The Best Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Family
Whether you are looking to start a new family tradition or add to an existing one, watch one or all of these Christmas movies during the holiday season. The best family-friendly Christmas movies will warm your heart and have a great, endearing message. Whether you want to have a Christmas Eve movie marathon or watch a movie a night in the week leading up to the holiday, you and your family will be sure to enjoy these flicks.
Elf
Released in 2003, the movie Elf stars comedian Will Ferrel as Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. Though much larger than the other elves, it takes Buddy a while to realize that he's human. When he does, he heads off to New York City to find his family. Buddy's ways a lot different than the ways of most New Yorkers and he soon brings a smile to the face of those he meets. The movie is hilarious and will be enjoyed by families with older children.
A Christmas Story
If your kids look at you funny when you say "you'll shoot your eye out," it's time to introduce them to this quirky Christmas classic. Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story is the tale of Ralphie Parker's quest for a b.b. gun for Christmas. It's full of silly moments and hijinks as well as memorable set pieces, such as the stockinged leg lamp and Ralphie dressed as a pink bunny. Does he get the b.b. gun in the end? You'll have to watch the film this Christmas to find out.
It's a Wonderful Life
A heartwarming classic, no Christmas season is complete without a viewing or two of It's A Wonderful Life. The Frank Capra film answers the question of what would life be like if a person was never born. George, who is about to kill himself at the start of the film, gets to see how important he is to those around him, including his brother and other family members. Be ready with a box of tissues when you and your family watch this.
Miracle on 34th Street
If your children still believe in Santa Claus, be sure to show them Miracle on 34th Street this holiday season. Kris Kringle, a man who believes he is the real and true Santa Claus, is hired by Macy's to be in their Thanksgiving Day Parade. Trouble ensues when Kringle continues to insist he is actually Santa, but hope is restored in the end. There are two versions of this movie, the 1947 original and a 1994 remake. Show your family the original first.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Watch the animated, 1966 version of Dr. Seuss' famous story with your family at Christmas. You may know the words by heart but the story remains beautiful and heart-warming. In the film, the grumpy Grinch tries to steal Christmas from Whoville, only to have a change of heart. In the end, his heart grows three sizes and he becomes friends with the Whos. If you have young children, you'll want to avoid the live-action version, as it may be pretty scary for the little ones.
