With Christmas right around the corner and snow already falling, watching holiday movies is a must. There are many films to choose from, but which ones are the best? These four movies are some of the best films I’ve come across and should be considered to watch.
- “A Year Without Santa Claus”
“A Year Without Santa Claus” is a heartwarming stop-motion film. It focuses on Santa Claus falling ill and after speaking with a doctor, he has decided that he will take a year off from delivering presents. His decision is influenced by his doctor saying that children have lost the true spirit of Christmas and don’t believe in Santa. Mrs. Claus and the elves attempt to convince Santa to change his mind, but they fail. With the help of Ignatius “Iggy” Thistlewhite, a boy who is taught to truly care about the importance of believing in Santa, they decide to take care of Christmas tradition by themselves. By the end of the movie, Mrs. Claus, the elves and Iggy come up with a plan to deliver presents by themselves and are joined by Santa when he recovers from his sickness and restores the children’s Christmas spirit. I think this is a cute movie with interesting characters that make Christmas magical. It includes funny conflict between new, unique characters like Snowmiser and Heatmiser, and also uses well known characters like Mother Nature. Unfortunately, this is a very short film that is just under an hour, making the movie feel rushed or It can be watched on Amazon Prime.
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a well-known story of a reindeer born with an unusual red glowing nose. Rudolph is teased and excluded by other reindeer and decides to run away from home. On his adventure, he comes across Hermey, an elf who dreams of being a dentist instead of making toys. These two continue their journey together and come across the Misfit Toys, a group of unique and unusual toys that don’t fit in. Meanwhile, a severe snowstorm nearly cancels Santa’s annual trip, but Santa realizes that Rudolph’s glowing nose could be the solution to successfully navigate his sled through the storm. In the end, Rudolph saves Christmas and is accepted by the other reindeer. It’s another stop-motion film and holiday classic. I believe that films that add on to the lore of Christmas are always well thought out and very fun to watch. This movie can be viewed on Amazon Prime.
- “Home Alone”
“Home Alone” is a classic Christmas comedy about Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally forgotten in the attic of his house in the chaos of his large family packing up to go on vacation. At first, Kevin enjoys his freedom and independence, but he slowly becomes lonely, realizing the importance of being with loved ones. While he is alone, two burglars, Harry and Marv, are taking advantage of the homes of the family who have left on holiday. They set their sights on Kevin’s home, unaware that he is still there. Kevin is scared, but he uses clever tricks and booby traps to outsmart the thieves from stealing anything. At the end of the movie, Kevin’s family gets back to him after realizing they forgot him, and Harry and Marv are caught by the police. It’s a timeless film that’s both hilarious and touching and the perfect film to watch with family. It can be streamed from Amazon Prime or Disney+.
- “A Christmas Story”
“A Christmas Story” is a comedic film surrounding nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a boy who is desperate to be gifted a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. His obsession with obtaining a BB gun is constantly shot down by parents, teachers and even a mall Santa Claus. Despite the warnings and disapproval, Ralphie is determined to get his gift. This is a humorous and nostalgic movie filled with the challenges of childhood, the mystery of adult behaviors and learning responsibilities. In the end, Ralphie receives his Red Ryder BB gun and reflects on the joys of Christmas. I think this movie was fun and shows Christmas from the perspective of a little kid, making it hilarious and dramatic. The film can be watched from Amazon Prime, Max, and Hulu.
