The holiday season is not only marked by festive lights and
foods, but by the classic movies and TV shows that have been gracing the screen
of your device these last few months. Movies are a great way to connect with
all generations in your family and begin family traditions for the upcoming
generations. Even if you celebrate alone or don't celebrate Christmas at all,
holiday movies appeal to a wide range of audiences and even spark some debate
over whether they are a Christmas movie.
Movie-lovers and casual watchers alike can enjoy classics
such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. The
movies that we consider classics have timeless messages that relate to every
part of our life, not just Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge makes sure that we
aren't too wrapped up in our own problems to take care of the people around us,
and even Rudolph takes the time to remind kids that it's not right to exclude
others based on their appearances.
Here are several don't-miss movies that you should see this
holiday season—or see again.
1.
Home Alone (1990) is an essential Christmas movie that follows the
mischievous Kevin McCallister after he's left home alone while his family is on
vacation. Celebrating Christmas alone isn't always the easiest thing,
especially as a kid, but he makes it a Christmas to remember.
2.
The Polar Express (2004) sends the message that simply believing is
sometimes the most important thing this season. This classic features Tom Hanks
as the conductor on a magic train to the North Pole that takes children to meet
Santa.
3.
A Christmas Carol (2009) is the animated version of the classic Christmas story and
a great way to spread the message of the book in a more kid-friendly way. Jim
Carrey does an excellent job at playing the iconic character.
4.
The Year Without Santa Claus (1974) is part of the iconic
selection that includes many other classics, such as Frosty the Snowman.
The movie tells the story of Santa getting sick and deciding to take Christmas
off and how two elves try to remedy the situation.
5.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is one of the many
great Charlie Brown movies, but this one is special because of its message of
love. This movie is a classic that features the spindly Christmas tree that we
all know and love.
6.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) is one of the best-known
children's songs and movies surrounding the Christmas season. The movie follows
the story of a reindeer with a shiny red nose who turns what makes him different
into his defining and special feature.
7.
The Christmas House (2020) is a brand-new Hallmark
movie that features all the love and family togetherness that are supposed to
be the focus around this time. The movie follows a couple, Brandon and Jake, as
they await the call about their first child.
8.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) tells the story of a
lonely man finding his place in a society he thought rejected him. Although
many people have seen this movie hundreds of times, it is always great to show
the little kids how good it is to have a great spirit.
9.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) doubles as a Halloween
and a Christmas movie for your ultimate movie marathon. It tells the story of
Jack as he finds out that Halloween isn't the only option, and something colder
might be in store.
10.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is a classic
Christmas movie that should be included in every Christmas movie marathon. The
1946 movie tells the story of what happens if you wish you'd never been born,
making it a movie that everyone should see at some point or another.
