Now that finals are over, we can all relax and finally get in the holiday spirit. Since there’s only a few days until Christmas, now is the time to binge all of the greatest Christmas movies before it's too late.
10. "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas"
This Christmas special tells some of your favorite Christmas stories, but with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. So what’s not to love? Whether or not you've read it, everyone knows the story of “The Gift of the Magi;” for some reason, it’s even sweeter when Mickey and Minnie Mouse are the main characters.9. "Frosty the Snowman" (1969)
For some reason, this movie is just always on. It’s fairly short, only 25 minutes, but it does the trick. Narrated by the distinctive Jimmy Durante, it’s a classic. There’s nothing outlandish or spectacular about the story, but it’s bound to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s definitely a movie if you’re short on time or just want something a quick jolt of Christmas.
8. "Home Alone" (1990)
Full of hilarious shenanigans only a crafty and smart-mouthed 8-year-old could create, this movie is bound to put you in the holiday spirit. It's lighthearted and family friendly, but the concept is completely outrageous. It's crazy to think that no one ever questions the legitimacy of parents who accidentally leave their child at home. Luckily, the new web series DRYVRS, staring Macaulay Culkin himself, deals with the consequences of Kevin's childhood.
7. "The Grinch" (2000)
This is perfect for those who prefer a grumpier Christmas movie and are easily entertained by a bitter and cranky hairy green man lambasting the world. We’ve all seen the quotes floating around the internet (“Am I eating just because I’m bored?” “That’s it, I’m not going,” and the most popular “7:00 Wallow in self loathing, I’m booked!”) and can sometimes easily relate. Although his grumpiness is turned by the end, for most of the movie it is embraced; it's very refreshing.
6. "Elf" (2003)
Cheesy and sometimes over-the-top, this movie is definitely one of the funniest family Christmas movies. Will Ferell is wonderful as Buddy, and blonde Zooey Deschanel is pretty great as well. Unlike The Grinch, the entertainment comes from Buddy’s overly optimistic outlook on life. Buddy’s oblivion definitely gets him into trouble sometimes, but in the end his blinding optimism prevails. This movie is extremely quotable (“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” and “You sit on a throne of lies!”) and everyone who has watched this movie has seriously considered putting syrup on spaghetti at least once.
5. "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" (2006)
They’re all pretty funny, but the third one is definitely the best. The first two were good, but making another one without adding something completely new would have been a recipe for disaster and boredom. Jack Frost, played by Martin Short, is a wonderful villain and turns the concept of “dystopia” into a family friendly winter wonderland, poking fun at the consumerism of Christmas. Including a pregnant Mrs. Claus, in-laws, ex-wives, and an evil ice man who is trying to upstage Santa Claus, there’s multiple opportunities for comedic disaster, and this movie takes them all.
4. "Make the Yuletide Gay" (2009)
Olaf Gunnunderson goes home to visit his overly cheery and festive mother and stoner father for Christmas. His boyfriend, Nathan's, (Adamo Ruggiero, Marco from Degrassi), parents aren’t so cool (although they are from Star Trek) so he decides to surprise Olaf at his house. He discovers Olaf isn’t "out" at his house, and although the movie deals with the struggles and fears of coming out, it’s lighthearted and cheerful. One of the more optimistic and less angsty gay movies, it’s a must watch for anyone who has ever gone through something similar.
3. "Glee's Holiday Spectacular"
It’s not a movie and only runs about 15 minutes, but I think it deserves a place here. During the “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” episode in season 3, most of the New Directions make a Christmas special instead of singing at a soup kitchen. (Spoiler Alert: In the end, they do both.) Black and white and set in Kurt and Blaine’s “bachelor’s chalet,” they hold nothing back. A parody of a “classic” Christmas Special, it’s hilariously overacted and filled with overly optimistic songs. They manage to fit four songs in the 15 minutes, which include three Christmas songs and “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music for some reason. It’s extremely self aware, and makes fun of both Christmas specials and itself. While you’re at it, listen to cheesy but lovable original song, “Extraordinary Merry Christmas.” (Although it has Chewbacca and lightsabers, all references to Star Wars are "strictly coincidental" because that would be "copyright infringement.")
2. "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" (1964)
A must watch classic in every household during Christmas. It’s filled with songs to sing along to and there are countless covers of the titled classic. From a nostalgic perspective, you probably remember it as a sweet story about accepting the differences in others. However, during a rewatch, you might be a bit surprised. Santa, who’s supposed to be the omnipotent/epitome of jolly cheer and spirit, is crank throughout most of the movie and he is one of the meanest to Rudolph, completely rejecting him and his nose. When you think about, Rudolph tells people your flaws are only accepted if they’re useful.
1. "The Year Without a Santa Claus" (1974)
Another claymation like Rudolph, this movie is a bit more complex. Including multiple settings and running almost an hour long, it’s hard not to appreciate the time and effort put into clay-mation films, even if they're not as realistic or hi-def as newer technologies. Santa Claus wants to skip Christmas, and the everyone tries to change his mind, visiting Mother Nature’s Snow Miser and Heat Miser in the process. After watching this movie, you will definitely put their songs on your next Christmas playlist.





















