My 10 Favourite Christmas Movies

01/12/2021

It's the first of December! I say that you are not allowed to listen to Christmas music, put up Christmas decorations or do anything to do with Christmas any earlier than the first of December. This makes the time feel more special. For as long as I can remember, we have had a large collection of Christmas DVDs that we always get out at the start of December. We will often watch one of these DVDs every night leading up to Christmas. In my final article of the year, I thought I'd suggest some of the best Christmas movies. These include some obvious classics as well as some of my personal favourites from my childhood.

ELF (G)

This is a classic that is often on many people's Christmas watch-list. It follows a human who, as a baby, becomes one of Santa's elves. One day, he leaves the North Pole in search of his real parents and the audience experiences the many laughs that come with a sugar-loving always-positive man walking around in an elf costume in NYC.

THE POLAR EXPRESS (G)

This is another Christmas classic that follows a young boy who embarks on a magical journey on a train headed to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This is a lovely story about believing and the spirit of Christmas but what makes this movie so special is that almost every character is voiced by the talented Tom Hanks.

THE NATIVITY STORY (PG)

In my opinion, this is the best retelling of the birth of Jesus. Although there are other nice movies such as a clay stop-motion film titled The First Christmas, The Nativity Story is probably the most accurate and realistic telling of the story. This movie removes the mythical aspect of the story and although some actors did not portray their characters as I would have liked, the movie is quite a high-quality film.

Credit: New Line Cinema

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (PG)

At this time of the year, you're bound to hear someone be called a grinch. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, directed by Ron Howard, follows the famous villain and how he planned to ruin Christmas. This movie stars Jim Carrey who hilariously portrays the Grinch.

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G)

In our minds, Santa Clause's workshop is a big wooden building where elves handmake toys for children. On Christmas Eve, Santa comes around to everyone's house in his old rickety sleigh led by his reindeer delivering presents. In Arthur Christmas, it turns out the reality is very different. Arthur Christmas shows us Santa delivering presents in a Mission: Impossible fashion. Arthur is Santa's clumsy son and he sets out to deliver a young girl's present that was forgotten on the big night.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (G)

After a strange man starts claiming that he is Santa Clause, a lawyer and a little girl must prove to the world that he is the real deal. Miracle on 34th Street has had multiple remakes. The movie I am referring to is the 1994 remake with the talented late Richard Attenborough. The film is a beautiful family movie that is perfect for all ages.

Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

THE WIGGLES: SANTA'S ROCKIN'! (G)

Although a lot of many people may have never heard of this movie, it is a personal favourite of mine. I grew up with The Wiggles, which is why I love this movie. The movie has some very catchy songs and hilarious dance moves. The children will love it and it is also the kind of kids movie that parents won't mind watching either!

MICKEY'S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS (G)

This is the sequel to Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas. I haven't seen the original movie but the sequel is a great movie with many hilarious short films about Mickey Mouse and friends. Each of the shorts has a great message about family, friends and the spirit of Christmas so is great for all ages.

Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED FOR CHRISTMAS (PG)

A postal company at Christmas time is usually receiving many letters directed to Santa Clause. However, one small girl has sent a letter to God asking for healing and the employees of the company have no idea what to do with it. I have only seen this movie once and can't remember much about it, but I remember walking away feeling good inside.

Credit: MoonWater Productions

KING OF CHRISTMAS (G)

This is another one that most people have probably never heard of but is a personal favourite of mine. 'King of Christmas' is an album by Australian kids Christian entertainer Colin Buchanan. King of Christmas is the movie featuring many of the songs from the album. Kids will love the songs from this movie and once again has many important messages.

Honourable Mentions

These next few movies are still on my watchlist because I haven't yet broken my rule of not watching Christmas movies before December! However, I have heard that these are also great Christmas movies.

THE SANTA CLAUSE (G)

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (G)

A CHRISTMAS STORY (G)

LOVE ACTUALLY (M)

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (G)

DIE HARD (M)