By Tyler Sonderholzer
With Christmas time around the corner, nothing is more relaxing than laying under a bunch of blankets with hot chocolate while watching a Christmas movie. There are many Christmas movies that are enjoyable to watch throughout the holiday season, but here are a few must-watch classics.
#5 – A Charlie Brown Christmas
While A Charlie Brown Christmas is short for a Christmas movie, it is still a great, feel-good movie to watch with your family. Charlie Brown’s quest to find the “true meaning” of Christmas, simple animation and relaxing music makes watching it worthwhile.
This has always been a favorite of mine as it doesn’t have some of the cheesy elements that other Christmas movies have and the plot is more centered around the actual characters. It really makes you think of what Christmas is all about as all the characters try to find out as well.
#4 – Elf
Elf is a funny, yet sweet movie that is enjoyable to watch during the holiday season. The movie consists of the main actor, Will Ferrel, and a terrific supporting cast. The connection and bond between the actors and actresses shine through as they add hilarious moments and make the movie overall entertaining to watch.
While the movie is mainly comedic, the main theme is very lighthearted and sweet which really solidifies Elf as a great Christmas movie.
#3 – A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is another nostalgic, feel-good movie that is enjoyable to watch. It highlights the theme of being a little kid and doing whatever it takes to get a specific toy; In this case, a Red Ryder BB gun. It is well-written with funny gags and an overall great theme.
I watch this movie at least on Christmas Day when it plays for 24 hours on TNT, and I always feel happy whenever I watch it. It really gives off the true meaning of what it’s like to be a little kid during Christmas time.
#2 – Home Alone
Home Alone is one of the most well-known, if not, the most well-known Christmas movie. The plot, the brilliant music and the chemistry of the characters make this movie as great as it is.
Kevin McCallister’s, the main character, story arc and John Williams’ score are the best part of the movie and are a large reason why I love it. The plot is very eye-opening for those who are materialistic and it shows the true meaning of Christmas; The importance of being with family.
#1 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is my favorite Christmas movie and is easily one of the best Christmas comedy movies out there. The plot is about Clark W. Griswold’s attempt to create a great family Christmas but starts to go insane as the days count down to Dec. 25.
Chevy Chase and the rest of the cast have great chemistry together and the jokes in this movie are very hilarious. Even though the movie is mainly a comedy, there is still the consistent theme that family is the most important thing during Christmas time.
As the holiday season approaches, consider watching these movies with your friends and family. Although these are commonly watched fan favorites, it never hurts to get back into the Christmas mood with these films.
