Watching movies as a family is something I strongly associate with Christmas. It brings me right back to my childhood.
Watching movies as a family is something I strongly associate with Christmas. It brings me right back to my childhood. There were always cosy Christmas pyjamas, hot chocolates and a blanket to snuggle under as we watched a Christmas movie together.
For years, The Polar Express was our thing.
As the years went on we barely watched the actual movie but the fact that it was on in the background was so heartwarming and comforting.
These days chances are that your television provider has an actual dedicated Christmas channel. You can quite literally watch Christmas movies back to back if that is what your heart desires. A lot of them will be romantic comedies and older movies that are aimed at adults (and arguably, females).
Finding Christmas movies to enjoy as a family is a little bit trickier, particularly when you have a couple of different ages to please.
Here are our top eight Christmas movie picks and why we absolutely love them!
1. Home Alone
A total classic for the whole family. An eight-year-old boy gets forgotten about when his family travel on holiday without him. It sounds a lot more sinister than it is. Think huge beautiful Christmassy house, some funny antics with thieves and plenty of lovely family warmth all rolled into one.
2. Miracle On 34th Street
Without a doubt my favourite Christmas movie of all time. It’s got an adorably well-spoken girl, a beautiful romance and THE best Santa of all time. It is such a heart-warming story with tonnes of laughter and suspense. It’s got something for everyone.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Who doesn’t love a Jim Henson classic? The colours, the music and absolute quirkiness. This one is adapted from a Charles Dickens novel and at an hour and twenty minutes it is a great length for little eyes. It features all of those familiar muppet characters and some brilliant music. A great one for all.
4. The Santa Claus
We’re talking about the original version, although all of them are worth a watch. The original stars Tim Allen and is a quirky Christmas tale. In a nut-shell, Santa must be replaced and Tim Allen’s character is just the man. He has to go to the North Pole, learn the ropes and convince everyone around him that he is now Santa. It’s a great one for the kids because it features lots of his young son too.
5. The Polar Express
This might be a bit self-indulgent but I just adore this movie. The graphics are beautiful and it’s a gorgeous Christmassy tale about a very special trip to the North Pole on a very special train. It is a story about self-discovery, friendship and all things festive.
6. Arthur Christmas
This 2011 classic has tonnes of humour and Christmas cheer. Santa’s son Arthur is the movie’s hero. This one has so much adventure and a lot of heart at the same time! We love it.
7. The Grinch
The original Grinch was a 1966 TV special and the most recent re-make was just this year. Whatever one you choose to watch you will be in for a treat. The Grinch tries to steal Christmas. As you can imagine his plans are flawed and friendship and Christmas cheer prevail!
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This is a Halloween/Christmas movie that proves to be really popular even in modern times. This dark fantasy is actually a musical all about trying to welcome Christmas cheer into one’s home! Things go a bit pear shaped but all is well that ends well.
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.
