“Elf”
A Christmas classic in many households, “Elf” is a much-loved film full of fun jokes, quirky characters and heartfelt moments. “Elf” follows a human named Buddy who lives in the North Pole, but he doesn’t quite fit in with the other elves. Feeling alone, Buddy decides to search for his father in New York, navigating the challenges of an unfamiliar place. While in New York, he makes friends and grows to care for a woman named Jovie. Eventually, he finds his father, who dismisses Buddy upon seeing him out of disbelief. After taking a DNA test prompted by Buddy’s constant attempts to get his attention, Walter discovers that Buddy is his son, and starts to warm up to him. However, the peace quickly shatters when Walter yells at Buddy, causing him to flee. Walter soon realizes his love for Buddy, and frantically searches for him with his family. When Buddy is found, he tells them they need to save Christmas by spreading the Christmas spirit, and they ultimately succeed with Jovie’s help. In the end, Buddy is accepted as family, demonstrating that familial love is truly the most important part of the holiday.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
A film that echoes the importance of human wonder and kindness, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” captivates all ages with its creative visuals and unique, humorous characters. In this film, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, is adored by his townspeople. However, Jack becomes tired of the same routine, and longs for something new. One night while walking with his ghost dog, Jack discovers a magical forest with numerous doors that serve as portals to different holidays, including Christmas. When Jack experiences Christmas, he is entranced by the festivities, and decides he wants to take control of the holiday despite warnings not to. However, this plan goes awry, and he soon finds that he’s unable to create the Christmas magic he desires. At the same time, Sally, a rag doll who he has grown close to, is taken by the Bogeyman. Jack eventually saves her while defeating the Bogeyman, and they return home. By the end of the movie, Jack realizes the value of gratitude for what he has.
“Home Alone 1”
A film full of hilarious twists and unexpected turns, “Home Alone 1” is perfect for a cozy night by the fire. The film begins in the house of the McCallister family, full of bustling family members packing for a Christmas trip to Paris. On the day of the family’s departure, they tumble out the door to get to the airport on time. Amidst the disarray, their son Kevin is accidentally left behind. When the family realizes he’s gone, they frantically attempt to return home. Kevin, with no rules or limitations, proceeds to do whatever he wants. However, his bliss is short-lived as two robbers, Harry and Marv, have their sights set on his house. While the robbers failed in their first attempt to break in, Marv and Harry return on Christmas Eve. However, this time, the house is armed with numerous traps set by Kevin. In the end, Kevin bests them and they are taken away by the police, moments before his family returns home.
“Miracle on 34th Street”
A story about believing in the seemingly impossible, “Miracle on 34th Street” is a film full of hope and holiday miracles. This story begins when Christmas sceptic Dorey Walker is in need of a new Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Eventually, she finds an old man, who calls himself Kris Kringle and believes he is the real Santa Claus. He’s hired after performing well in the parade, and it becomes apparent that children and adults alike are enchanted by him, including Susan, Dorey’s daughter. Suddenly, things become tense when Kris is arrested for assault of a stranger while taking a walk, and Kris’s sanity is questioned. Now, Susan and Dorey’s neighbor, Bryan, have to prove that Santa is real. With some kind of miracle, the trial goes well, and Kris is released. In the end, Susan’s three wishes are granted, proving that Christmas miracles may not be so crazy after all. This film brilliantly delivers the message of fighting for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.
“A Christmas Story”
During adolescence, Christmas seems like a magical holiday, with presents gathered under the tree and colorfully decorated holiday cookies. “A Christmas Story” follows the experiences of Ralphie leading up to Christmas Day, and his attempt to get his parents to buy him his dream gift, a Red Ryder Carbine-action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. As the weeks leading up to Christmas drag by, Ralphie continues to enjoy spending time with his friends. When Christmas day finally comes, Ralphie receives a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle that he wanted. Throughout the film, the universal concept that a childhood should be full of laughter and joy should be universally enjoyed. Families can find this movie heartwarming, as well as humorous.
“Christmas Vacation”
In the movie “Christmas Vacation”, Clarke Griswald quickly learns Christmas wouldn’t be quite as magical without a little bit of chaos. While Clark cherishes Christmas and wants it to be perfect, he finds himself in a whirlwind of disasters. Despite his best efforts to retain family traditions, the family experiences a series of catastrophes, including an electrocuted cat, an exploding Christmas turkey and an incinerated tree. The problems come to a head when Clark’s boss refuses to give him a sufficient holiday bonus, leading to a domino effect of unhinged moments. Through all of it, Clark’s family encourages him to continue to create Christmas spirit. Clark learns that Christmas isn’t about having a superior lights display or an immaculately decorated tree—it’s about cherishing the people who make the holidays special..
“Home Alone 2”
Just a year after Kevin faced his first fiasco, he soon finds himself tangled up in another. The McCallister family are going back on Christmas vacation, and this time it’s to Florida. While at the airport, Kevin gets separated from his father, and mistakenly boards a plane to New York City. Once he arrives, Kevin checks into The Plaza Hotel using his father’s credit card. After landing in Miami, his family realizes that he’s gone, and flies back to New York in search of him. Meanwhile, Kevin once again encounters recently escaped convicts Marv and Harry. They tell about their plans to rob the toy store, and Kevn decides to try to stop them. Using a series of traps and lures, Kevin leads the robbers into the hands of the police, and they are arrested for a second time. Just like in Home Alone 1, Kevin is finally reunited with his family.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a timeless holiday film that follows Charlie Brown’s quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. This movie is a heartwarming reminder of the aspects that truly make Christmas special. During the holiday season, Charlie seeks to discover what Christmas is about beyond the material element of buying gifts. When Charlie’s friend suggests that he direct the school play for a healthy dose of Christmas spirit, he agrees. At the same time, Charlie searches for a Christmas tree, finding one his friends mock, leaving him disheartened. However, not all hope is lost, and Charlie later finds true Christmas spirit with the help of his other friend Linus. This film is perfect for both children and adults, as it echoes the everlasting Christmas philosophy that holiday joy comes from the memories made with loved ones.
