This is probably my favourite Christmas movie. Not just because it leaves you with such a wonderful feeling after watching it, but also because it is an exceptional film. I’m yet to see a film where Jimmy Stewart has gone wrong. Even though the actual plot of the film doesn’t really kick in until about 100 minutes in, the story of George Bailey’s life is nothing but enthralling and see his life had he never been born is one of those holiday wake up calls that reminds us of the importance of our family and our friends. 65 years on and this is still a classic. I watch it every year (if not a few times during the year) and it should be on everyones list. 

New to Christmas Viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas Lineup? There is no lineup without this film

And now as Christmas is right around the corner, we are starting to get into the serious Christmas movies. These are the films that I watch year in, year out without fail. For The Polar Express a lot of people find Tom Hanks animated face to be really creepy. I don’t have an issue, so The Polar Express is a Christmas regular for me. As is often the case, the film hinges on the belief of children in Santa Claus, and its wonderful and whimsical story always makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Although motion capture animation has improved immensely since 2004, I still find that this is the perfect medium for this magical story. If anything it is a film that asks its viewers to reconsider their cynicism. And as a hopeful dreamer, that always makes me smile.

New to Christmas Viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Absolutely

This is the only sequel that I will watch this year for Christmas. Sequels to Christmas movies usually aren’t great, but Home Alone 2 continues the charm of its predecessor by setting the same movie in New York. Although its not as good as the first it still manages to produce decent laughs. That being said losing a child at Christmas twice does begin to ask the question, did you learn nothing from last time parents? Regardless it’s still a fun film and I enjoyed watching it.

New to Christmas viewing? I haven’t watched it in about 10 years, but no

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Maybe if it was on tv

This is a brand new one, and really more of a general holiday film than specifically Christmas. But it does have Santa so I’m gonna let it slide. This was really fun, a story about the Guardians of Children’s joy (Santa, The Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sandman) it was a really touching story and had really incredible animation. Of particular mention was an exceptional gag between Santa and one of his Yeti’s (here the Yetis make the toys not the elves) which had me laughing all through the film. Here’s a link to the moment itself 

http://youtu.be/2f9hfuD9bec

Also Santa was a crazy Russian man with Naughty and Nice tattoeed on his arms. I am all for this interpretation. Definitely a film worth a look and will potentially creep its way into my Christmas lineup next year. 

New to Christmas viewing? Yes

Addition to Christmas lineup? Potentially

Okay so the Christmas element of this movie is very small, but it’s such a great movie that I’m going to let it slide, also Dan Ackroyd does dress up as a very drunk Santa and attempt to eat smoked salmon through his beard. How much more Christmassy can you get? This is a movie that any fan of Saturday Night Live and its alumni should see. It has a great premise (literally two people trade places, but its more exciting than just that) and its really funny. I watch it all year, but you can’t beat that drunken Santa at Christmas.

New to Christmas viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Yes

What a bizarre film. But it is a cult classic and rightfully so. Set at Christmas time (hence its rating as a Christmas film) it is a film about a bunch of idiots who don’t know how to follow rules. And they are punished. Another way of thinking about it is an unfortunate tale of a bunch of Gremlins who go rampant on a small town. It’s poorly written, doesn’t adequately explain things and is crazy 80s, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

New to Christmas viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Absolutely

I usually watch the 1994 version (and I will be watching that closer to Christmas) but it is enjoyable to return to the 40s version and the original. The two films are particularly similar as far as remakes go, in particular the representation of Kris Kringle is almost exactly the same between the two films. That being said, this film has a wonderful premise in the trial of Santa Claus. It’s a wonderful film and certainly one that brings about the Christmas spirit in anyone.

New to Christmas viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Yes

I remembered enjoying this but I had doubts because of Tim Allen’s starring role in the film. I pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed this film. I probably haven’t watched it since I was about 10 but obviously child me knew a good Christmas movie when she saw one. Although it has a lot of 90s charm, it still works as a modern Christmas film. Although it hasn’t been in my Christmas lineup in recent years I may add it in now.

New to Christmas Viewing? Kind of

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? I think so

This movie somehow manages to take a series of individual love stories, connect them all together and still has the audience feeling for each individual story. It’s very well done, and a favourite film of mine, as well as a great Christmas movie. Described as a Christmas themed romantic comedy, I would say this adequately sums up the film. It is a romantic comedy that can be watched all year, but it is especially great at this time of year because it combines both some poignant love stories with Christmas spirit. This is definitely one of the better romantic comedy’s about. 

New to Christmas viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas Lineup? Yes

 This epic film is great to watch all year. The fact that it is set at Christmas makes it especially awesome viewing around the holiday season. John McClane is one of the most badass Christmas heroes ever. If you’re a bit sick of the happy, overly cheerful and jolly Christmas film (I’m not yet, but this is still a welcome change) then watch Die Hard. You will not be disappointed. Die Hard 2 is also set at Christmas. Make it a marathon

New to Christmas Viewing? No

Continue to be in Christmas lineup? Yes