Each holiday season marks a special moment in our family. It’s that one time of the year when relatives from afar put aside their petty differences in an effort to be together. Over the years watching these favorite movies has become a “tradition”. Some of the movies that we enjoy during the holidays are:
Miracle on 34th Street
This 1947 classic had me believing as a kid that the Macy’s Santa Claus is real (though I never really met anyone named Kris Kringle). The remake with Richard Attenborough is also heartwarming. This movie is enjoyable by all ages in our family.
It’s a Wonderful Life
So I’m a sucker for classics, and this 1946 Frank Capra version stars James Stewart as the frustrated George Bailey who needs a reminder about all things worth being thankful for in this “wonderful life”. Though this movie tests the patience of my two year old, it proves to be a tear jerker for the parents.
A Christmas Carol
This Disney version directed by Robert Zemeckis based on Charles Dickens classic is our favorite. We love Jim Carrey as Scrooge and ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet To Come. Not only are the special effects great on surround sound and 42″ LCD, but it’s Dickens’ writing that brings each character to life!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
My kids really enjoy this 1964 claymation/animation with Burl Ives providing the voice for Sam the Snowman and Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph. This heartwarming tale featuring island of misfit toys, abominable snowman, and Yukon Cornelius keeps the little ones glued, while eager for more!
Home Alone
This 1990 favorite, written by John Hughes, stars Macaulay Culkin as the mischievous Kevin McCallister who gets left behind on Christmas as his family flies to France. Nonstop humor continues as he outsmarts Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern who are looking to rob his house on Christmas Eve.
How the Grinch Store Christmas
My kids love Dr. Seuss’s books and this is one of their favorites! Parents also enjoy watching the antics of Jim Carrey playing Grinch who feels “this whole Christmas season is stupid, stupid, stupid!” He eventually ends up stealing everyone’s Christmas gifts only to realize its true meaning.
Whether you’re home for the holidays, or spending it alone, these movies will cheer your spirits, make you laugh, smile, and warm your heart. With netflix, we have downloaded and collected digital versions of these timeless classics. I hope they brighten your home as they have ours!