Peyton Lewis ‘23, Feature Editor
This year has felt longer than most, with almost every month bringing some new catastrophic event. But the year is finally coming to a close. December has arrived, and with that comes the Christmas season. Many people spend the year waiting for this time and its decorations, songs, food, traditions, presents, and most importantly, classic and new holiday films. Christmas movies allow the viewer to be fully immersed in the holiday joy. These next six movies are perfect for settling down with your favorite cozy blanket, grabbing a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoying the nostalgia this season has to offer.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This older movie features a man named George Bailey who lives in the town of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve when he is ready to take his life, his guardian angel named Clarence arrives and shows him what life would have been like if he was never born. This movie is an older one, filmed completely in black and white. But it’s perfect for those who want to try one of the original Christmas classics and want to feel wrapped up in the magic of Christmas past.But it’s perfect for viewers who are looking to enjoy a bit of a longer movie, with its two hour and twelve minute length.
Home Alone (1990)
This semi-more recent Christmas movie, but one that still can be listed as a seasonal classic, is about a young eight-year-old boy named Kevin who accidentally gets left at home while his family takes a trip to Paris. At first he is excited, as any kid would be if they suddenly found themselves home alone with no parental supervision, but he soon finds himself in trouble when he has to protect his house from two robbers. Home Alone is a great movie for everyone, young or old. The humor, jijinx, and holiday charm can put anyone in the Christmas spirit.
The Santa Clause (1994)
When Santa falls off his roof on Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin puts on Santa’s suit and unknowingly seals his fate as the next Santa Claus. He and his son are taken to the North Pole where Calvin is informed that he has one year before he is expected to fully accept his duties. Calvin is skeptical at first, but over the year, as he slowly takes on the physical characteristics of Santa Clause, he realizes that he has a very important job to do and the children of the world are counting on him to save Christmas. Similar to Home Alone (they both also have a few sequels as well), The Santa Clause is perfect for all ages, and its humor and holiday charm will fill anyone with holiday joy.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2009)
The Grinch with his heart that is “two sizes two small” lives in isolation on top of a mountain overlooking Whoville with his only source of company being his friendly dog, Max. The Grinch hates Christmas and the Whos and decides one year that he is going to ruin Christmas for all the citizens of Whovill, by stealing everything holiday related from the Whos; however, he has a change of heart when he meets a young Who girl named Cindy Lou Who. There are three versions of this movie: a shorter animated one, a longer live action one, and a new animated one that was released in 2018. There is also a well known children’s book by Dr Suess. Both versions of the movie are great for all ages, though the live action one has a more detailed plot, perfect for those who want a greater expansion of the children’s book.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy businessman known for mistreating his employees and hating everything about Christmas. Then one night he receives a visit from the ghost of his former business partner who tells him that he will be visited by three other ghosts that night. It turns out to be true, and Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future who hope to transform him into a kinder man. Those who enjoy reading may be familiar with this classic book by Charles Dickens. The movie adaptation is perfect for those who may not enjoy reading as much or even those who have read the book and want to see it come alive on screen. There have been many versions of this movie made throughout the years, including a disney one, featuring the beloved Disney mascot, Mickey Mouse.These are only a few of the many amazing Christmas movies to enjoy out there. Other favorites to enjoy with your coziest blanket and cup of hot cocoa could include Elf (2003), A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and A Christmas Story (1983). Various streaming platforms like Netflix too can offer great new titles, and cable channels such as Hallmark and Lifetime are a constant source of new, original movies. This year has been rough, so make sure you take time out of your day for some holiday fun and settle down with a comforting and nostalgic flick.
Lyon Life 