‘Tis the season for traditions: Egg Nog, Caroling, Mistletoe, Snowmen, Decorations, Gifts, and Uncle Hotep’s favorite, Pumpkin Pie!
One of our traditions is to gather together as a family and watch our favorite Christmas movies. And if you’re looking for a healthy combination of chaos, Christmas, and tugs at your heart strings, you can’t go wrong with this list of MUST WATCH Christmas favorites!
10. Die Hard
Die Hard is a Christmas movie and if you don’t agree, you’re not a real man. Die Hard 2 is an honorable mention that would occupy the 11th spot if there were one.
9. It’s a Wonderful Life
A veritable classic for a little perspective when life takes a wrong turn. You’re here for a reason. Find it.
8. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
Sometimes, it’s fun to root for the villain. This green villain lampooning commercialism transforms the Grinch from villain to hero.
7. Deck the Halls
Sometimes, you think you’re in control. That’s when Danny DeVito moves in across the street to blow your whole world up around you. This one’s a little know gem.
6. Christmas with the Kranks
This movie probably wouldn’t have made the list in my younger years, but as I’ve gotten older, I have an appreciation for this inventive approach to doing things for the right reasons. Great cast and a feel good story with some hilarious moments.
5. Home Alone
A more family friendly film in the spirit of #4 on this list, this movie is one of the rare ones that got better with its sequel.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
I feel like this one started off a chain reaction of Christmas movies centered around calamity and mayhem. And the Christmas movie landscape has never been the same since.
3. Four Christmases
This one quickly became the favorite non-family-friendly Christmas movie for me and my wife. It started when we were looking for something to watch late at night on Christmas Eve while we wrapped the kids’ presents and now it is a staple that we look forward to every year.
2. Home Alone 2
Better than the original, this is a classic you can’t miss. With a cameo from the future 45th president, this one is full of hidden gems, too.
1. Elf
This one has it all: A clever set up, a great cast, hilarious writing, and a family-friendly thread throughout. This is the first one we watch every year to kick the season off!
Happy watching and enjoy!
