As we return to school for a frenzy of studying, projects, exams and papers, we can also celebrate the fact that it is FINALLY officially Christmas time. Take at least one night off in these next couple of weeks and put away the books in order to indulge in one of your favorite childhood Christmas movies. Grab that Starbucks red cup (add a splash of peppermint Schnapps…you deserve it) and snuggle up with some friends to get in the holiday spirit despite your packed exam schedule. Gear up for the most wonderful time of the year with one of these classics.
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Laugh along as the Griswolds endure every bump and bruise possible during their Christmas celebrations. Take their shaky but comical experiences as proof that you can get through uncomfortable family dinners and logistical holiday mishaps and still have a joyful holiday season. Clark Griswold’s never-dying holiday spirit makes for a hilarious reminder of the true reasons for the holiday season.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This Peanuts staple gets down to what’s truly important during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. The soundtrack features a number of songs that have become Christmas classics, a fact alone which makes this film worth a watch every Christmas season. Plus…Charlie Brown can make us all feel better about the tiny trees that will fit into our apartments.
6. Home Alone
My favorite installment in the Home Alone trilogy is the second one: Home Alone: Lost in New York, because New York City at Christmas time…obvi. No matter which Home Alone is your favorite, the shenanigans of Kevin McCallister are a must in your Christmas movie preparations. After watching one of the Home Alone movies you’ll have two feelings: 1. Christmas joy and 2. Thankfulness that your mom doesn’t…for lack of better word…suck. Is this anyone else’s main thought through the whole movie?
5. The Santa Clause
Watch as Scott Calvin makes the transition from cranky, reluctant father to big-bellied, white-haired, always-jolly Santa Claus. Hands down the best part of the movie is Scott Calvin and his son Charlie’s trip to the North Pole. The Santa Clause’s North Pole is a mix between Disney World, Weasley’s Wizard Wheeses and Chuck E Cheese. AKA any kid’s heaven.
4. Love Actually
If you’re in the mood for a more adult Christmas movie, then Love Actually is the way to go. After watching a million straight-to-television movie fails, this is the only rom com that will ever deserve a spot on my list of best Christmas movies. Love Actually offers the perfect blend of love, humor, heartbreak, light-heartedness and Christmas spirit. Oh, and everyone is British. What could be better?
3. A Christmas Story
This one literally never gets old. Feel the stress of finals melt away as you watch Ralphie go up against bullies, frozen light poles, a cranky father and never ending “You’ll shoot your eye out!”s. I have many fond memories of watching A Christmas Story throughout the years with my dad. The leg lamp scene seems to be funny whether you’re 20 something or 50 something.
2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Only when I watched this movie with my best friend and she quoted every single line did I realize that its script is pure gold. The delightfully terrible Grinch comes to life amidst the concentration of pure Christmas spirit that is Hooville in this Christmas classic. Next time you watch the Grinch attempt to steal Christmas, pay attention to the witty one-liners that are sprinkled throughout the film.
1. Elf
Last but not least…the most quotable Christmas movie of our generation. Elf offers everything and more you could ever ask for in a Christmas movie: Christmas trees, decorations galore, Santa, Christmas music, snow, New York City at Christmas time, a great love story, the North Pole, family joy and Zooey Deschanel. Is it even the Christmas season if you don’t watch Elf at least five times?
