With the Christmas season in full swing, it’s time to start blaring the Christmas music and watching the holiday classics. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and one of my favorite aspects of it are all the great movies I have the opportunity to watch throughout it. While it’s hard to choose my favorites, I was finally able to compile a list of my top five favorite Christmas movies. Hope you enjoy!
5. "White Christmas"
Although this film from 1954 is not recent, to me it will always remain a Christmas classic. The story follows a two-man show team, played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, as they team up with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn their former commander owns. The movie really has it all: Good acting, singing, dancing and even a little romance. It also introduces my favorite Christmas song of all time--Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Watching this movie always puts me in a better mood, transporting me back to a time when things were simpler.
4. "It’s a Wonderful Life"
Continuing on with the Christmas classic tradition, "It’s a Wonderful Life" is another classic Christmas film I enjoy. I’m sure we’re all familiar with George Bailey and the fictional town of Bedford Falls. My family and I have a tradition to watch this movie on Christmas Eve with the fireplace on. Whenever I think about "It’s a Wonderful Life," I always think of Christmas time and family. While the film is old, it still contains a great message: family is what really matters and the power of friendship should never be underestimated.
3. "Elf"
Where do I even start? When I first heard about this movie coming out, I had high hopes for it, considering I loved Will Ferrell movies. It didn’t disappoint. "Elf" is hilarious, following the journey of Buddy the elf as he travels to New York City to meet his birth dad. While the movie had a laugh at every turn, it was also interspersed with sweet moments, as well. My friends and I have this film together multiple times during the holiday season whenever we have wanted a good laugh.
2. "Polar Express"
Although a fairly recent film, "Polar Express" has still worked its way towards the top of the list. It has become a tradition in my family to also watch this movie on Christmas Eve. I can remember multiple times I’ve watched this movie with the tree lit, sitting by the fireplace and drinking hot chocolate with my family. The movie follows the journey of a young boy who travels on a train (called the Polar Express) that is heading towards the North Pole. Along the way, the boy and his fellow passengers have a multitude of adventures.
The movie is a truly heartfelt tale with a resounding message: “Seeing is believing.” Whether you are young or old, I think we can all take something from this movie, whether it’s the importance of taking risks in life or simply having the courage to believe in something new. Also, Billy singing with the girl about Christmas time gives me chills. Every time.
1. "Christmas Vacation"
Finally, I present to you my favorite Christmas movie of all time! Every year when my extended family gets together for Christmas, this movie is always played at least once or twice. It has become a family Christmas tradition to watch this movie when we all get together every year! One year, we even had a quiz competition over it to see who knew the most about the film! The movie is truly hilarious and follows the misadventures of the dysfunctional Clark Griswold and his family during the holidays. "Christmas Vacation" has numerous funny moments and too many one-liners to count. I highly recommend adding this holiday classic to your Christmas movie line-up list if it isn’t already there. And, if you are really in the mood, you can continue to watch it throughout the year. As Uncle Eddie would say, “it’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
