Added by Alyssa

on 31 Jan 2010 10:38

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Christmas Movies I'd make my children watch

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Showing 18 items

669

7.4

1. A Christmas Story (1983)

This is the ultimate Christmas classic!

Alyssa's rating:

303

7.6

6.8

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1992)

I prefer this version to the Jim Carrey one and I would hope to embed that in my kids.

Alyssa's rating:

1630

8.2

8.7

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Again another holiday classic

Alyssa's rating:

646

7.5

4. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

I saw this version of the Christmas Carol before any other movie version. Of course I'd take them to see the stage version first, but that's not an option here.

Alyssa's rating:

4035

7.8

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

I never really watched this during the Christmas season but watching it right after Halloween seems to ignite some holiday spirit which I'm sure little kids would like. Also I would really like it if my kids enjoyed Tim Burton films.

Alyssa's rating:

167

7.4

7.3

6. White Christmas (1954)

Although I didn't really enjoy this movie as a kid I like to think it helped me develop an appreciation for classic films from the 1950s era. I should think it might do the same for my nonexistent children.

Alyssa's rating:

790

6.8

7.4

7. Christmas Vacation (1989)

Makes me laugh every time I see it.

Alyssa's rating:

5714

6.7

7.3

8. Home Alone (1990)

I think I have an attachment to this because I always hated my family and it was intriguing to think about what would happen if they just all "disappeared".

Alyssa's rating:

3880

5.9

6.2

9. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

I'm sure my kids would want to see the sequel if they knew it existed.

Alyssa's rating:

3373

7.1

7.7

10. Love Actually (2003)

Heart-warming, feel-good movie that is overwhelmingly appropriate for the holiday season.

Alyssa's rating:

1567

6.8

11. Elf (2003)

Because I enjoy this film, even though I didn't grow-up watching it. I'm sure kids would love it.

Alyssa's rating:

316

7.6

7.8

12. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

again, my attempt to morph my children into developing an appreciation for the classic Hollywood films.

7.1

7.4

13. Holiday Inn (1942)

I like the music in this one.

Alyssa's rating:

1556

6.1

6.5

14. The Polar Express (2004)

Not the greatest film- kind of creepy animation, but when I was in elementary school my teachers would read this to my class every year the day before winter break. For the sake of my love for the story, I'd want my kids to see the film version.

Alyssa's rating:

6.8

6.7

15. Frosty the Snowman (1954)

NOT THIS 1954 VERSION but the "Frosty the Snowman" 1969 TV Special by Rankin/Bass. I couldn't figure out how to add TV specials to a Movie/Film list; for some reason Listal wouldn't let me.

I love that this cartoon is true to the song lyrics with a little extra conflict and background story. I like that it's short and sweet.

6.8

16. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! (1982)

NOT THIS 1982 VERSION but the "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" 1970 TV Special Version by Rankin/Bass.

This is a great one to reinforce the belief of Santa Claus and (a purely fictional explanation of) how he came to be the legend he is today. Not to mention I really like the stop-motion animation of this film.

6.3

4.7

17. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island ... (2001)

NOT THIS VERSION BUT the TV special from 1964 by Rankin/Bass.

This one is just timeless.

Alyssa's rating:

7.6

7.1

18. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)

NOT THIS MOVIE but "A Charlie Brown Christmas" 1965 TV Special.

This one is also another timeless classic in that it's for those who don't really like the holidays and captures the conflict between the "real meaning of christmas" and the consumerist version of the "point of Christmas". Also I would need my children to grow-up knowing who Charlie Brown is.

These are some of my favorite holiday classics that I loved watching as a kid and even nowadays. I don't ever plan on having children but if I did I'd make them watch these movies at least for a few christmas'.

Also, this is my time making one of these so I don't know how to add TV specials to a Movie list, so Listal wouldn't let me add the last 4 films but they are nonetheless essential to this list.