Christmas music is one thing. Christmas movies? I don’t know, I was never really into it. That’s not to say there aren’t any Christmas (-y) movies that I’ve watched and loved over the years. So in continuation with The Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick’s 5 Fandom Friday link-up, I give you my favourite (almost by default) Christmas movies.
1. HOME ALONE/HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK
This is what I grew up on. The original Home Alone movies starring Macauley Caulkin were pretty much staples in my house for years. I mean, what’s not to love? The essence of Christmas (being with family) is there, with a solid dash of funny antics. “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!” CLASSIC.
2. LOVE ACTUALLY
ALL THE ACTORS! Look, there have been so many movies that have come out since Love Actually that try to trick us into watching because of the sheer number of actors they managed to get in that movie. Unfortunately, movies like He’s Just Not That Into You, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Eve have all failed to replicate the success of Love Actually. Why? Because LA actually makes you care about the characters, and not just the actors playing them. Also, Christmas is a special holiday that far surpasses the “importance” of Valentine’s and NYE. Oh, and as if it needed to be said, the Brits just knew what they were doing.
3. SERENDIPITY
I’ll admit: this is one of those movies that just so happen to take place during Christmas (and for only a small but critical portion of the movie) and not necessarily a Christmas movie. But I don’t care, I love this movie and I’m including it. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale are our romantic leads who meet cute while Christmas shopping. They’re both with someone else at the time they meet, but feel a deep connection and decide to leave it up to fate to see if they end up together. It’s all cute and romantic, and of all the rom-coms, I blame it for my unrealistic beliefs about love.
4. ELF
I’m not typically a Will Ferrell fan, but he was at his best here, exemplifying a different kind of man-child in Buddy the Elf. There’s just so much to be said about a movie that really captures the spirit and joy of Christmas, without being overtly sentimental.
5. THE FAMILY STONE
Bringing your significant other home to visit your family – what could go wrong? Well, for Sarah Jessica Parker’s Meredith, your boyfriend’s family doesn’t really like you. The movie walks the line between drama and comedy, and it’s got a great cast (including Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson) that elevates the material from more than just your typical family dramedy.
BONUS TV: The O.C. Chrismukkah episodes
So many shows do Christmas/holiday-themed episodes, but I have a certain affection for The O.C.’s holiday episodes. Sure, all four were wrought with a lot of drama. However, Josh Schwartz and company, via Seth Cohen introduced us all to the wonderful mixed holiday that is Chrismukkah – “8 days of presents, followed by one day of many presents.” Also, all the episodes taught us to never underestimate the power of a Chrismukkah miracle.