My Favorite Christmas Movies and Specials

I love Christmas and nothing does a better job of getting me into the holiday spirit than watching a good Christmas movie! Fortunately, there is never a shortage! From the all-time classics all the way down to the cheesy Lifetime and Hallmark productions, these movies remind us of the joy of the season. Here are some of my favorites:

First, my top three!

• It’s a Wonderful Life – Still my all-time favorite! I still cringe every time Uncle Billy hands that newspaper to Mr. Potter. And I still cry like a baby at the ending. And don’t we all need a reminder that whether we know it or not at the time, our actions can have a profound impact on the people around us?
• Miracle on 34^th Street – A close second! (Only the original version though.) A wonderful feel-good story about the commercialization of the holiday. A great portrayal of Kris Kringle and who could resist a courtroom drama starring Santa?
• A Charlie Brown Christmas – This time it’s Charlie Brown who has issues with the commercialism and is confused by the actions of his friends (and even his dog). An absolutely beautiful tale about the true meaning of Christmas! And honestly, has anyone ever done a better job of explaining it than Linus?

And in no particular order, the rest of my favorite Christmas movies and specials:

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas –My second favorite animated special! One of the best songs ever (You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch) and the best narration ever make this one a classic not to be missed. Haven’t seen the newest one yet, but the Jim Carrey version is also very well done.
• A Christmas Story – Ralph and his nostalgic look back at Christmas is perhaps the best comedic take on the subject. Tons of quotable lines and memorable scenes. Definitely one I try to catch each year.
• The Nativity – If you want the Biblical and historical narrative, this one is a beauty.
• The Christmas Chronicles – The newest entry on my list, this one is destined to become a classic. Kurt Russell makes an excellent Santa and rocks the jailhouse in my favorite scene from the movie!
• A Christmas Carol – Almost any version will do! If you haven’t seen it, try Bill Murray’s Scrooged.  There’s also a George C. Scott version I remember well from my earlier years.
• Christmas With the Kranks – As any English teacher will tell you, the book is always better, but the movie does a good job of capturing the adventures of a couple who decide to skip Christmas and then watch as their plans go horribly wrong! (From the John Grisham novel Skipping Christmas.)
• Home Alone – Another great comedic Christmas movie starring the too cute Macauley Caukin. My son once bore a more-than-passing resemblance and was honestly mistaken for him at a mall once. So, of course, I can’t watch without remembering my grown son’s childhood.
• Jingle All the Way – Any parent who has ever gone shopping at Christmas for a particularly popular new toy will appreciate this one. And how can you not love Sinbad and Arnold in fierce competition for the prize?
• Elf – Still number one on my daughter’s list! Personally, I can only take Will Ferrell in small doses, but this is a good one.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas – And number one on my son’s list has to be this Tim Burton classic!
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Am I the only one who watches this one and thinks about my own relatives? And Dads, don’t we all have a little Clark Griswold in us?
• Die Hard – Of course it counts as a Christmas movie! So Yippee Ki Yay and Merry Christmas!