In my house, we don’t really have any Christmas traditions. I usually wait until the last minute to put up our tree (because we don’t have anywhere to put it that isn’t in the way) and I don’t decorate the outside of our house. I don’t have a Christmas treat I bake every year and we don’t have matching PJs that we wear on Christmas eve (although these things all sound like wonderful Christmas traditions that I should probably start!). While I don’t do any of those things, I do have some must watch Christmas movies I try to watch every holiday season to get me in the Christmas spirit!
I’m not someone whose TV is glued to the Hallmark channel but I do have a few movies that are my go tos when I’m looking for some Christmas cheer! For today, I’m going to be sharing my top 5 Christmas movies with you in case you’re looking for a new movie to watch or need to be reminded of an old favourite!
1. Elf
Who doesn’t love Elf?! This is hands down one of my favourite Christmas movies and even if I don’t watch any other Christmas movie all season, I always make sure to watch Elf at least once! I love Zooey Deschanel (hello New Girl!) and Will Ferrel was made to play Buddy. Watching him navigate his way through New York City at Christmas to find and get to know his real dad always brings a smile to my face. And remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!
2. Holiday in Handcuffs
This one is like a 90’s kids dream wrapped in to one. It’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch and AC Slater in one movie. Meliisa Joan Hart plays Trudy, a perpetually single late 20 something who was supposed to bring her boyfriend to spend the holidays with her family. The only problem is, he broke up with her. In a truly genius move, she kidnaps an unwitting patron, enter Mario Lopez, from the restaurant she works at and forces him to pretend to be her boyfriend. It’s cheesy, and cute, and just makes me happy to watch! This one is also one of the movies I make sure to watch every Christmas!
3. The Holiday
The first time I watched this movie, I wasn’t expecting to love it SO much! It’s such a feel-good movie and makes me want to do a house swap with someone. I mean, I’d be cool with a mansion in L.A or a quaint cottage in the English countryside. The story focuses is on two women (played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who swap houses with each other for the holidays in an attempt to escape their lives and troubles for just a little bit. There’s romance and the cutest old man and I think my favorite part of this movie is the chemistry all of the characters have with each other. I feel so invested in their stories every time I watch it!
4. The Family Stone
This movie is another one I didn’t think I’d love. It has a seriously loaded cast of characters and while it isn’t really as lighthearted as the others, I still love it so much. It makes me feel allll the things and makes me cry every.single.time! The story follows an uptight businesswoman who goes home for the holidays with her successful Wall Street boyfriend, whose family is more on the quirky and eccentric side. She struggles with fitting in with his family and feeling like an outcast for the holidays. There is so much more that goes on in this movie but it has such a homey feel to it — less like a perfect Hollywood family and more like one that you could spend the holidays with.
5. Harry Potter
Any time is a good time for Harry Potter and Christmas time is no exception! While they’re not exactly the typical Christmas movie, they do have Christmas scenes in them and the most magical decor so I’m counting it. They’re the perfect Christmas movies for when you’re not feeling super Christmas-y. And yes, I know there are 8 movies. Buuuut I’m going to count mostly all of them. Except for the last 2. Because they’re not Christmas-y at all. My favourites for Christmas time though? Philosopher’s Stone, Goblet of Fire, and Half-Blood Prince!
And there you have it! Hopefully this list reminds you of some movies you haven’t seen in a while or gives you some new ones to try!
Until next time!
xo! Allison
