Tis The Season: Must Watch Holiday Movies

By: Jamie Steinberg

‘Tis the season to be jolly! And what better way to get into the holiday spirit then to watch your favorite seasonal films? We’ve put together the Top Ten Holiday Movies that will get you into the spirit while giving you a reason to enjoy the season! No matter what you watch to get you in the spirit, you are sure to have a blast trimming your tree or decking your halls when you watch any of these fine films!

A Christmas Story: Oh fudge! For sure we had to include A Christmas Story and the story of Ralphie (Peter Billingsley). Picture it, 1940’s Indiana. All youngster Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB Gun yet only hears, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Watch as Ralphie pleads his case in hopes of making his holiday dream come true.

Elf: Follow the adventures of Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) as he learns he is actually a human! Hoping to reconnect with his birth father (James Caan), he departs The North Pole and heads for New York City. When Buddy arrives, he learns that life as a human is much different than elves (Can you believe we don’t eat spaghetti smothered in maple syrup?!). Don’t be a cotton headed ninny muggins. Watch this movie!

Scrooged: Have you been naughty or nice this year? The film is a modern retelling of the classic novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. When TV executive Frank Cross (Bill Murray) lets ambition go to his head, he ices out the love of his life (Karen Allen) and ices out his employees. It takes a visit from three ghosts (Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future) to put things in perspective for him.

Love Actually: All I want for Christmas is you! This movie follows the lives of nine intertwined individuals that are connected by one thing – love. Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) falls for a junior staffer (Martine McCutchen). Graphic designer Sarah takes care of her mentally ill brother, which complicates her love life. Harry (Alan Rickman) is a married business associate that indulges a bit too much in flirting with a coworker. Author Jamie (Colin Firth) finds a renewed interest in love with his Portuguese housekeeper. Daniel (Liam Neeson) is a recent widower trying to raise his young son. Mark (Andrew Lincoln) has feelings for his friend’s fiancée (Kiera Knightley). Pop star Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) attempts a comeback. Plus, down on his luck Colin (Kris Marshall) heads to America for a brand new start. For a mix of humor and heart, definitely press play.

It’s A Wonderful Life: Meet George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart). In this vintage movie, we learn that he’s a sweet man, but happens to be going through some hard times. With the future looking bleak, he wishes he had never been born. That’s when an angel named Clarence comes to the rescue by making his wish come true. Once he realizes how many lives he has truly impacted, George changes his mind as he truly realizes “it’s a wonderful life.”

The Holiday: Two lives become intertwined when two women swap homes from holidays – one from America (Cameron Diaz) and one from England (Kate Winslett). Both have been through bad breakups and are looking to heal. New romance (Jude Law and Jack Black) springs for each woman, but sadly realize things may not last as they are headed back to their regular lives post holidays. My personal favorite moment from the film? Mr. Napkinhead.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: With Christmas coming, Peanuts fans wouldn’t feel complete without putting on this tender film. While it may be holly and jolly outside, Charlie Brown is indoors feeling the holiday blues. In hopes of getting her pal to turn his frown upside down, Lucy suggests a having a Christmas play! Charlie finally finds his cheer as he decides to direct it. The only thing that could derail his momentum is the lack of enthusiasm his friends have for the scrawny tree Charlie brings back. That is until the gang discovers the real meaning of Christmas and the magic it brings.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas: He’s green and grumpy. No, not Oscar the Grouch! It’s The Grinch (Jim Carrey) and he’s looking to ruin Christmas for the happy residents of Whoville. Along on his mission for mayhem is dog Max as the Grinch heads down the mountaintop home to sneak into the homes of Whoville in order to steal their gifts. Thankfully, all is not a loss when The Grinch runs into Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) who gives him a reason to be better this season.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without mentioning the most famous reindeer of all! Watch as this sweet classic movie as this furry friend helps Santa guide his sleigh to bring all the good boys and girls their Christmas gifts!

Grandma Got Runover By A Reindeer: She was coming home from our house on Christmas Eve! Based on the hilarious song with the same name, watch as we follow a silly story of losing a loved one on the holiday. You may say there’s no such thing as Santa, but as for me and grandpa we believe!