In case you missed the memo, today is Christmas Eve.
This means there are only two days left to cram in all your favorite Christmas movies before we move past December 25th.
Since we don’t have enough time for a full out movie marathon (Hello, baking? Cooking? Present opening?). Here are the Top 5 Christmas Movies to Watch Right Now.
You’ve got two days to space them out. We can all handle that right?
1. Home Alone
“I made my family disappear.” It must be the dream come true for the youngest in the colossal McCallister family. A giant bowl of ice cream whenever you want? I’m in.
This is one of the best Christmas movies because truly what eight year old child comes up with plans to foil robbers? I think I was more concerned with which Beanie Baby I wanted that week. And also, what family doesn’t notice the complete absence of one member? Seriously.
But it’s what makes the movie stand out amongst the rest. Plus I always cry at the end. So, it’s a winner for me.
And, if nothing else, it teaches you how to get out of paying a tip to the local pizza delivery boy. Keep the change, ya filthy animal.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
While the animated is a classic, it’s not that long of a film. So I’m opting for Jim Carrey’s live version.
My family watches this every year on Christmas Eve. And every year, it still cracks me up.
Also, I kind of extra love it ever since I came to the realization that Cindy Lou Who aka Taylor Momsen ended up on Gossip Girl… then left Gossip Girl and is now following a slighter darker themed path as the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless.
3. White Christmas
One of my absolute favorite Christmas films. This film takes you back to the 1950s where stage acts were the stars, traveling around the states performing their song and dance shows. Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen delight in the silly storyline of getting their two stubborn friends (Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney) together.
Plus, it’s dancing and music at their finest. Seriously, the dancing always impresses me. And it has an old glamour about it. Where woman spoke softly, but powerfully and the men always dressed to impress.
I can’t help constantly singing “White Christmas” around the house for days after watching this…
4. Love Actually
I actually have not watched Love Actually yet this Christmas season. But it’s one of my favorites. With the star studded British cast, each storyline interweaves and mixes with the others. Some storylines are happy, while others are sad. That’s the most interesting part of this film. Not everyone gets a happy ending.
Some have unrequited love. Some find love. Some find peace.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Yes. In case you forgot about this Christmas classic, let me remind you why you need to watch.
Stop motion animated film.
Also, made in 1964, it was a made for TV special (so you know it’s good).
Essentially this is the struggle for Rudolph and his odd glowing nose. He’s cast as a misfit in reindeer society… we all know the story. Anyways, this was a film I watched every year growing up, so I think it’s an important one to see.
He also makes friends with an Elf who is bad at making toys and just wants to be a dentist. I don’t think I need to sell this any more. You’re hooked, I know it.
So… I know this is quite the eclectic list.
It’s a bit of something for everyone. There are so many more films that could be included, but these are my current tops – in no particular order by the way. Naturally, we all love a good viewing of Elf or Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life… but if you’re in a bit of a time crunch, these are what you need.
What do you guys think of my list? And what are your favorite Christmas films?
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas Eve. It’s my first one away from my family and in another country.
So enjoy the time with your family and friends over the next few days, I know I will be!
xx Kelly
PS. I think it goes without saying, but the images are obviously not my own!
Home Alone is my ultimate favourite! A must every Christmas 🙂
Izzy, it’s such a feel good film. Plus it’s a time when the ugly Christmas sweater was plain and simple the Christmas sweater that everyone had. Love it! X
I agree with your movie suggestions. I can’t recommend “Bad Santa,” which my partner insisted on watching last night. Ugh. I guess it’s a guy thing. On the other hand, my memories go way back to b/w TV and annual replays of “The Little Matchgirl,” a real tearjerker, and, from the TV series “I Remember Mama” (about a Norwegian family in early 1900s San Francisco), the story of Christmas Eve in Norway, the night the farm animals talk, according to that tradition. Production values were primitive for these two programs, but they still mean “Christmas” when I think of how we looked forward to them.
I took my college-aged daughter to London one year for New Year’s Eve at Parliament Square–so fun. Unforgettable place to be at midnight. Plus we saw “Phantom” that week. We spent New Year’s Eve afternoon in Windsor, having tea. Enjoy your holiday. The blog is terrific! Thank you for producing it so faithfully.
Lady Gregory, despite my love for Lauren Graham, I have yet to see Bad Santa. I think I’ll give it a miss! And your Christmas classics sound lovely! I truly think those lower production films/shows made in the past have some of the best memories attached.
And your New Year’s over here with your daughter sounds like it was a great time! We are still trying to sort out of NYE plans. I also like the idea of heading into London… and well, I’m always up for afternoon tea!
Also, thank you so much for the compliment on my blog. You’ve made my Christmas! Thanks so much for reading, I truly appreciate all my readers and I love being able to share a part of my life in this way.
Hope you have a terrific boxing day!
xx Kelly