‘Tis the season for Christmas movies
With Christmas season upon us, traditions are quickly being observed once again. From Black Friday shopping to putting up decorations, nearly everyone seems to accept the cheery practices. And what would Christmas be without the entertainment side of the holiday, found through all the traditional, happiness-inducing movies? After all, ABC Family makes an entire month-long event out of the top movies, so why should you be any different?
So if you are looking for a new tradition to share with friends or family, or if you just want to enjoy the Christmas spirit through a couple of hours of Christmas fun, consider cuddling up on the couch to view a few holiday favorites.
To get you started on the entertainment process, here are my top five favorite Christmas movies that you should consider watching.
5. “Home Alone”
This 1990 movie follows the story of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, who is left “home alone” when his chaotic, unorganized family forgets to take him on their vacation to France. Kevin must grow up quickly during his Christmas stay at home as he works to outsmart two burglars. In this family-friendly flick, you will laugh at the responses of the antagonists, and you will ultimately fall in love with the creative boy who drives the plot.
4. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (the animated version)
While Jim Carrey’s 2000 version is definitely good, it does not compare to the animated short version of 1966. The classic children’s story from Dr. Seuss comes to life in the video, offering more than just a fun rhyme. The movie offers a heart-warming, dynamic tale of the Grinch’s complete change of heart. From trying to ruin Whoville’s Christmas to spreading Christmas cheer in the town, the Grinch’s story captures viewers from all walks of life.
3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
This animated film brings to life the Peanuts characters from Charles Shultz and offers the cutest of Christmas stories. As the movie shows and explores the innocent, sweet nature of each of the characters, and particularly of Charlie Brown, viewers are able to see their own questions about the holiday answered. Despite its short length and the fact that it is not super theatrical, audiences can follow the journey of Charlie Brown to find the true meaning of Christmas. The movie’s main message could not be any truer. Jesus is at the center of the holiday, as he should be.
2. “A Christmas Story”
Perhaps one of the most-watched Christmas movies of all time, this 1983 flick can be enjoyed for 24 hours on Christmas day on TBS. The uniquely narrated movie follows the life of Ralphie, who has to go through a number of trials in his attempt to get the elusive Red Ryder BB Gun. The story will have you laughing through each part of Ralphie’s journey as you begin to take up his cause and learn to love all the supporting characters. So go ahead and watch it. I triple dog dare you.
1. “Elf “
Will Ferrell perfectly portrays the awkward North-Pole elf on a journey to find his father in New York City in this 10-year-old movie. As Buddy moves from one world into the next, audiences are able to enjoy the classic issue of Santa and the Christmas spirit that goes along with the man in the big red suit in a hilarious hour and a half. As you watch, you will fall in love with Buddy the Elf and his social clumsiness, and you will find yourself picking out and repeating memorable quotes for days.
So instead of always worrying about getting everything done and pleasing everyone, take some time for yourself to enjoy some of these fantastic movies. Christmas movies are one of the best parts of the holiday, in my opinion, so do not miss out on them. Take a couple hours — or 10 — to indulge in these top five movies.