ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas shows some of the best Christmas movies leading up to the holidays, but sadly some don't make the cut. Here are five of my personal favorites that you should make time to watch.
1. "It’s a Wonderful Life."
The movie came out in 1946 and features well known actor Jimmy Stewart as the main character. This holiday film is the perfect sappy and heart-wrenching movie your heart is craving. It demonstrates how during the holidays, your family should be the most important thing.
Stewart plays George Bailey, a businessman who has dreamed of traveling the world but never got the chance because he had to help keep his father’s business from being shut down. He ends up marrying a lovely woman named Mary, and they have four kids. Although it seems like George has it all, he finds himself feeling lost and depressed the longer he stays in his hometown.
A financial crisis at work leads him to make an unthinkable wish that will change the course of his life. The emotional ups and downs throughout this film will keep you and your family laughing and crying. By the end of the film, you will be hugging everyone you care about because the movie truly does show you how wonderful life and family is.
2. "Miracle on 34th Street."
"Miracle on 34th Street" came out in 1947 and tells the story of a man named Kris Kringle who takes over being Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The only strange thing about Kris is that he claims to be the real Santa Claus.
Mr. Kringle was hired by a woman named Doris Walker (played by Maureen O’Hara), who doesn’t believe in fairytales, and she teaches her young daughter Susan (played by Natalie Wood) to not believe in Santa Claus or any of that fairytale nonsense. When Susan meets Mr. Kringle, she is suspicious of him and shames him for pretending to be someone he is not. Many other people think he is a phony as well, and he is brought to court as someone who is mentally ill.
This film demonstrates how pessimistic people can be during the holidays, even when it comes to Santa Claus. Even though he may not be real, he represents the spirit of Christmas and the importance of giving, which is what this movieis trying to convey. It’s a holiday classic.
3. "White Christmas."
came out in 1954 and features famous singer and actor Bing Crosby. The movie is about two soldiers and male performers who join together with two sisters who want to perform a Christmas show to save an inn in Vermont from failing. The inn belongs to their former commanding general who has been going through some financial troubles. There is romance, drama, singing and dancing, and the happiness that comes from helping out an old friend during the holidays. It will keep you entertained, especially during the scenes when they practice their Christmas show. It ties dramatic acting, fun dance scenes, and holiday fun all into one.
4. "Olive, the Other Reindeer."
This came out in 1999 and is a heartfelt story about a Jack Russell Terrier (voiced by Drew Barrymore) who travels to the North Pole in hopes of replacing one of Santa’s sick reindeer. Olive hears an announcement on the radio that Christmas will be cancelled if they don’t find another reindeer. The person on the radio sings “All of the other reindeer…,” but Olive hears it as “Olive, the other reindeer…,” and she assumes that Santa is calling on her for the challenge.
Before embarking on her journey, she makes friends with a small penguin named Martini, who comes along for the adventure. Though she faces some trouble along the way, Olive is a strong little dog, and she arrives at the North Pole and makes contact with Santa. It is a sweet and entertaining film that will remind you how special Christmas is.
5. "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol."
This came out in 1962 and is about a man who plays Ebenezer Scrooge in the well-known play, "A Christmas Carol." He meets his Christmas present, past, and future and is forced to face the consequences of his mean manners and how they will affect others. This animated version is both musical and magical, and is a great holiday film.
