Happy Holidays from the Threefold Advocate as we approach finals week and the start of our holiday break! Here is a list of delightful and fun movies to watch this season with friends, family or even by yourself wrapped up in some warm blankets and a hot cup of cocoa.
Christmas within and outside the Christian Tradition has always centered around joy, hope and giving. It is a time that reflects and celebrates the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ and a time that encourages us to share that hope and joy with all those who surround us. No matter where one comes from, the Christmas season should fill all with love and peace. In our time of waiting before Christmas, during Advent, we experience longing for peace, hope and love, things that can be drowned out easily in our current chaotic world.
Christmas movies, however, can bring together our longing for hope and the celebration of it, with many of them displaying the hardships of life and finding things within one’s hardships to celebrate and be grateful for. A good Christmas movie should remind us to find the goodness in our lives, find hope within it through our Lord and share that hope with others.
Now, listed beneath is a collection of movies that will remind you of what Christmas is about and bring a little joy and life into your holiday spirits.
Klaus (2019)
A beautiful, animated kids movie from Netflix. This movie is a fun, lighthearted new take on the origins of Santa Claus. It follows the story of a spoiled postman trying to work his way back home in a town that never sends letters. “Klaus” is a sweet and charming story filled with sarcasm and empathy. Its hand-drawn animations will make this movie an instant classic that everyone will love.
Home Alone (1990)
A holiday classic about a child who is left home alone by mistake for Christmas. The story follows young Kevin McCallister who must protect his home from burglars who are attempting to rob the neighborhood. “Home Alone” is known for its hilarious slapstick humor and iconic quotes, but besides its comedy, this movie is a touching reflection on how important family is despite their flaws (which is kind of ironic for a family that leaves their son behind).
Elf (2003)
A movie about a human elf from the North Pole searching for his father. This movie is also a comedy, and also known for its iconic references, like “Bye, Buddy. Hope you find your dad” or the four main food groups of the North Pole. Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, this movie is an instant laugh for your family. But like “Home Alone”, underneath the laughs and giggles is the sweet message of the importance of family, love and the Spirit of Giving.
The Polar Express (2004)
“The Polar Express”. A beautiful and arguably haunting movie about belief. Though this movie focuses on children’s journey to the North Pole and meeting Santa Clause on Christmas Eve, the lessons learned from each child about the nature of gifts and giving and what belief looks like are lessons we regularly need to be reminded of. Along with those lessons learned, “The Polar Express” is a movie full of adventure and mystery. It’s a perfect movie to drink hot cocoa too and if we are being honest, who hasn’t ever dreamed of riding the Polar Express?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
A bit unorthodox option to watch this season is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. Though it’s not technically a Christmas movie, it has one of the most beautiful Christmas scenes in film. With a beautiful Christmas theme by John Williams and snow all over the Castle of Hogwarts, it is one of the most enchanting scenes to watch in all film. But not only is the set design or the music beautiful about this film, the whole film is the story of a neglected young boy finding a real home and a real family at school. His first Christmas at the school is so special because for the first time in his life, Harry Potter gets to experience love and gifts from people who care about him. Seeing him experience such a blessing is a beautiful and touching highlight of this film.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Next here is another Christmas classic with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. A short but beloved film by all. A movie that focuses all on the meaning of Christmas. One of the highlights of this film is Linus’s speech answering the question of the meaning of Christmas. In this speech, Linus tells the story of Christ’s birth and how the angels told the people to share the good news, which is something we are called to do in our own lives and is something especially present during the Christmas season.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This movie is a very joyful film, full of friendship, with beautiful gospel and jazz inspired music that will have friends and family dancing to the beat. “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is a story about a young girl who brings a hope and inspiration to her toymaker grandfather after he experiences betrayal from a trusted friend. This movie highlights the power of family and of friendship and the importance of hope to fuel us to do great things for others.
White Christmas (1954)
An absolute Christmas classic, “White Christmas” is one of the most incredible Christmas movies made. The choreography, the music, the enchanting voice of crooner, Bing Crosby and the comedy icon Danny Kaye make this film one of the most loved old Hollywood classics. A beautiful story about giving and friendship, “White Christmas” follows the story of two old army men turned musical entertainers that host their show in an inn to bring about more customers for their old general. A story filled with heart, hardship and growing relationships make this a beautiful film to watch over and over again.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Another slightly unorthodox Christmas film, but one worth watching all the same, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”. An incredibly beautiful film with an enchanting story about four siblings who find a whole world within a wardrobe and learn many of life’s most important lessons, like love, sacrifice, hope and redemption. Based on C. S. Lewis’s book of the same name, this story teaches us the importance and nature of love and sacrifice primarily through the example of Aslan, the Lion, who represents Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful story set during the cold winter of the White Witch, and like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” is a stunningly filmed movie that gives off all the winter feels. (Spoiler Alert) Not to mention Saint Nicolas who comes and gives gifts to the children later in the movie that will help them on their journey. It is a wonderful film and definitely worth watching this Christmas Season.
Die Hard (1988)
Lastly, we have “Die Hard”. Not as family friendly, but still a fun watch for the holidays if you want some thrilling action set during the Christmas season. At a Christmas party, an NYPD cop is the only hope to save his wife and her colleagues after being taken hostage by terrorists. Thematically, this movie centers on family and reconciliation and is the main drive and motivator for the main character. Many people find John McClane’s perseverance through hardship and his goal of reconciliation an encouraging Christmas watch despite its focus on action and adrenaline.
Have a wonderful Christmas season and a joyful New Year! Merry Christmas!
Photo Courtesy of Joshua Herrera on Unsplash
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