Since I personally disapprove of ABC Family's "25 days of Christmas," here is an example of Christmas movies done right. So listen up because it's important.
Day 25–22: Claymations
I always like to start out with the basics. Now it doesn't matter what order, however, it is necessary that "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," and "The Year Without a Santa Claus" are on your to-watch list. These are the essentials; without them, there would be no Christmas. Don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise. It should be noted that "Frosty the Snowman" can also be shown during this time. Day 20–18: Something terribly Hallmark
Day 21–18: Hallmark
Let's face it—Christmas would not be Christmas without a poorly written, utterly cliché Christmas romance. Although I would only recommend watching if you have time because there are lot better Christmas movies to be seen!Day 17: "The Bells of St. Mary's"
Day 17: The Bells of Saint Mary's
OK, now this is the beginning of the real good stuff. I should warn you that my opinion may be skewed due to my love of Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby, however, it is a great way to capture the true spirit of Christmas. It depicts a nun and priest who care so deeply for their school that they would do anything to save it. It captures the true spirit of giving, which is what Christmas is all about.
Day 16: Holiday Inn
This is another oldie, but it's a fun one. I'm talking Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. And yes, you are going to be seeing Bing Crosby's name a lot on my list. What can I say—he is an incredible and magically talented man. He is of the same caliber as Santa Claus.
Day 15: Elf
I grew up with "Elf"; I love "Elf." But I feel like it is important to watch "Elf" before it becomes too redundant and you can't stand it for a second longer. It's kind of like "Jingle Bells"—it's good in moderation.
Day 14: Fred Claus
Now I'm not going to lie—this movie made me cry a little bit (not that this means much because I tend to cry at everything). I think it's cute when the orphan boy gets a puppy for Christmas and realizes the true meaning of family. This is also another movie that must be watched before you get tired of it.
Day 13: Home Alone
It's a classic. I feel like there is no need to explain more, but I also feel that way about most of these movies. It's funny and full of mischief.
Day 12: A Christmas Carol (any version)
There are so many versions—too many, actually. Seriously just pick one; any of them will do. Personally the Disney one is my favorite.
Day 11: Alvin and the Chipmunks
But like, just the first one. Or the cartoon.
Day 10: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
"And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day.." The Grinch teaches great life lessons. Plus he accurately describes me in the morning when I cannot tolerate the existence of anything—and I mean anything. But I recommend the original animated version over the real life version (when I was younger, the real life one scared me).
Day 9: The Bishop's Wife
Another oldies movie. But only because it's Cary Grant, and who doesn't love Cary Grant? He plays an angel sent down to help a bishop rebuild a church.
Day 8: A Christmas Story
The importance of consumerism. Just kidding. "A Christmas Story" is a humorous tale of a boy's childhood fantasy to own an official Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot range model air rifle. And it is fudging fantastic—but he doesn't say fudge.
Day 7: White Christmas
Once again it is necessary to bring up Bing Crosby, not to mention Vera Ellen's amazing talents. This movie is packed with excellent singing, dancing, and humor. It's the heartwarming story about cheering up a retired general who owns a bankrupt Vermont inn. And yes, Bing Crosby sings "White Christmas," and yes, it is fantastic.
Day 6: The Santa Clause
Not all of them, but especially the first one.
Day 5: A Charlie Brown Christmas
I'll give you five good reasons to watch this movie, as Lucy might say. Unless you've got some fear of Christmas movies, this movie is necessary for a Christmas celebration. Never mind Christmas, but what is a holiday without the right dosage of Charlie Brown?
Day 4: Miracle on 34th Street
A movie that will send you back to your childhood; a movie that will make you believe again. I think I also cried during this movie. Not only is it a classic, but it perfectly captures the sentimental magic of Christmas. There are two versions of this movie—I prefer the original, but I don't hate the remake.
Day 3: The Polar Express
Now this movie seriously makes me cry. I'm talking major waterworks. Nothing portrays the importance of believing better than this movie does. Plus, who wouldn't want a ride on the Polar Express? Heartwarming is an adjective that doesn't even begin to describe this movie—it is so much more than that.
Day 2: It's a Wonderful Life
The Christmas movie. Actually, I'm pretty sure that "It's a Wonderful Life" is Christmas itself. Basically in some dictionaries when you look up the word Christmas, you will find the description of this movie. James Stewart is amazing. This movie is a reminder to be thankful for what you have. Not to mention, it's a good demonstration of why angels have wings.
