by ALISON LEVIER Section Editor
It is that time of year again; time for all the shopping, food, and not to mention family bonding time. What better way to spend time with your family than to curl up on the couch and watch a good Christmas movie? Here’s a list of which movies to watch on the 12 days of Christmas!
12. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Well, of course Charlie Brown, the ambassador of almost every major holiday under the sun, has to be on the list somewhere, and what better way to kick off the 12 nights than with adorable Peanuts?
11. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” – Perhaps some of the fondest memories of one’s Christmastime as a child are sitting in the living room, drinking hot chocolate, and watching Claymation Christmas movies with the family. Taking the cake for best Claymation is Rudolph, the story of the quirky yet absolutely lovable reindeer with a special talent.
10. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – This movie is a great way to remind the little ones what it is like to be on the naughty list, and how easy it can be to get off of it. The Grinch is like a big, green Scrooge, but while Scrooge mildly ruins Christmas, Grinch literally steals it.
9. “The Santa Clause” – The perfect way to remind everyone how important it is to be grateful for all you have, but without being horribly sappy, and managing to be absolutely hilarious. BONUS: If you start early, you can even squeeze in “The Santa Clause 2”! Do not bother watching “The Santa Clause 3”; you will just be setting yourself up for disappointment.
8. “It’s a Wonderful Life” – A beautiful story about love and seasonal joy, great to watch while cuddling with a significant other, or your dog.
7. “A Christmas Carol” (1951 version) – “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is pretty much the most famous Christmas story ever, so you obviously need to watch the movie version of it!
6. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – Hands down the funniest Christmas movie ever, “Christmas Vacation” is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again. It would be higher on the list, but with these kinds of lists, it is kind of an obligation to make the heartfelt movie number one.
5. “Home Alone” – The holiday movie that reminds us to be careful what you wish for, and whom you leave at home while you go to France.
4. “Home Alone 2” – My personal favorite of the Home Alone movies, “Home Alone 2” brings together a few of my favorite things – Christmas, New York, and hilariously stupid robbers that are always stumped by a 10-year-old. Oh, and when you are feeling down, just remind yourself you could have been left behind two years in a row, but you were not!
3. “Elf” – Will Ferrel, in an elf costume, running around New York singing loud for all to hear. Need I say more?
2. “A Christmas Story” – This movie features all the hilarity, cute little boys, and BB guns that the Christmas season needs.
1. “Miracle on 34th Street” – The perfect movie to watch on Christmas Eve, a time when family, love, and thankfulness are at a high point. A beautiful holiday movie to remind yourself what the holiday season is really about – love, family, giving thanks and giving back.