In the midst of all the Christmas madness, however, it’s important to take some time out of your hectic schedule and relax with a few classic Christmas flicks.
Although network television stations usually choose to run the same mundane schedule of Christmas movies from now until Dec. 25, only a handful of these films are actually worth watching. Here, I’ve compiled my own list of the top five greatest Christmas movies of all time:
5) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): With a mere 28-minute running time, this made-for-TV special might seem like a stretch for a list that only includes the top five Christmas movies of all time. Nonetheless, Charles Schulz’s characters embody the spirit of Christmas in this classic special. The lovable but often misunderstood Charlie Brown, disappointed by the lack of meaning he finds in Christmas, picks out the smallest, scrawniest tree he can find for the annual Christmas pageant. When the other characters ridicule him about his choice, his best friend Linus makes an incredibly heartfelt speech about the true spirit of Christmas that would melt even the heart of Scrooge. Directed by Bill Melendez, this ageless TV special is a must-see for young and old alike.
4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): Based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss, Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a creature intent on ruining Christmas for the Whos of Whoville. This recent remake of the television cartoon allows viewers a glimpse into the Grinch’s childhood, where they come to understand why the Grinch grew up to be such a, well, grinch. The real star of this Christmas film, however, is Cindy Lou Who, played by Taylor Momsen (now a star on the hit teenage drama Gossip Girl). Cindy Lou manages to convince the Grinch of the importance of Christmas and teaches her fellow Whos a little something about the meaning of the holidays in the process. The essence of the cartoon classic is carried over beautifully onto the set of this film, and director Ron Howard does a truly spectacular job of capturing the two-sizes-too-small heart of the Grinch.
3) Home Alone (1990): Before Macaulay Culkin grew up, developed a cocaine addiction and divorced before he was 20, he played the role of the lovable eight-year-old Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. When his family accidentally forgets him on their way to the airport for a trip to Paris, Kevin realizes he has been given the chance to live every child’s dream: making his own rules without parents to tell him what to do. When two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) attempt to break in, however, Kevin must act fast to ensure he protects his home while his parents are away. The give-and-take between Kevin and the burglars makes for one of the most comedic Christmas films of all time, and who can forget Kevin’s first experience with after-shave? Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus, is one Christmas film that would be a crime not to watch this holiday season.
2) It’s A Wonderful Life (1946): When heavenly angels hear the host of prayers being lifted up for George Bailey on Christmas Eve, they know he is in need of a little divine help. George, played by James “Jimmy” Stewart, is a simple man who always tries to do the right thing but has been struck hard by unforeseen circumstances. When Clarence, title AS2 (Angel Second Class), takes him under his wing (metaphorically speaking, since he hasn't earned his wings yet), everyone learns a valuable lesson about a positive attitude and the beauty of life. More than 60 years later, Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life still warms the hearts of people everywhere and inspires them to believe in faith, even when life no longer seems worth living. That might seem a bit dark, but it’s enough to earn the film a permanent place on any list of classic Christmas movie greats.
1) The Santa Clause (1994): While the two sequels to this film may have been utter failures, the original Santa Clause, directed by John Pasquin and starring Tim Allen, captures the No. 1 spot on this list. When Scott Calvin, played by Allen, accidentally pushes Santa off a roof, he must either assume the role of St. Nick or risk ruining Christmas for millions of children worldwide, including his son Charlie. Allen shines in his role as the reluctant-turned-lovable Santa Clause, and the sarcastic banter between Scott and Santa’s head elf, Bernard, will amuse adults as well as children. The Santa Clause has all the best elements of a Christmas film: humor, sincerity and none of the cheesiness (well, not much of the cheesiness) that has plagued holiday movies from their beginning. No Christmas season would be complete without watching The Santa Clause. Just don’t rent the sequels.
From endearing cartoon characters to second-class angels to Santas falling off roofs, Christmas movies offer the perfect escape from the otherwise chaotic atmosphere associated with the holiday season. This Christmas, don’t forget to take a much-deserved break and schedule a date with your DVD player, make a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and let yourself be transported to a place where joy and happiness always triumph over stress and anxiety.
It might not be reality, but count that as a blessing.
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