5 favorite Christmas movies in the Todd household
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It’s that time of year again. Hot cocoa. Popcorn. Way too many sugar cookies. Snuggling up on the couch with your loved ones and watching a timeless Christmas classic. Y’all might go Christmas caroling. You might have made Black Friday shopping your family tradition. Or build gingerbread houses. Or gather round the Advent wreath and read family Advent devotions.
Not us.*
We watch Christmas movies. Let’s be honest here – does this really surprise you? It shouldn’t. It really shouldn’t.
I’ve compiled a list of our family’s favorite festive flicks. This list does not include TV Christmas specials, like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and other Christmas television classics. That should probably be another list for another time. This definitive list is our favorite feature-length films.
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story has been an annual tradition for me since I was in college. Like many people, I owe this to TBS. I was wrapping presents in my room late one Christmas Eve and I stumbled upon this pretty hilarious Christmas story told through the eyes of young Ralphie (via the lens of an older Ralphie). I introduced it to mom, dad, and my brother. And we’ve been mispronouncing “fragile,” triple-dog-daring each other, and eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve ever since.
And all is right in the world.
It’s a Wonderful Life
OK. The angelology is pretty off. Its theology is probably wrong, too. But if you don’t like It’s a Wonderful Life, there’s something wrong with you. The American Film Institute lists this film as one of the best movies of all time. If you don’t like this masterpiece, you might not have a soul. And if it turns out that you do have a soul, it’s probably pitch-black. Like Mr. Potter’s heart.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
While Christy and I have seen this several times, it’s new to the rest of our brood. Sure, there’s a few awkward moments, but that’s not unlike many extended family gatherings. Am I right?
Seriously, I’m not sure whether I was proud or disappointed at my parenting skills when Aly shared that some of the story felt like it was based off of our family. I asked her who our Cousin Eddie would be. That’s going to stay between us, though.
White Christmas
A tale of friendship, loyalty, and maybe even a little bit of romance. And that Sisters song will get stuck in your head for days. It also has some pretty amazing dance numbers, including Bing Crosby tap dancing with Danny…Kaye.
We’ve already watched White Christmas twice this year.
Home Alone
Kevin, the Wet Bandits, and a home defense system that every kid wants to emulate. Never mind the fact that the Illinois DCFS probably should have gotten involved somewhere along the way. It’s a must-see Christmas movie, for sure!
Honorable Mention
There are two Christmas movies that I believe are worthy of honorable mention. They didn’t make the list because one of them is a bit divisive in our house. The other is a victim of limited viewing.
Elf
I have to admit, I did not like Elf when I first saw it. Half of our family loves the movie, though. And it’s worn on me a little bit. I don’t think it’ll ever elevate to the level of It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story, but it’s…tolerable. Others in our house hate the movie and that will probably never change. Because of the split-decision for Elf, it will really only ever receive Honorable Mention in our house. Sorry, Aiden.
Christmas Chronicles
I haven’t watched this Netflix Christmas movie. But Mihret has. Several times. She loves it. But one person loving a movie isn’t enough to add it to the Todd Must-see Christmas Movie List. Sorry, kiddo.
I know there are other family favorites. Many people like Polar Express. Others like The Muppet Christmas Carol. Or something else.
That’s OK. They’re allowed to have their own traditions. I guess. And you’re allowed to disagree with us. Except when it comes to It’s a Wonderful Life. Like I said, even the American Film Institute agrees with us.
* We’ve tried most of these things. And I’m even writing my own Advent devotion. Of course, I’ve been writing it for a few years. It’ll be ready for the world to see someday. Hopefully 2019 is the year. Or not. Who knows?
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