The fall semester is over, you're finally home for winter break, and you suddenly have all the time in the world to get into the spirit of Christmas! It's time to make some hot cocoa, kick back in your favorite Christmas onesie, and flick through the channels on your TV to a Christmas movie marathon (or cue-up Netflix). Here is a list of popular holiday favorites that you should watch and re-watch this Winter Break.
"Home Alone"
When Kevin wishes that his family would disappear after a rough day of packing for a Christmas vacation, he wakes up the next morning with his wish come true. He has the whole house to himself this Christmas! But when a few clumsy robbers try to cause some trouble, Kevin has to defend his home with all he's got. "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"
"White Christmas"
Two buddies from the army after World War I become a successful traveling comedy and singing act. Throw in a competing sister act with two lovely ladies in a cramped Vermont bed and breakfast, and you've got the potential for sparks to fly and misunderstandings abound.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
The Peanuts come together in this film for some holiday fun. Charlie Brown tries to put on a Christmas play and find the perfect Christmas tree while he wonders what the season's really about. Snoopy gets up to his usual shenanigans. Lucy is just really done with everything at this point.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Jim Carrey plays the passive aggressive, green, and gross Grinch that hates the Who's of Whoville for always having being loud with their happiness. In a misguided attempt to get some peace of mind, he tries to "steal" Christmas, but finds himself enjoying the spirit of the Who's in the end.
"Elf"
Will Farrell is Buddy the Elf. Buddy is a human raised by Santa's elves in the North Pole on a mission to find his real father. Although he is unorthodox, he has a lot of love to give, and can teach his dad a little thing or two about what it means to be family.
"The Polar Express"
This is a CGI animated film that stars Tom Hanks in multiple different roles. When a young boy starts to doubt the existence of Santa, he is swept up in an exciting journey taking him all the way to the North Pole to teach him a lesson about the importance of imagination and belief.
"A Christmas Story"
This movie tells the super relatable story of the average American family's Christmas experiences. It's a touching flashback to childhood during the 1940's, where Ralphie really wants the Red Ryder BB Gun, has to deal with school yard bullies and embarrassing family traditions, and grow up.
"It's a Wonderful Life"
Life never seems to work out the way we want it to, especially for those that seem the most deserving. George Bailey is a kind, compassionate banker that wants nothing but to live his dreams of traveling the world -- but life has other plans. Fed up after dealing with misfortune after misfortune, George can't take it anymore and tries to end his life. Intervention from some friendly angels shows George just how wonderful his life really is at a second glance, and he gets the feel-good happy ending he always wanted.
"The Santa Clause"
Tim Allen plays your average American dad that somehow accidentally becomes the next Santa Claus; he signed a contract and everything! With two sequels, "The Santa Clause" explores the family dynamics of balancing a huge job, like the bringer of Christmas joy, with love and family.
"Frosty the Snowman"
This fun animated classic is a heartwarming story of friendship and love that unites a town together against a scamming, evil wizard.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
The stop-motion classic tells the familiar story of Rudolph as he struggles to find a place where he fits in. After running away from home, Rudolph encounters others that feel like misfits, too. When Christmas is threatened, they must all come together to help save the day, with Rudolph pulling the sleigh in triumph.
" Miracle on 34th Street"
Santa Claus is locked up and everyone thinks he's just a crazy old man! One little girl that believes in him tries her best to help prove that Santa is innocent just in time for a Christmas miracle. The original was made in 1947, and was remade in 1994.
