Around this time of year certain things become tradition. How we put up the Christmas Tree, the songs we sing, the treats we make, and most definitely the movies we watch. I recently saw a "Top 20 Christmas Movies" list and it got me thinking about the movies I feel necessary to watch during Christmas time. Because, Heaven knows, it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without them. Now some are classics and some of them are quite unusual, and probably only I think of them as "Christmas" movies, but that is ok since this is my list... get your own! ;)
In no particular order, my "Feels Like Christmas" Movies List:
The Nativity Story:
We often think of the Wonder and Awe of the Savior's birth to a Virgin Mary, and the humble stable and manger, the Star, the Angels and Shepherds, the Three Kings with their gifts, and even Mary's long journey on a donkey while pregnant, and this movie captures all of that. But even more, when I watched this movie, it was the first time that I thought of the ridicule both Mary and Joseph had to endure, the fear they probably felt. And it definitely made me understand and appreciate Joseph in a way I never had before. And I still get chills when Christ's birth is portrayed! Love this movie!
It's a Wonderful Life:
Ol' George Bailey (HOT DOG) and his Building and Loan. Love the message. No matter the trials your are going through, if you have love, family, and friends, you have a wonderful life!
Miracle on 34th Street:
Must be watched on Christmas Eve. End of Discussion!
Home Alone:
My first Christmas movie first! I remember just waiting for Christmas so I could watch this movie. As a kid you just can't go wrong with bad guys stepping on sharp objects in their bare feet, catching on fire, and repeatedly hit in the face with Kevin zip-lining it to his tree house. Too fun!
Elf:
"Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"
"I'm a cotton-headed ninny muggings"
"First we'll make snow angels for 2 hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we'll snuggle"
I LOVE THIS MOVIE. It still makes me laugh.
And now for my atypical Christmas movies.
While You Were Sleeping:
"These potatoes are so creamy.... Mary mashed 'em"
"Hey Lucy, you ok? It looks like he is 'leaning'"
I could go on... Again, it's not Christmas until I have watched this one. And let's be honest, Joe Jr has some of the best lines in this movie.
Little Women:
I'm not sure when this one happened, but one year I didn't watch it and something felt like it was missing. And anytime I sing "Here We Come a Wassailing" I think of this movie.
What would be on your Christmas Movie List?