I'm all about tradition and celebration during the Christmas season.
To add to the amazingess of December,
both of my kids have their birthdays this month.
So with Christmas and birthdays it's like a non-stop party at our house.
One of my favorite traditions is to watch ALL of my favorite Christmas movies
at least once during the month. I grew up in a home that was huge into
movies, so I want to share all those fun memories with my own kids.
Plus, discover new movies to share and create new traditions.
Today I'm counting down 25 of my favorite Christmas movies and sharing them with you.
Most you've probably heard of and watched yourself, but I'm betting I have a few
you've forgotten about or maybe have never seen, but need to!
1. White Christmas
It's a tradition with my mom to watch this during the first snowfall of the season.
Since we don't have snow here in SoCal, I opt for the first rain of the holiday season.
It's working beautifully! My husband and I like to sing a (bad) rendition of the
"Snow" harmony. Bad because he can't sing on key and there's only two of us instead of 4.
2. Christmas Vacation
My dad is Clark Griswold. No joke. It takes him weeks to craft the amazing display
that is his Christmas lights extravaganza. The best part is he's the about the only
house out on his rural county road that decorates, so the effect is even more amazing.
3. Elf
Currently my favorite Christmas movie for several years running. I can honestly
watch this every day and not get tired of it.
My ring tone right now says, "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"
Funny, quirky, clean and quotable - the best kind of family movie!
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Who doesn't love Charlie Brown and his sad little Christmas tree?
This is a favorite with the kids - especially since we have a Grandma narrated
Hallmark book that follows the movie beautifully.
I still tear up when Linus tells everyone what Christmas is all about.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol
"After all, there's only one more sleep til Christmas!"
I grew up with the Muppets, so their quirky humor and antics make me laugh.
This is a fun twist on Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
With Gonzo and his pet rat as the narrators - how could it not be?
6. Nightmare Before Christmas
The thing I love about this movie is that it is kosher to watch it October-December,
and with the great music it's another that could watch every day.
It's quirky and dark, but my kids love it and so do I!
7. A Christmas Story
"You'll shoot your eye out!" is a phrase I never get tired of trying to work into
conversations with JT. It's tradition to watch this on Christmas day during the
marathon showing on TNT.
8. Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
Not to be confused with Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (although I do like that one too),
Twice Upon a Christmas has all my favorite characters in story lines that are
imaginative and keep the kids engaged in the lessons to be learned.
For instance, you can't buy your way onto the Nice list, just ask Uncle Scrooge.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little Dr. Seuss and his lovable characters
The Grinch and Little Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than two).
10. Arthur Christmas
This is a relatively new Christmas movie we've added to our repertoire.
It's actually one that my husband enjoys too, so it's fun to watch together and see
how every child counts and technology isn't always the best solution.
11. Mickey's Christmas Carol
With the adorable Giant as the Ghost of Christmas Present, how could this
movie not worm it's way into your heart? And let's not forget about Goofy as
the ghost of Scrooge's departed partner, Marley.
Disney always does it right and this is not exception.
12. Babes in Toyland (1961)
BAM! Did I just blow your mind? Was this movie on your list?
I mean who can forget Tom and Mary's love story in Mother Good Village??!!
If you haven't seen this adorable movie, then you need to!
It's a classic 1960s film musical with fun songs and choreographed group numbers.
13. Home Alone
This is just a classic. Who didn't want to be Macaulay Culkin and get to play
rad tricks on bumbling burglars? I bet you saw this movie and had a master plan
drawn up depicting what you'd do if you ever found yourself in this situation.
14. Christmas with the Kranks
After I read Skipping Christmas for a book club years ago,
I knew I would have to see this movie. It's silly and crazy and captures
the essence of the book. If you've ever wanted to skip Christmas, I suggest
you watch this to see what the repercussions could be.
15. Prep and Landing
This is another new movie we've added to our repertoire in the last few years.
It teaches the lesson that someone much bigger than you know what you need
better than you ever could.
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
"There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true . . ." Clarice hit it right on the head.
17. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
"Yo-yos? I love yo-yos!!!!" and I love the name Burgermeister Meisterburger.
This is another stop animation classic that you have to watch with the kids.
18. Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls
"And they've got to find out what that Star is about! They've got to find out what Christmas is!"
When the leader of the alien Wacky Wall Walkers has to find out what the Christmas Star is all about
he sends a team of Wall Walkers to Earth to find out what Christmas is all about.
This was a childhood favorite Christmas special, so hopefully you can find a copy!
19. A Snow White Christmas
I had almost forgotten about this childhood favorite until I saw it being show on TV
last Christmas season. This story follows the daughter of the original Snow White
in her quest to save her town from the Wicked Queen with the help of the Seven Friendly Giants -
cousins to the Seven Dwarfs.
20. The Santa Clause
Even when I was a teen I thought the premise of this movie was clever.
And who wouldn't freak out if they were gaining 10-20 lbs a day and growing a full
beard by evening? Freaky! and hilarious!
The next few movies aren't necessarily all about Christmas, but they do take
place during the Christmas season and warm my cockles whenever I think of them.
21. Sleepless in Seattle
Horses! Horses! Horses! Horses!
Hee, hee.
I love this classic love story and I love it takes place during Christmas.
22. Gremlins
Who didn't want their dad to come home with Gizmo for Christmas?
Heck, as a kid, I would have been happy with a stuffed Gizmo!
23. Little Women
Meg, Jo, Laurie, Amy, Marmee - this story will grab tears when you least expect it.
Plus, it's got Christian Bale in it, so you can't go wrong!
24. While You Were Sleeping
"These mashed potatoes are so creamy!"
Who hasn't had awkward family dinners that leave you shaking your head?
I adore this movie with it's leaning, split pants, and pregnancy rumors.
Heart-warming and adorable!
25. You've Got Mail
Twinkle lights and twirling, that's all it takes to make Christmastime magical.
So there you have it! My list of my favorite 25 Christmas movies to watch during the holidays.
Did I leave one of your favorites off? What is it?
Two on my "To-Watch" list are Scrooged. I've never seen it, but I've heard I need to
and the other is Mixed Nuts.