Since I didn’t grow up with TV, it’s not the TV specials I look forward to but just a few movies – even though most of them aren’t technically holiday. I love listening to holiday movies whilst trimming the tree, baking or even doing something as mundane as Christmas cleaning.
But I also love finding the time to cosy up on the couch, light on the candles and the tree and sit back and watch one of the movies below for the gazillionth time.
What holiday favourites would you add to the list? Would love to know what you’d add – leave your rec’s in the comments below.
Holiday Movie Picks:
Little Women: My favourite version is the 1994 one because I think this is the most holiday version of them all. I think it’s also really sweet without being saccharine. The wintery scenes are so cosy and charming that you’ll find yourself wanting to move to Massachusetts and singing down your lane in snow and -40F.
The Holiday: I’m usually not a romantic comedy fan but I fell for this movie (the tent the daughter’s built actually made it onto my bucket list of things to do). A British woman and an American switch homes during the holidays and charm, truths and hilarity ensue. I really loved both homes decor so Id watch it just for that.
Family Stone: (Photo above is from the film) This film also encapsulates the holidays but in a very different way by showing modern day family life – the quirks, the challenges, the changes. I think it’s just such a charming, funny and heart-warming film about family bonds at Christmas and beyond.
Meet Me In St. Louis: One of the classic holidays songs, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” was written for this film and I get a little misty every time I watch Judy Garland sings it. It’s such a beautiful film with all the feels. It’ll make you cry, it’ll make you laugh and it’ll make you want to sing along.
Eloise at Christmastime: I thought this children’s movie would annoy me but somehow, the story of a girl living at the Plaza Hotel and taking a day to go shopping for gifts, well, it charmed me. (I can’t find it for download/viewing anywhere but the link streams if free on Youtube!).
It’s a Wonderful Life: “You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?” A classic although I didn’t see it until about two years ago. I’ve been in love with it ever since and actually go to my local theatre to watch it on the big screen as a newish holiday tradition.
Little House on the Prairie: Officially not a movie, the Ingalls first Christmas in Walnut Grove gets me every time. You can download Season 1, Episode 15. It’s the meaning of Christmas in all it’s family simplicity.
Elf: My favourite part? “I’m in a stooooooore! And I am siiiiiinging!” I love this movie with its charm and wit and the complete way in which Will Ferrel commits to being elf. Plus, I have a slight crush on Zooey Deschanel in this role. And the soundtrack is wonderful.
The Bells of St. Mary’s: Again, not a holiday movie but I seem to have only ever seen it during the holidays. Although, one of my favourite scenes in a movie ever is with the children as they practice for the holiday play.
Anne of Green Gables: Not holiday but both this and the sequel have holiday moments in them. And they’re charming and sweet enough for the holidays. I mean, who doesn’t remember puffed sleeves at Christmastime?
(This is an updated repost from 2012)