LISTICLE | HOLIDAY FILMS
5 Must-See Movies at Christmas Time
Time to curl up by the fireplace and watch our favorite holiday movies
“Baby, it’s cold outside!”🎶
…And you are done with shopping, baking, and decorating! The lights are all turned off — except for the beautiful Christmas tree lit up in the corner of your family room. You’re curled up on the couch with your new PJs/socks and “blankie.” A hot cup of tea/cocoa sits beside you and you grab the remote.
🎥It’s time — a Christmas movie time!🍿
How many of you, dear friends— have movies that are a must-see each Christmas season? Anyone — Bueller?
Look — I get it. Some of you are like my soul mate — MyGuy. His eyes roll every time he walks in and sees that I am about to rewatch a movie that I’ve seen a dozen times (maybe more?) already.
But — what can I say? Some of us — are just born this way! So let’s jump into it, shall we?
Here are my top 5 movies in order of least to greatest most sentimental-must-see-every-Christmas movie that Natalie watches (mostly) every Christmas. (Start brainstorming — you know what’s coming, right? 😉
№ 5
It’s a Wonderful Life
My high school math teacher told me that it was a must-see movie when I came to the US. I first watched it when I was in college in 1998. I was hooked — loved it! It is considered one of the greatest films of all time.
Fun trivia: James Stewart was nervous about the phone kiss scene because it was his first onscreen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under director Frank Capra’s watchful eye, Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take, and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.
№ 4
The Polar Express
I’m a proud boymom (3 sons)— and my firstborn who first taught me how to be a mom, ADORED trains! Trains and tracks were everywhere in my house — for years —so watching the boys sing their hearts out as they ran around the TV room singing the songs, brings back memories of this mom who is about to have an empty nest.
Fun trivia: A close examination of the ticket numbers reveals that they all contain the number 1225. Pere Marquette №1225 was used as a model for the Polar Express locomotive. 12–25 also refers to the date of Christmas, December 25th.
№ 3
You Got Mail
Woah — look, take it easy some of you! I know you’re having a cow because you still don’t see A Christmas Story and Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer — which is why you will totally have a chance to rectify and make your own case.
However, You’ve Got Mail is on my list because a portion of this movie does occur during Christmas — and, welp — it’s an absolute fav of mine!! You can’t help but laugh and remember how emails got started, and those of us who have been around — are taken back to those days when you couldn’t wait to check your email and see who wrote you!
The ending is absolutely one of those never-gets-old scenes, and what can I say — I love me some Meg Ryan!
Fun Trivia: The film invokes several literary and cinematic references to The Wizard of Oz (1939): a full shelf of Oz books on the shelf behind Kathleen when she opens the door for Jessica and Maya; the ruby slippers ornament that Kathleen is placing on the Christmas tree; the Scarecrow of Oz book opened on Kathleen’s bed when Joe visits her apartment; and “Over the Rainbow” playing in the closing scene.
№ 2
Love, Actually
Wow, I’m probably losing followers now, because not even the famous Miracle on 34th Street is showing up (and I agree, it’s absolutely adorable) — but Love, Actually — actually tops all of those great oldies for me. I had never seen a movie with that many subplots, and Ellen Eastwood shares a fantastic take on which are the best: please do read it, she never disappoints!
Fun trivia: The airport greeting footage at the beginning and end of this movie is real. Writer and director Richard Curtis had a team of cameramen film at Heathrow airport for a week, and whenever they saw something that would fit in they asked the people involved for permission to use the footage.
Drum Roll…and now for the №1 Christmas Movie
№ 1
The Sound of Music
This 1965 classic is a must-watch Christmas movie as I don’t get to watch it any other time of the year! Life stops for me during the Christmas season. I am a music lover — through and through. This movie reminds me of many special people in my life who enjoy it, but more than anything — The Sound Of Music is healing, love, and joy.
None of my boys will sit and watch it with me — even the big one.
But one day, I assure you — a future daughter-in-law or even a granddaughter (yes I’m dreaming) — will sit and watch it with me during the Christmas season, and I will pass on the tradition! 🎄
Fun trivia: Christopher Plummer accidentally said the word “Captain” to Julie Andrews during the argument scene. Despite the error, producer and director Robert Wise thought it was amusing, and liked it so much, he kept it in the movie.
Okay, Medium family — it’s your turn! I know you’re dying to tell me why this list is completely bogus! Share your top 10 or 5 Christmas movies, as I know some of you are dying to give us 10! Please tag me as I would love to be introduced to ones that perhaps will bump some of these off my list! Thanks for reading! 📖
🧑🏽🎄Tagging some writers who I think may take me up on this: Julie KingGood, Denise Kendig, Debra Groves Harman, MEd, Mick Gibson, Riley McLynn, Toni Greathouse, 🌬️Mitch, Autistic Widower ("AJ"), Susan Wheelock, Ellen Eastwood, Jennifer Barrios Tettay— and all you wonderful writers! I just can’t tell who of you are into holiday movies, but I know more of you are out there! Love to all! 🧑🏽🎄
