The holiday spirit hit me a little early this year. I had our tree up and decorated the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving, that was a first for me. I’m usually the one mocking people for decorating that early, but it was a very slow weekend with no family plans. I had to take advantage of the free time and it really helped bring me into the Christmas spirit.
Today I found myself watching Christmas movies!!
Which Christmas movie(s) do you have to watch each year? There have always been a few special movies that I grew up watching with my mom each year and it’s no surprise that they make my must-see list each year as well. While some of these have been remade, I prefer the originals in black and white! If you can’t find the movies on cable you can pick up most of these for under $10 each on Amazon (referral links below).
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The story of a Macy’s Santa Clause who thinks he’s the real Santa Clause and the little girl who needed to believe in him. Many families today are raising their kids with no “real” Santa Clause so that they don’t fool or deceive their children. While I completely understand why parents want to be completely and totally honest with their children, I also believe that a little magic in their lives isn’t bad either. For those who haven’t seen the movie (either the original or the remake) I won’t spoil the ending for you, but it always makes me cry.
You can catch this movie on your favorite cable channel or stream it for free if you have Amazon Prime.
The Bells of St Mary’s (1942)
I always forget about this one, but I’ve watched it several times with my mom. You may be able to find it late at night on the classic movie channels in black and white. I absolutely love Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. It’s one of those movies that isn’t necessarily a “Christmas” movie, but does happen around Christmas.
Holiday Inn (1942)
Another one of my moms personal favs! This one features Bing Crosby with Fred Astaire so you can count on singing and dancing to help tell the story.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
Fast forward to when I was a kid, Christmas Vacation is always good if you want to laugh at anything and everything inappropriate. This is one of my husband’s favorite movies and we usually end up watching it at least once before Christmas. My favorite scene is when they turn the lights on the house.
Home Alone (1990)
“Kevin!” A cute little boy is left home alone while their family flies to France for a family vacation and he learns how to take care of himself and protect his home from the neighborhood thieves. Another movie that is bound to leave the entire family laughing.
I saved my absolute favorite Christmas movie for last. This is another one that my mom and I watch together and the rest of the family rolls their eyes with all the singing and dancing.
White Christmas (1954)
Another classic Bing Crosby movie that will leave you in happy tears. While I love the entire story and characters, my favorite scene is the very end of the movie when they all sing to “White Christmas.”
My kids don’t really enjoy most of the old movies, I’ll save those for late nights when I’m up alone or when my mom comes to visit. They will watch Christmas Vacation and Home Alone with us though. My kids always love laughing at Kevin and his silly antics.
Which movies do you always watch around Christmas? Scrooge? The Christmas Story?
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