Christmas is the best time of the year to get together with family and celebrate Christmas traditions. Senior Josie Sack celebrates the holidays by watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” with her family every year. “It helps us bond and it brings us joy.” Christmas movies not only bring people together, but present an uplifting story offering hope and peace to escape the daily stresses of life.
The holiday season is approaching quickly, so be sure to check out some of the Top 5 all-time Christmas movies:
“Elf” is a classic of our generation. It will make any grinch laugh and is perfect for the family. It follows the adventure of Buddy the “Elf” who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as child. Now that he is an adult, he heads back to New York City in hopes to bring the love that his cold-hearted father has been and to help him to get on the nice list this Christmas. Senior Konnor Bradley states, “‘Elf’ is my favorite Christmas movie of all-time. Even after watching it several times, it still never fails to make me laugh.” If you haven’t seen it, put it at the top of your watch-list this holiday season.
“The Polar Express” is based on the book, written by Chris Van Allsburg, who was an executive producer for the movie. The film captures a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. His journey shows him that the wonder of life never leaves when you believe. The theme for Christmas at Vanderveer Park Botanical Garden this month is the “Polar Express.” Both the visual productions and music in the movie are breathtaking pieces of art.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a true classic, originally airing in 1946. Despite being in black and white, it is still worth watching. It follows the life of George Bailey, a man who dreams of leaving his small town to do more big and important things; however, his plan is always interrupted and he remains in the small town. He is about to take his own life, when God sends an angel to try to stop his fatal act. He wishes he was never born and the angel shows him what the town would be like if he was never born. This PG movie has an impactful message and is a hit for all ages.
“Home Alone” is the story of what happens when ,bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is forgotten at home while his family travels to Paris for Christmas. McCallister believes he is living the dream until he learns of two robbers who are planning to rob his home. All alone, he must protect the house himself by any means necessary. Senior Roshni Nair says, “The movie really sparked my creativity as a kid. I remember seeing things from the movie and trying to make mini-Rube Goldberg projects in my basement with different toys.” This thrill-seeking comedy will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time—a family comedy, minus the family.
Everyone wants the perfect Christmas; however, that is not possible. In “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” everything is going perfectly until Clark Griswold’s hick-family shows up unannounced. From there, everything goes downhill. Freshman Seth Good states, “This movie is one of the funniest Christmas movies of all time.” If you are searching for a vacation from the seriousness of school this holiday season, then “Christmas Vacation” is perfect for you.
Netflix is a great source of Christmas movies, offering options that are perfect for everyone. All of these movies and more are also featured on FreeForm’s 25 days of Christmas. Whether you are watching alone or with others, Christmas movies never fail to disappoint.
