10 classic Christmas movies to watch this holiday season

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by Darian Edvalson

There is no better way to relax and spend time with friends and family during the holiday season than to grab some snacks, sit on the couch, and watch your favorite Christmas movie.

Here are 10 movies that should make everyone’s must-watch list during this year’s holiday break.

1. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes in this classic tale of greed turned to generosity. It depicts the true meaning of Christmas and how even the most heartless can grow to appreciate the holiday spirit.

2. “A Christmas Carol” – This timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge based on the work of Charles Dickens almost 200 years ago embodies the Christmas spirit of giving, family, and redemption. The Christmas spirits provide excitement, horror, and touching moments to keep anyone engaged. The recent Jim Carey version adds a dash of humor, but there are classic versions of the movie that are equally enjoyable.

3. “A Christmas Story” – This hilarious movie set in the 1940’s explores RRRalphie’s quest to convince his mother and Santa to buy him a Red Rider B.B. Gun for Christmas. The quirky characters and endearing storyline provide plenty of laughs for viewers.

4. “The Nightmare before Christmas” – The scary, creepy, hair-raising animation is everything that you would expect from producer Tim Burton. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, brings plenty of spooky twists and turns to this riveting storyline, finally learning the true meaning of Christmas love and forgiveness.

5. “The Polar Express” – This touching tale is about a boy who assumes that Santa is not real, but becomes a believer after a magical trip to the North Pole. It is the perfect movie to watch with younger siblings, who will get a kick out of seeing Santa on the screen and revel in the magic of Christmas.

6. “Home Alone” – Another family favorite, this slap-stick comedy keeps everyone laughing at Kevin McCallister’s clever, pain inflicting pranks on the burglars attempting to rob his house. It is a fun movie to watch with friends, but don’t try any of these pranks in your own home!

7. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – You can find this movie adaptation of the comic strip “Peanuts” on TV just about every day during the week of Christmas. Addressing the idea of the over-commercialization of Christmas, this movie is great for all ages; the cartoonish fun appeals to younger siblings, while themes of secularism and religion make it interesting for you and your parents.

8. “Elf” – A comical Will Ferrell film, this movie about a regular boy adopted by Santa to work as an elf will keep you laughing. The constant goofy humor and the touching story of Buddy the human elf’s quest to find his biological father will put everyone in the holiday spirit.

9. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” – Everyone, young and old, knows the famous song, and the movie is no less famous. Adapted in 1964, this animation is easily one of the oldest on the list, and possibly the most child-friendly. It is a tale about the value of being different and how a misfit reindeer earns the lead position on Santa’s sleigh-pulling team.

10. “The Santa Clause” – This movie is a comedy about a toy store executive who has to take Santa’s place when Saint Nick disappears after falling off a roof. The movie will provide unadulterated fun for you and your friends as Scott Calvin makes his exciting, humorous transformation into Santa Clause.