Best Christmas Movies

We are in the midst of the Christmas (well technically the Advent) Season and holiday movies abound.

Sorry, I Just Don’t Care For “White Christmas”

I have a few holiday movies I just love and one of them is NOT “White Christmas”. Yes, I said it. Perhaps that’s blasphemy to some, but I just don’t care for it. I find “White Christmas” hard to watch. I feel it’s a silly story line that was contrived so Bing could sing the song. The stage version is WAY better. It at least makes sense. The movie- not so much. Sorry all. Just my opinion.  

It Truly is a Wonderful Life

Who doesn’t love “It’s a Wonderful Life”?  This movie is timeless and truly a great movie.  “It’s a Wonderful Life” was made in 1946 as the world was coming out of the worst war in history and the was not well received at first.  The movie that trumped it that year was called, “The Best Years of Our Lives” – and who really remembers that one now?!

The story of George Bailey and his guardian angel, Clarence, will warm your heart. It also helps to remind us we are all important and have no idea how much our lives have touched other people. The world would be a very different place without George, and ultimately, without each of us,  it doesn’t hurt that Clarence is awfully cute. I used to show this movie to my 8th grade each year and loved watching them watch it. I don’t think they watched movies very often with absolutely NO distraction. When they saw George, they laughed, they cheered and they even got a little choked up. That moment when George’s brother raises a glass and toasts his brother, “the richest man in town”- gets me every time. 

There’s Nothing Like a Muppet Christmas Carol

My second holiday movie of choice?  “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Who doesn’t love the muppets? When you team the Muppets with a classic Dickens story, add a rat sidekick to Narrator Gonzo, and stir in some catchy tunes, you’ve got a recipe for a holiday classic. 

There are a couple of versions available and I encourage you to make sure you watch the full version with all the music. If a tear doesn’t come to your eye when the whole cast sings “The Love We Found”, you may have a little too much Scrooge in your heart!

“Holiday Inn” – Where “The Song” Really Comes From

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie. I could watch it over and over and over. This movie is so much better than “White Christmas”. It still has Bing Crosby, but add in Fred Astaire, a love triangle and lots of dancing and you’ve got AMAZING!  The story centers on Bing opening an inn that is only open on holidays. Love triangle and dancing ensue- and there is the very magical moment when Bing sits at the piano and sings “White Christmas”- simply, beautifully, pure movie magic. 

 The scene where Fred dances alone with live firecrackers is pretty terrific too. You’ve got to see it!  Just skip the scene with the Abraham Lincoln song- it’s definitely dated and would never be made today. You’ll understand if you watch it.

Take a “Holiday” with Kate and Cameron

A more current favorite has to be “The Holiday” with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I LOVE this movie. I love the story of the women finding holiday happiness despite some personal disappointment. There are also some great lines in this movie – “You’re supposed to be the leading lady in your own life” and “I’m looking for corny in my life”. The scenery can’t be beat. Amanda’s house in California (actually in Pasadena) and Iris’ cottage in England – who wouldn’t want to visit either of those places? The happy ending is also just what is ordered at Christmas.

And in case you’re looking for more….

 If you’re looking for some current holiday fun- try the Hallmark Channel. They have great, feel good holiday movies.  Try “A Royal Christmas”, “Christmas Under Wraps”, “Christmas in Rome” and “Christmas Town” All fun and fluff for Christmas. Yes, my name is Mary Beth and I am addicted to Hallmark Christmas movies.  

Now It’s Your Turn

What are your favorite Christmas movies? Leave a comment and don’t worry – if you’re favorite is “White Christmas”, I won’t judge!