If you’ve not yet found your holiday spirit, don’t despair – I’ve got just the thing.
There’s nothing like watching a cherished Christmas movie in front of a crackling fireplace or bedazzled tree to get you in the holiday mood.
I love listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies and fully embracing the most wonderful season of all.
When it comes to holiday movies, I like a mix of both old classics and newfound treasures. The New York Times recently proclaimed that there may never be another “classic holiday movie” but I disagree.
Anyway, ho ho ho and let’s go. Here are my five favorite Christmas movies of all time!
- Love Actually (2003) – the opening scenes from Love Actually, of people meeting loved ones at a crowded airport before the holidays, never fail to make me cry. I think that’s because I grew up an ocean away from my grandparents – and now live half a country away from my folks – so we’ve experienced these happy, tear-filled airport greetings countless times. I know Love Actually has been deemed problematic for many reasons but I don’t care; I love it anyway. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms – including unrequited – and I’m here for it, every single year.
- Elf (2003) – in spite of its tiny three-lettered name, this movie stands tall as a forever classic thanks to a charming performance by Will Ferrell as the innocent, bumbling Buddy the Elf. I love watching this movie and laughing with my family – but I’m not sure they love it as much as I do. I feel such a kinship with Buddy and his childlike love of all things Christmas! And I can relate to the dad issues, too. Don’t blink or you may miss one of my favorite parts: when the friendly stop-motion narwhal pops up to wish Buddy good luck finding his dad.
- Last Christmas (2019) – from the gorgeous George Michael soundtrack to the dazzling Emilia Clarke, mother of dragons, in the title role, this film has my heart utterly and completely. It’s so much more than just a Christmas movie or a romance – plus it has enough cynicism and poor choices to keep the interest of even the Scrooges among us. Just watch it. I can’t say any more without fear of spoiling something. Amazing cast, a fabulous London setting and I simply can’t wait to watch it again this season!
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – I grew up watching this classic stop-motion animated tale and I still love it, despite the cringe-y sexism and toxic masculinity on display. For anyone who has ever felt different or ostracized, this story is a warm-hearted winner. Hermey the wannabe-dentist Elf is a role model for those of us who strike out on our own and defy convention. Plus, this film gave us the island of misfit toys – a beautiful trope if ever there was one. I’m on Team Rudolph for life.
- The Polar Express (2004) – Any movie or TV show with a theme about “believing” is going to have me bawling (hello, Ted Lasso) and this CGI-animated classic definitely fits the bill. I don’t love Tom Hanks’ conductor character constantly yelling at and scolding the kids, or his super scary ghost hobo atop the train, but I love everything else about this movie. From the hot chocolate to the amazing train ride to themes of friendship and helping others, this film is filled to the brim with holiday spirit. I don’t know about you, but I still believe I can hear that bell ring.
Watch those five films and see if you find your holiday glow – I’m sure that you will. But, if not, there’s always The Grinch, Home Alone and Die Hard!
New this season (2023), there’s also a lovely film adaptation of the timeless, 100-year-old children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit.
Let me know your favorite holiday movie in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram. As always, I’d love to hear from you.
