER.
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