Family, Santa Claus, and winter weather are just some of my favorite things about watching Christmas movies. We have entered the time of year when the best holiday classics are running on a loop on almost every TV station. I could go on for days about my list of favorites, so I’ll keep this brief. Here are the best movies to watch to get you into the holiday spirit in no particular order.
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The Kid Who Loved Christmas (1990) – This may not be a well known one, but it has been mine and my mother’s favorite since I was a child. It tells the story of a musician fighting to be able to adopt a young boy after the death of his wife. Cicely Tyson, Esther Rolle, Della Reese, Sammy Davis Jr., and Vanessa Williams are a part of the great cast. It’s a classic for me, and if you’ve never seen or heard of it, do yourself a favor and check it out.
The Santa Clause (1994) – I’m sure most people have seen this one. Scott Calvin played by Tim Allen, becomes Santa Clause after the real one falls off his roof on Christmas Eve. Aside from Santa Clause dying in the beginning, this is a good family movie. Over the next year, Calvin starts gaining weight, turning grey and spending time at the North Pole. Of course, no one other than his son believes that he is Santa Clause, but they take on the task of making sure the next Christmas happens.
A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000) – Possibly another hidden Christmas gem, this one’s a take on the original “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Vanessa Williams plays an egotistical music star who eventually has to be taken down a few notches. She’s visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The best parts of this movie are the songs. If you watch it, you’ll definitely be singing “Heartquake” and “Sleigh Ride” when you’re done.
The Preachers Wife (1996) – This film stars Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Jenifer Lewis – need I say more? My holiday season is not complete If I don’t watch this one. If you’re bold enough to watch it with me, be prepared to hear me sing every single song. Fun fact, The Preacher’s Wife is actually a reboot of the 1947 film The Bishop’s Wife. Courtney Vance plays a pastor who begins to question his effectiveness within his community. While appearing to put his family on the backburner, he gets help from an angel named Dudley played by Denzel Washington. As the pastor is busy trying to help everyone else, his wife (Houston) and Dudley begin to spend an alarming amount of time together. Great cast, amazing soundtrack, and beautiful story.
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Elf (2003) – For me, Christmas isn’t Christmas without it. I have always been a huge Will Ferrell fan, so this is one I can watch any time of year. Buddy grew up with the elves in the North Pole after he crawled into Santa Clause’s bag as a baby. Despite his towering over the other elves, It isn’t until he is an adult he learns that he is actually a human and was given up for adoption by his parents as a baby. Buddy decides to leave the North Pole and go to New York to find his father after finding out his younger brother has been put on Santa’s Naughty List. With Will Ferrell, you know the laughs and antics are going to be nonstop.
Let’s chat! What’s your favorite Christmas movie of all time? Leave a comment below.
