I have a BIG confession. Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I have a BIGGER confession. I don’t like most Christmas movies. However, over the years as the mother of four now grown children and five grandchildren I have had to succumb to several children’s Christmas movies. I see more of these movies in my not too distant future with the addition of a great grandson last August and the pending arrival of another grandson in May 2016. You know what I’ve decided? Kid’s holiday movies (any holiday movies with kids in mind) are usually a lot more entertaining than those for adults. That being said, here is a list of my favorite Christmas movies, not in order of preference. So bake some cookies, pop some popcorn, make some hot cocoa and top with mini-marshmallows and sit back to enjoy a little Christmas Cheer. (After the kiddies go to bed feel free to open a nice bottle of wine and watch again. You’ll get an entirely new perspective!) Mazel tov.
- “Home Alone” An 8-year old troublemaker must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation. Director:Chris Columbus Writer: John Hughes Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
“The Muppets Christmas Carol” The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. Director: Brian Henson | Stars: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept. Director: Henry Selick Writers: Tim Burton (based on: a story and characters by), Michael McDowell (adaptation) Stars: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
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“The Santa Clause” When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. Director: John Pasquin| Stars: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson,Eric Lloyd
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“Prancer” A farm girl nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa’s, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas. Her holiday spirit inspires those around her, something her disheartened father is having trouble understanding. Director: John D. Hancock(as John Hancock) Writer: Greg Taylor Stars: Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman, Rutanya Alda
“Miracle on 34th Street” When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
Director: George Seaton Writers: George Seaton (written for the screen by), Valentine Davies (story) Stars: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne
“Gremlins” A boy inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. Director: Joe Dante Writer: Chris Columbus Stars: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
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“The Polar Express” A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Director: Robert Zemeckis Writers: Chris Van Allsburg(book), Robert Zemeckis (screenplay) Stars: Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter
“Jingle All the Way” A father vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas, however, every store is sold out of them, and he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else in order to find one. Director: Brian Levant Writer: Randy Kornfield Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman
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“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town.
Director: Ron Howard Writers: Dr. Seuss (book), Jeffrey Price (screenplay) Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Kelley the Dog
Honorable Mention
“Home Alone 2” One year after Kevin was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself in New York City, and the same criminals are not far behind. Director: Chris Columbus Writers: John Hughes (characters), John Hughes Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Between the Beats 