The holiday season is a wonderful time for a lot of reasons. It's a time to gather close to your loved ones, to give and receive gifts, and to be warm and cozy together (or to be breezy and cozy at some far-flung tropical locale).
If you're a big cinemaholic like my son and I are, the holiday season is also a great time for movies! While there are always plenty being released this time of the year, there are also many movies from years past that are wonderful to watch again and again.
Here are a few movies that my son and I always watch this time of the year.
'Love Actually'
If I had to pick one holiday movie that is hands down my favorite, it would be Love Actually. This has been true since the first time I saw it back in 2003, and it will probably be true for the rest of my life. Up until this year, the rule was that we watched this movie on Christmas Day — and only on Christmas Day. However, things have changed around in our lives, so in 2021 I'll be watching this with my son the week before Christmas instead.
Why we love it: It's British, it's sweet, Hugh Grant is endearing, and the movie is just a delightful experience the entire time.
Things to be aware of: mild language, nudity.
'Home Alone' (1 to 4)
Did you know there are four Home Alone movies? Well, friends, this is the year that I found out there were. I already knew about Home Alone 1, 2, and 3 (the third one is skippable but not if you're my kid!), but this year we added the Disney+ movie Home Sweet Home Alone to the mix (and it's not bad — really).
Why we love it: They're classics! Moira Rose! Snow!
Things to be aware of: mild language, potentially scary bad guys.
'When Harry Met Sally'
Listen, I know When Harry Met Sally doesn't spring to mind when someone says Christmas movie to most of you, but to me it is 100% A-OK to call it like I see it. Christmas is a major part of this movie all throughout it, and it's even a minor part of the parts it's not a major part of (did you enjoy that tongue twister?). Plus, it just has a lot of feel-good parts that are really fun to share.
Why we love it: Carrie Fisher! Witty banter. Love stories!
Things to be aware of: mild language, suggestive scenes, that one time Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm.
'Doctor Zhivago'
Doctor Zhivago is another movie that I always watch with my son this time of the year (despite his deep and frequent protesting) because Christmas happens during it, plus they're in Russia and there's a lot of snow. I love this story a lot and feel like it's OK to make your kids sit through almost four hours of a love story once a year in the name of a holiday you only celebrate secularly. Character growth!
Why we love it: Revolution is in the air!
Things to be aware of: Um, revolution is in the air?
'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' (2018)
Of all the Grinch iterations, the 2018 version is the one my son and I like the best. We are both big fans because (a) we love the animation, (b) the Grinch is very nice to his dog in this one, (c) nothing feels too forced or over the top, and (d) the movie is both slap-your-knee funny and OMG-I-might-cry emotional.
Why we love it: It makes us feel, and it's merry and bright.
Things to be aware of: I don't think there are any flags! It's a wonderful movie.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
I will always have a spot for all the Charlie Brown holiday specials, so it's not a surprise that this one always makes the cut. I've been watching it with my son every year of his life, and hopefully it's one he will always have a soft spot for, too.
Why we love it: The story is sweet and pure.
Things to be aware of: Lucy might come off a little hard core this day and age, and boy, do you have to suspend your disbelief when it comes to the parents (where are they?).
All the 'Harry Potter' Movies (1 to 8)
My boyfriend and I took my son to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in theaters when it was rereleased for the 20th anniversary this year, and we were delighted to be reminded that there is a very prominent Christmas scene in the movie, thus making it an acceptable Christmas film. I'm pretty sure Christmas happens in nearly all of the movies, with the possible and probable exception of the final one.
Why we love it: It's Harry Potter. That is enough.
Things to be aware of: J.K. Rowling remains disappointing.
