While I do acknowledge the black and white classic tale of It's a Wonderful Life and the comedic journey of the Griswolds' Christmas Vacation, I have to share what's in the family vault when it comes to Christmas films. Whether it's an all-time favorite or an up-and-coming classic, these holiday films are my favorite during Christmas and I highly recommend them.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This seasonal Peanuts classic by Charles M. Schultz has spanned decades, bringing families together to watch Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang as they prepare for Christmas.Charlie Brown has been thrown into the role of director of the local Christmas play, and no one respects him. While Schroder plays the quintessential Peanuts music on the piano leading the entire cast to dance and goof off, Lucy is on the conquest to literally run the show while Snoopy strives to master each animal part cast (even the additional vulture).
But the block-headed, eternal pessimist is soon the optimistic, primary caregiver to the most scraggliest of Christmas trees which leads to more disapproval from his cast mates. It's only when Charlie Brown's best friend, Linus, shares the Biblical message of Christmas and its accompanying sentiments that everyone comes to realize what really matters.
You can't help but to be taken back to a simpler, youthful time each time you watch this special. Parents can reflect on their childhood while their children are introduced to a movie that mirrors the values once prevalent but now forgotten on the TV airwaves.
And once again, the music performed (composed by the fantastic pianist Vince Guaraldi) is catchy and fun. Viewers will get the urge to dance with the cast while joining the Peanuts gang in the final song as the end credits roll.
Elf (2003)
For those who have turned away from Will Ferrell because of movies like Old School or Talledega Nights, "Elf" shows a more family friendly side to the comedian that everyone will enjoy.
With Ferrell as the titular character named Buddy, his unexpected trip to the North Pole ends up with him being adopted by an elf as well as the local practices. But the bigger he gets, he inevitably learns of his beginnings and embarks on a trip to New York City to discover the truth.
What Buddy finds, however, is a not-so-nice father, another family entirely and the lack of Christmas spirit. But the simple elf in the big city uses his North Pole tactics to garner the love of his family while saving the holiday season.
The movie is already a classic...it's one of those you don't have to wait until December to watch. And the lines are memorable. "Smiling's my favorite," "You did it! Congratulations! World's best cup of coffee!" and "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?", along with a hoard of other quotes will be heard all year long.
Additionally, the soundtrack is stellar. Holiday staples ranging from a bluesy rendition of Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald to the ever-familiar "Nutcracker Suite" will have you searching for the soundtrack online. And if you didn't know the song before, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" will become a go-to song not only for Christmas but each time the temperatures fall.
The Family Stone (2005)
This star-studded cast--headlined by Diane Keaton and rounded out with Claire Danes, among others--brings Christmas and family together in this seasonal dramedy.
As the Stone children converge back home with their partners and spouses for the holiday, the oldest son (played by Dermot Mulroney) brings home his uptight girlfriend (portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker) who doesn't quite mesh with the family. Thus, confusion and hilarity ensue.
But as the Christmas celebrations continue and before the family's time together comes to a close, discoveries are made while relationships bloom and fade. In the end, family and love triumph.
For those with a large family, like me, the anticipation of the entire family coming home for the holidays will personally resonate. You'll also be able to relate to the story if you've experienced meeting a potential new family member for the first time at Christmas, but also if the holidays commemorate heartache and loss.
(As a bonus tie-in, I'd also recommend "Nothing Like the Holidays" (2008). Though somewhat different in that the movie chronicles the Rodriguez family at Christmastime, the film shares a similar plotline along with the same theme.)
Bonus: The Holiday (2006)
If you're a woman, and you'd prefer to not watch every single college bowl game like your husband in the time between Christmas and New Year, this movie is perfect for you.
Two women--an American workaholic (Cameron Diaz) and a British journalist (Kate Winslet) both experiencing romantic woes--interact on a home exchange site online, inevitably deciding to spend their holiday at each other's house. Set in both sunny California and snowy England, the film details their arrival at their new lodging and the events that follow.
Romance seems to be brewing for both women unexpectedly, through the charm of Jude Law's character and the humor portrayed by Jack Black in his role. Older audiences will find a familiar face in Eli Wallach, a minor character to the film but a vital part in the story line.
You'll have to watch the movie to find out what happens as the holiday comes to a close. The humor and drama is a perfect balance, but for those who have experienced "love gone wrong" or unrequited love will relate to the plot.
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