There was a point in my life where I was glued to the TV during the holidays to try to watch every Hallmark Christmas movie I could. Then, it hit me one day; they're all going to end the same. The single mom, who although is struggling financially, has impeccable style and a variety of peacoats and scarves, will end up with the handsome, kid-loving neighbor, just in time to have a picture perfect Christmas Eve. Oh, and it will snow. It always snows in the end.
There are a few Christmas movies that I do look forward to every year though. I'm going to travel through these movies Ebeneezer Scrooge style, and show you my favorites from the past, the present, and a few that I think we'll revisit in the future.
When I think of my favorite movie from the past; the movie I looked forward to every year...I think about Miracle on 34th Street. But, no, not the classic; the remake.
That movie came out in 1994, so technically I was a teenager and not a kid, but I do remember watching it when I was younger. I also really looked forward to Christmas specials on TV, which technically aren't movies, BUT I had to watch them when it came on, because we didn't have a DVR, kids. Also, it meant we didn't have to fire up the ol' VCR.
I really looked forward to A Garfield Christmas every year.
And, I still look forward to A Charlie Brown Christmas.
There are a few movies that we watch every year now, too. Our very, very favorite movie that we (as a family) set aside a whole night devoted to watching is...drum roll, please...Christmas with the Kranks. I know it's not a classic or anything, but it cracks me up every time we watch it, and it's definitely one of Kendall's favorites, too.
I cannot pick a favorite part of this movie; I love it all, but Kendall's favorite part is the frozen cat...
And, my husband's favorite part is the Hickory Honey Ham fiasco...
I guess, if I'm being honest, I love the happy, sappy ending. I would tell you all about it, but you have to watch the movie to see what happens (that was said in my best Reading Rainbow voice. Anyone get that reference?).
Polar Express is another movie that gets a whole night, too. It's a pajama, hot chocolate kind of night that we all look forward to. In fact, this year, we are actually boarding the Polar Express in Grapevine, Texas in a few weeks. We haven't told the kids yet, so I can't wait to see what they think of it!
Four Christmases is definitely not family friendly, but always seems to be on when I'm up late wrapping presents, so it's become of favorite of mine and Mark's. In fact, we quote it quiet often.
I don't know the future, and what new releases we may fall in love with, but I can tell you a few movies that my little kids haven't seen that I can't wait to introduce them to this year.
First up, Home Alone. I see a little Kevin McAllister in my son, so I may be a tiny bit nervous to introduce him to this character, but hey, I'm not planning on leaving him home alone, so I think we'll be fine.
I also see a little of fancy pants Eloise in my youngest daughter, so I have a feeling she is going to love Eloise at Christmastime for years to come.
Not to put a thorn in your mistletoe, but just in case you care, my very least favorite movie (and song...because as if it wasn't bad enough, it needed it's own song. I think there's even a book. Ugh!) is Christmas Shoes.
I'm not talking about the acting, or the story-line, or even the setting. No, I'm just talking about sadness. I don't want to watch a movie or hear a song about sadness. I just can't, there's enough sadness int he world, I don't need it for entertainment. Give me Hickory Honey Hams and children left at home alone, any day.
Are you interested in reading about more Christmas movies? I am linking up with my blog pals, Shelly and Katy for Spiel the Beans with the Queens. Be sure to check out their posts, too!