Thursday 4 December 2014

Advent Day 4: Top Ten Family Christmas Movies/ Savouring the Season

There is something I love every year, mid-December, about sitting myself down on the sofa, with the only copy of the TV Times I ever buy, highlighter in hand, and thumbing through the movie pages and highlighting everything we want to watch/record over the Christmas period. It was a bit of a tradition for us as kids, and even today (a few years on!) I still find myself buying my one annual copy of that beloved magazine, just because scrolling down my TV screen doesn't bring me quite so much joy...

And yet, year after year, whatever films are being shown on that particular Christmas, there are a few family favourites that I will return to time and time again...

So here you have it; our top ten family faves when it comes to Christmas movies!

Photo Courtesy of basementrejects.com
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
A Christmas classic - the cute little face of Mara Wilson (better known for her "Matilda" fame) who plays a pessimistic child at Christmas and her journey to "belief"... a really cute story that is one I watch year after year! Highly recommend!
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Photo courtesy of drafthouse.com
Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
I was given this on video for Christmas when I was about 8, and I remember falling in love with it immediately. A warm, fuzzy, funny version of the Dicken's classic that kiddos adore. A fabulous family classic with a great soundtrack too.
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Photo Courtesy of filmyorkshire.com
Home Alone (1990)
Surely this is everyone's favourite Christmas movies? One of the most-quoted, most-watched and most-loved of all Christmas storylines. Kevin, an 8-year-old boy, is accidently left at home while his family go away for Christmas... the storyline is comedy genius, and has no doubt been the inspiration for a number of children's household pranks!
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Photo Courtesy of bluray.com

Home Alone 2 (1992)
Normally sequels are a sore disappointment after the glory of the first film, but in this case, we are not left disappointed. The storyline is similar in the bare bones to its predecessor, but different enough to provide the same comedy and same charming appearance of a little Macaulay Culkin!
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Photo Courtesy of movies.film-cine.com
Nativity (2009)
This one is played on repeat in our home. Perhaps because we're teachers, perhaps because so much of it resonates. The sequels have been good, but nothing will beat the comedic charm of the very first. A new Christmas classic that will have you giggling from start to finish!

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Picture Courtesy of www.lyric.co.uk
Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas (1991)
This one was my favourite as a child. I would watch it, and watch it and watch it. And when the first of December came around, and we were allowed to crack open the Christmas movies, this one was always top of our list. Perhaps its the idea that Father Christmas has a life beyond Christmas Eve, perhaps its the ingenious way he transforms his sleigh into a caravan. Either way... we loved it, and I have no doubt your kids will too!
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Picture Courtesy of smarttoysandbooks.com
The Polar Express (2004)
I'll admit this one took me a little longer to warm up to... but there is something charming about this Christmas tale and the idea of the Polar Express that seems to grab small children. The story is cute, the animation gripping, and the presentation pure Christmas. Make sure the kids aren't too small, though... some of the scenes can be a little scary for under 5s...
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Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia
The Snowman (1982)
There is something utterly fascinating to me about the way this film is made. Not a word is uttered throughout... and yet my three-year-old, and one-year-old, will sit utterly transfixed by the music, the visuals and the storyline. One of those Christmas must-sees. A lovely, moving little story.
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Photo Courtesy of theguardian.com
Elf (2003)
A bit of Christmas comedy never goes amiss and this little cracker is the story of Buddy, a wannabe elf who makes a journey to discover his real identity. Laugh from start to finish.
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Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

Another Christmas classic that is on every year. It's the story of Patch, a rebellious elf who attempts to leave the North Pole and strike out on his own, and Santa Clause, of course, who remains the traditional character we all know and love.


So, the big question remains... what are your favourite family Christmas movies??!

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8 comments:

  1. I wrote a similar post last year. We have lots of the same favourites although I've never seen Elf so that's our Christmas movie this year :)

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  2. Arthur Christmas is my favourite closely followed by The Muppets Christmas carol. Will link up those posts I couldn't do last time x

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  3. We buy TV times only once a yr too. I love all those films and we have to watch muppets christmas carol every christmas eve as a tradition!

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  4. Sorry I don't have anything this week but still popping over to say hi! I love Its a Wonderful Life too - though young kids would find that boring I'm sure!

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  5. I am exactly the same with the TV times, that is when I really know Christmas is coming!! Of course we end up watching Christmas programs well into February but still...! Love all your suggestions although haven't watched Home Alone for years and years, might have to dig it out!

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  6. I love all these films Claire! We watched the Nativity 2 on Sunday and I roared with laughter. They are so silly that they really make me smile! :) Miracle on 34th Street is my absolute Christmas favourite! Xxx

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  7. Brilliant round-up and just what I need as I start to get into the Christmas spirit, I also love Love Actually to watch whilst wrapping up presents :-) x

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  8. Ah some fab picks here, Miracle on 34th st is my fave Christmas films and I've just ordered the nativity and the snowman! Love a good Christmas flick :) xx

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