The older I get, the harder it is to get in the holiday spirit. Whether it be a lack of time, energy, or money, something just keeps getting in the way. That being said, as soon as I press play on one of my favourite Christmas movies, I’m transported to a time without midterms or finals when reindeer still fly and Santa Claus visits once a year. There’s a magic to these films that can’t be found anywhere else, but what truly makes a movie a Christmas movie? Is simply taking place on or around Dec. 25 enough?
The short answer is no. According to an article by The Hollywood Reporter, in order for a film to be classified as a Christmas movie, there must be a reason why the story has to take place during Christmas and not at any other time of the year. So, if you’re looking for movies to watch to get yourself in the holiday spirit, look no further. Here’s my list of the top five Christmas movies to watch as the hustle and bustle of the fall semester draws to a close.
~~~5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)~~~: this film tells the tale of Charlie Brown, voiced by Peter Robbins, who is hoping to get in the holiday spirit by directing the town’s Christmas play. A timeless classic, this movie tackles seasonal depression in a way that only Charlie Brown can. This, coupled with commentary on the commercialism of the holiday, gives this iconic film a place in our hearts for generations.
~~~4. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)~~~: this retelling of Charles Dickens’ iconic novella A Christmas Carol (1843) brings a certain freshness to the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. From joy to despair, the plot includes a wide range of emotion that can leave you laughing one minute and emotionally wrecked the next (no doubt a testament to Michael Caine’s moving portrayal as Scrooge).Â
~~~3. The Santa Clause (1994)~~~: after accidentally taking on the role as the new Santa Claus, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) must find a way to both accept his new responsibilities and balance them with family obligations. What makes this film stand out is its mix of witty humour, gorgeous world-building, and heartfelt moments. A nostalgic journey for anyone searching for a little Christmas magic, this movie provides a delightful mix of both modern adult life and the fantastic.
~~~2. Home Alone (1990)~~~: one of the most capable (and arguably sadistic) eight-year-olds in the history of film, Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, winds up home alone after his family accidentally leaves for Christmas vacation without him. While defending his house from burglars, Kevin begins to realize that maybe the holiday season is better spent with the people you love. The heartwarming plot and iconic score make this film a must-watch year after year (and who doesn’t love anything featuring Catherine O’Hara?).Â
~~~1. Elf (2003)~~~: finally, we have the Christmas movie of all time. When Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) leaves the North Pole in search of his human father, he must figure out how to navigate New York City as a human who’s only ever known the life of an elf. To make things even more complicated, his father is on Santa’s naughty list. This film has it all: nostalgia, unique settings, an excellent cast, a beautiful holiday soundtrack, and a touch of Christmas magic. For an hour and 30 minutes, Buddy’s amusing naivety shows us the importance of preserving our childish wonder in spite of the demands of adult life.
The one thing all these films have in common? Their stories not only depend on the Christmas season, but they exemplify everything that those who celebrate the holiday associate with it. They’re filled with a range of emotions; they’ve got a nostalgic touch of Christmas magic; and their characters learn to cherish the things that really matter, all with catchy carols playing in the background.
