By: Kelsey Aylor, co-editor-in-chief
December offers a respite for college students around the nation as they finish up the semester and head home for the holidays. Whether this season is your absolute favorite and you’re the kind of person to start listening to Christmas music and July, or if the holidays are hard for you, it’s a great time to sit back, relax and watch some holiday movies.
- Elf, 2003
Whether you love it or hate it, this iconic Will Ferrell comedy has gained immortal status for its irreverent and hilarious plot. Ferrell played a perfect Buddy the Elf as he searches for his long lost dad. Despite the many jokes, which sometimes verge on childish, this movie wonderfully displays the warm and giving spirit of Christmas time – as they say, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
- A Christmas Story, 1983
A cherished family tradition of mine is to watch TBS’ 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story. I remember being young and waking up at various points on the night of Christmas Eve/Christmas, only to see different hilarious scenes from the movie playing. Through Ralphie’s haphazard journey of getting a BB gun for Christmas, we see that, despite struggles such as getting kicked down a slide by Santa Claus or having the neighbors’ dogs eat your turkey, Christmas is a cherished time to spend with family.
- The Year Without a Santa Claus, 1974
The ultimate sing-along movie during the holidays, this stop motion film is by far one of the most impressive of its era. With infamous characters such as Mr. Heat Miser and Mr. Snow Miser, it’s impossible not to recognize this film and its many musical numbers. I don’t know about you, but watching the little girl cry during “Blue Christmas” gets me to this day.
- The Polar Express, 2004
As a kid, our class would always have a special day to read this story about lucky children selected to travel to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. So, when the movie came out, it served as the best excuse to put on some comfy pajamas, get some warm hot cocoa and settle down to watch the enduring and endearing belief in Santa Claus.
- Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000
Equal parts absurd and terrifying, this remake of the Christmas classic stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, a giant green grump who attempts to wreak havoc on the town of Whoville. Although Carrey’s performance was a bit too convincing to the point of being slightly disturbing for a younger audience (I had nightmares for weeks the first time I saw the movie), watching it as a college student brings back fond memories and awareness of some more subtle joke.
- Home Alone, 1990
Back when Macaulay Culkin was still cute/relevant, I think every kid wanted to be his friend – or at least the friend of his character in Home Alone, Kevin McCallister. With witty humor and entertaining slapstick, we all rooted for Kevin as he fought off would-be burglars. Spawning four sequels, this is the highest grossing Christmas movie of all time at the North American box office.
- Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, 1970
Another 70s era stop motion film, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town has been aired every year on ABC (or one of its sister channels) since its release in 1970. This film depicts the magical figure of Santa, before he was known as Santa. It follows Kris Kringle as he grows up and illegally delivers toys to children in a town led by the corrupt and oppressive Burgermeister. In this case, Santa is like the ultimate Robin Hood but for little kids.
- Love Actually, 2003
The most “grown up” movie on the list, Love Actually is a rom-com featuring an ensemble cast that goes through a multitude of seemingly separate love stories that are eventually shown to be interlinked. While you may root for some characters and then consider others downright despicable, the overarching message of the film is about love, and ends with a heartwarming montage of people being reunited at the airport.
- The Santa Clause, 1994
The first in a trilogy, this film features Tim Allen as an unwitting replacement for Santa Claus after causing the toy deliverer to fall off his roof. Although Allen’s character fights his new role, he comes to realize there’s no denying the weight gain, the beard and the naughty and nice lists he’s receiving. He comes to accept his new position, providing millions of children with Christmas spirit.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993
For those who might be less cheery about the holiday season, this Tim Burton stop- motion film may be perfect for you. With an addictive soundtrack, it follows the story of Jack Skellington as he goes from Halloween Town into Christmas and the zany antics that occur when he decides Halloween Town will be in charge of Christmas for the year.
