We’re almost at the end of the year, once again. 2021 has been full of unexpected surprises, hardships and challenging situations. That said, it’s really important for us to spend the holiday season celebrating life, family and feeling grateful for what we have!
What better way to do this than by delving deeply into the enjoyment of Christmas?
The Christmas gifts, the delicious Christmas food and recipes, the family time, sitting in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate…and Christmas movies of course!
Watching a good Christmas film to get you into the Christmas spirit is just as much a part of the festive season as egg nog or figgy pudding.
Should you find yourself wanting to truly connect to the warm and fuzzy feeling that the festive season brings us, then perhaps watching a feel-good Christmas movie will do the trick. We have compiled a list of 3 different categories of the best Christmas movies for you to watch to get you into a more festive mood.
Grab your favourite warm drink, a fluffy blanket, light some candles, turn the lights down and put one of these all-time favourite movies on.
Good Old Black & White Christmas Movies
It’s a Wonderful Life
The heart-warming plot will have you reaching for the tissue box as the good-natured story unfolds. Filmed in 1946, the story involves an angel sent from heaven to show the main character, George, what life would have been like if he didn’t exist. This magical tale is not only considered one of the best movies of all time, but a definite Christmas must-watch.
Christmas in Connecticut
This classic Christmas movie is about a famous female food journalist who claims to know everything there is to know about cooking. But in truth, she cannot cook at all. When her boss decides to spend Christmas with her and try her delicious cooking, her worst fears are realised. This old-time romantic comedy is one to watch after all the Christmas cooking is done, so as not to cause any unnecessary pre-feast anxiety.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
This classic Christmas tale is one that everyone knows. It is a story of a hard-hearted, greedy, miserable, wealthy businessman who is shown the value of love, giving, compassion and the Christmas spirit. He is shown how his nastiness affects others in a mysterious and exciting way on Christmas Eve. Guaranteed to have you glued to the TV and enjoying the Christmas feeling. There are many renditions of this movie, but the original (filmed in 1938) is the one we recommend you watch on Christmas Eve.
The Holly and The Ivy
A delightfully heart-warming Christmas tale of a minister separated from his family who are able to reunite at Christmas. This touching story is full of humour and will lift your spirits. Set in the years after World War 2, it has many elements to it and an underlying message of love, family and connection.
For the Love of Christmas
White Christmas
This Christmas love story has it all! Singing, dancing, legendary actors, and Christmas romance. It was the first film to be released in Vistavision, way back in 1954. This romantic-musical-comedy is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit with some laughter and familiar sing-alongs.
The Holiday
The star-studded cast is sure to have you crying, laughing and saying “awwww” more times than you will be able to remember. The Holiday is a sweet love story about two women, unlucky in love, who find unexpected romance over Christmas time when they each embark on a spur-of-the-moment holiday. This 2001 love story is one of the newer Christmas movies, but still to be considered a classic.
Meet Me in St. Louis
This musical Christmas treat stars the mesmerising Judy Garland. This love story revolves around the world fair and has many humorous, musical and Christmas elements to it. It’s a real classic and will definitely have you feeling Christmassy and dewy-eyed at the end.
Miracle on 34th Street
This dreamy movie about a little girl trying to prove that a man who claims to be Santa is actually the real deal, will have you bursting with joy and the Christmas spirit. There are two versions, one was made in 1947 and should technically be on our “Black & White” list. The second one was made in 1994 sharing the same story. Either of these versions is a great idea to watch, they will both get you into a Christmas mood.
Christmas Movies For the Kids (or kids at heart!)
A Christmas Story
This humorous holiday classic is full of famous one-liners and lots of laughs. It was filmed in 1983 but set in the ’40s, all about a little boy trying to convince his family, and Santa, that he wants a BB gun for Christmas.
Home Alone
This is definitely considered to be a Christmas favourite. This is a tale of a young boy left at home alone over the holidays. He takes on burglars who enter the house and they’re met with all kinds of unexpected backlash from the child star of the film. It’s a non-stop Christmas caper that’s become a cult classic, for good reason!
The Muppet Christmas Carol
This hysterical rendition of the Charles Dickens classic is told by The Muppets. It stars Michael Cain and takes a humorous look at this age-old story. The Muppets bring their unique hilarity to this story that’s been told many times in many different ways. A must-watch for the kiddies (and the whole family) at Christmas time.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
This incredibly amusing and creative story is all set in the fictitious town of Who-Ville. Jim Carrey stars in the leading role as The Grinch, who is a lonely, grumpy social pariah who lives in a cave above the town. He causes all kinds of havoc for the town and their Christmas celebrations but eventually learns the lesson of community kindness and Christmas love.
There you have it! A great list of Christmas movies that are sure to put you in the festive mood. Watch one, watch them all or give them as a gift—they’re sure to make you and anyone who watches them feel that special seasonal magic!