The leaves have all fallen off the trees and students are beginning to be late to class due to the unexpected snow that turns up on our cars in the morning. December is just beginning, and as the season turns to the most wonderful time of the year, you may be looking forward to celebrating Christmas. One of my favorite ways to spread holiday cheer is to watch festive movies with my family and friends. If you are not the biggest fan of holiday movies, or if you just want to get some suggestions for some holiday fun, look no further. Here are five Christmas movies to get you started on the holidays.
“The Santa Clause” (1994) —Disney+
The first installment of “The Santa Clause” trilogy brings you festive humor in the form of Tim Allen. I am not sure if that is exciting to some people or not, but this movie is a staple in my household every winter and brings joy to my family; my mom loves the movie, so we do too. This movie really is great, as we get a good and humorous performance from Judge Reinhold, and the first scene that introduces Santa’s workshop brings me back to simpler times. Disney brought this franchise back in the form of a show on Disney+ in 2022, so if you do not get your “Santa Clause’’ fix from watching the films, check out the series with season two streaming now.
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974) —Youtube TV
Another staple in the Lauf household during the holiday season, this classic film offers a cheerful and heartwarming way to spend an hour. Based on a beloved children’s book, this endearing movie recounts the tale of Santa Claus, who, feeling disheartened, decides to take a break from delivering presents due to a lack of holiday spirit. Featuring unforgettable characters like the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, this film embodies the holiday spirit through delightful singing and dancing. The vibrant personalities of these characters add a whimsical touch to the narrative, making it a joyous experience for audiences of all ages. The movie’s timeless charm and festive atmosphere makes it a cherished tradition in almost any household, bringing warmth and merriment to their holiday celebrations year after year.
“Elf” (2003) —Amazon Prime
No list of Christmas movies can be complete without mentioning “Elf,” which is the best Christmas movie ever made in my opinion. Will Ferrell crushes it as Buddy the Elf in this movie and the same can be said for the rest of the cast. No Christmas has passed without my family having watched this at least twice. This movie is full of classic moments like Buddy prancing around New York City, which was lit up and full of people, where he ran in circles in a revolving door or began to eat gum stuck to the railings. Zooey Deschanel plays her character very well, as a person trying their best to avoid holiday cheer, only to have it thrown in her face when Buddy the Elf gets a job at the same store as her. This film should definitely be in your rotation of Christmas movies to watch as this Christmas season begins, and then most likely again as the holiday gets closer.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964) —Amazon Prime
Now, if you are looking for an absolute classic movie to satisfy your early Christmas fever, look no further than “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” This film gives us timeless characters such as Yukon Cornelious and Hermey the Misfit Elf, as well as Rudolph himself. The abominable snowman that scarred me as a child is a staple in this film that I will never forget, and I will be forever relieved that Hermey removed his teeth, no longer making him a threat. This film’s runtime is only 55 minutes, making it a very easy watch, especially if you are not looking for a long, time-consuming thinker of a film to watch.
The Polar Express (2004) —Max
If you’re in the mood for an absolute Christmas classic to jumpstart your early holiday cheer, “The Polar Express” is the perfect choice. This film introduces us to an array of unforgettable characters, from the mysterious conductor to the wide-eyed Hero Boy, and of course, the iconic hobo. The sight of the colossal and somewhat eerie “Polar Express” train racing through a snowy wonderland is etched into our holiday memories. It’s a film that invites us on a magical journey, teaching us that belief is the true key to experiencing the enchantment of Christmas. This classic film has become a beacon of holiday tradition, inviting families to come together and embark on this whimsical journey year after year. So, if you find yourself yearning for that early dose of holiday cheer, “The Polar Express” promises not just entertainment, but a poignant reminder of the joy that comes with believing in the magic of Christmas. All aboard for a cinematic experience that transcends generations and continues to warm hearts with its enduring charm.
