It’s the most wonderful time of the year, not only because we get a break from school but also because of Christmas. Though Christmas is long-gone, watching these holiday favorites will keep you fa la la’ing all winter break.
A Christmas Story (1983)
This 1983 movie is about Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) trying to figure out how to get the Red Ryder 200 range air rifle for Christmas. From the “I can’t put my arms down” scene, running from bullies and the “triple dog dare ya,” this movie is a classic.
Home Alone (1990)
This family comedy starring Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is a Christmas staple. It isn’t Christmas until you watch Kevin set up booby traps for the wet bandits when he gets left behind from his family vacation. Being alone, he notices that two con men, Harry and Marv, were trying to rob his house, and he does what he can to defend it. Kevin must find a way out of this sticky situation.
Home Alone 2 (1992)
It’s been said that follow up movies aren’t as good as the first one but this one only gets better. Yes, his family leaves him behind again but this time at the Chicago/O’Hare airport. Somehow, he ends up in New York City. Luckily, he has a credit card, cash, and brilliant ideas. When exploring the city, he runs into Harry and Marv who are trying to rob a toy store, but Kevin sets booby traps to stop them. We all know how good he is at that.
Elf (2003)
This hilarious movie is a knee slapper. Buddy (Will Ferrell) is an orphan who was accidentally sent to the North Pole and raised by elves. At 30-years-old he found out he wasn’t an elf and went to New York looking for his father. In the process, he meets a woman, falls in love and doesn’t care who knows it. His dad has trouble adapting to the fact that he was raised as an elf and has too much Christmas spirit for a grown man.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
“You’re a mean one, mister Grinch.” Well at first, but then his heart grows three sizes bigger. Before the Grinch (Jim Carrey) had a change of heart, he decided to wreck Christmas for the people down in Whoville that never stop singing Christmas songs. Cindy Lou (Taylor Momsen) is the only one in Whoville that believes in the Grinch, even after stealing Christmas. After realizing that Christmas isn’t only about presents she pays him a visit because nobody should be alone on Christmas.
The Holiday (2006)
If you’re emotional, make sure to have tissues with you while watching this Christmas flick, because unlike Amanda (Cameron Diaz) who can’t get herself to cry, you will. Amanda and Iris (Kate Winslet) decide to switch homes for the holidays after they both end things with their boyfriends. Amanda who lives in America goes to Iris’s cozy home in Britain, and Iris goes to America. Both women find love but discover that their new relationships won’t work because of the distance they will face. This movie is truthful yet refreshing for those of you who deserve so much more in a relationship.
Love Actually (2003)
Yes, another romantic movie. This one may also get you a little teared up, but with tears of joy. It’ll remind you of why love is beautiful. I mean who learns a different language or how to play the drums for a girl’s attention? The nine different stories in this film face different love scenarios. The prime minister falls for a young staffer, a boy is in love with a girl who doesn’t know he exists, a couple meets while doing an adult film, and a married man is tempted by his striking secretary. Trust me, you’ll be smiling by the end of the movie because there is something for everyone.
A Madea Christmas (2013)
Who doesn’t like a little Madea in their life? This Christmas movie sends Madea (Tyler Perry) and Eileen (Anna Horsford) to the country. They surprise Lacey, (Tika Sumpter) Eileen’s daughter for Christmas. Lacey got secretly hitched, and now she must find a way to tell her mom. There will be lots of Madea jokes and a lesson to learn, like always.
Frozen (2013)
You might argue that this isn’t a Christmas movie, but come on – Olaf is a snowman. And no, you aren’t “too old” to watch it. The family-friendly movie is about Princess Anna (Kristen Bell) who tries looking for her sister Elsa (Idina Menzel) in order to save her kingdom, Arendelle, from freezing. With the help of Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer, they face challenging obstacles and meet magical trolls. Elsa, who has astonishing ice powers, can’t find a way to control them. Warning: you will definitely be singing “Let It Go” weeks after watching this.
Almost Christmas (2016)
This humorous movie will have jaws dropping. Especially when Cheryl (Kimberly Elise) finds out about her husband’s mistress at the Christmas dinner. The dinner was planned by Walter (Danny Glover), a father who wanted to spend 5 days with his children after his wife died. Aunt May (Mo’Nique) who also goes to visit will have your stomach hurting from laughing so much. The Christmas comedy shows you the importance of family and forgiveness.
Now that you know what to watch, go grab a blanket and some hot chocolate with marshmallows. Snuggle up with the socks you got for Christmas, binge-watch all these movies and enjoy the break as much as you can because next semester is around the corner.
