My Top Christmas Movies: A Merry Celebration of Holiday Classics

Christmas movies

I thought I would share a bit more about me, and with it being close to Christmas what better way to start than to talk a bout Christmas movies. I have pulled together a wee bit about all my favourites and what I love about them

The Snowman

'The Snowman' is a quintessential Christmas film that brings to life the enchanting spirit of Christmas through its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling. Originally released in 1982, (I feel old) this animated short film, based on Raymond Briggs' beloved children's book, captures the magic of childhood. I sit down every year with my family to watch it and every-time it brings that warm feeling to me.

The idea that a young boy who builds a snowman that miraculously comes to life, and together they embark on an extraordinary adventure brings magic to my Christmas. The music helps the whole family to experience the joy and wonder that defines the Christmas season.

The basic hand-drawn animation style evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of classic children's illustrations from books that I would have read when younger. Each frame of the film creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly gets me involved with the enchanting story line. As the characters glide through wintry landscapes my family lose themselves in this magical world and glide around the living room.

It serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from imagination, the beauty of friendship, and the importance of preserving the magic that Christmas brings. This film is undoubtedly a must-watch for families who wish to create lasting memories together during this festive time of year. On a recent long haul flight around Christmas, I watched it at least 3 times. Love it.

Romantic Vibes in Love Actually

Is love 'Love Actually' a Christmas film? Yes, of course it is. (however not for kids) The start of the film gets me every time, the backdrop of arrivals at the airport at Christmas. I have been there and felt what that is like and its amazing to watch in real life as well. The film revolving and jumping between various characters grappling with the complexities of love, Christmas and life and then knitting all their stories together is just magic.

The chaotic nature of the film and the one liners riddled throughout make the film a belly of laughs and a fun one to watch. Full of top drawer cast as well help bring each of the individual stories alive throughout the film. I say put the kids to bed, get a glass of something nice and get ready for laughs even after the 100th time watching it. Ron Atkinson cracks me each time I watch it.

The Cosy Spirit of The Holiday

'The Holiday' is a weird one as its not exactly a family film, however it does encapsulate the comforting essence of the Christmas season. It presents a heartwarming story of two women—Amanda and Iris—who swap homes for the Christmas adds a different twist to Christmas . This contrast of differing picturesque settings, from sunny California to the quaint English countryside ( I love the house in England) draws me in as I would love to be brave enough to go away over Christmas on an adventure like that.

'The Holiday' tries to remove all the messy consumer background around Christmas and brings it back to what is important to us all " connections". This film usually doesn't make the top 10 when you look around the charts but I really enjoy what it tries to do. For anyone seeking a cozy and uplifting film to add to their holiday watchlist, this film stands out as a timeless classic that speaks to my heart. Jack Black in a slightly different role than usual but still being Jack Black helps add some fun to the story.

Family Fun with Polar Express, Home Alone, and Arthur Christmas

I cant have a chart without Home Alone or Polar Express. Christmas is synonymous with family gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with family film that is more Christmas than Christmas? Among the array of Family friendly movies, The Polar Express, Home Alone (both Part 1 and Part 2), and Arthur Christmas are standout picks that provide both entertainment and some undertones of learning for small minds.

The Polar Express, based on magical train journey to the North Pole is a must. The film beautifully captures the essence of belief in the extraordinary .The animation which has dated slightly still works well to put some magic into my kids life but also evoke nostalgia in mine reminding me about the magic that I felt around Christmas, making it a cherished family favourite of mine.

Home Alone 1 or Home Alone 2?, which is the better? Its really hard to pick a favourite but for me it has to be number 2. The magic of New York at Christmas shines through on this film and was one of the driving factors that took me there over Christmas some years ago. It is just WOW. The film’s slapstick humor, moments of peril, and touching moments solidify its status as a classic in our house even if the premise of a young Kevin being abandoned twice as criminals try to capture him to kill him may see a bit much for a kids film.

Finally a movie that doesn't get enough praise, Arthur Christmas. This film truly warms the heart and shows the importance of family, teamwork, and the true spirit of giving. The idea of the underdog, Arthur, being the hero for Santa is a great message for children. Throw in plenty of calamity, a hyper elf, a grumpy Grandpa Santa and I find it a real "dark horse" on the Christmas movie countdown.

For anyone expecting to see Die Hard and Gremlins on the list I am sorry to break your heart they don't make mine despite their festive settings, they just don't met my Christmas movie standard. My list could have included many more, Santa Claus: The Movie (Dudley Moore) and Elf are two more of note that I watch every Christmas as well but they don't touch my heart quite as much as the ones mentioned above.