One of the holiday traditions we have this time of year is as soon as Thanksgiving comes, we start watching Christmas movies. It’s kind of like a count down until Christmas is here. And although I’m not going to recommend a movie per day for that count down, I would love to share with you some of our favorite must see Christmas movies.

Now of course before we unpack these Christmas favorites, there are some fun ways we can enjoy these movies whether it be with friends, family, coworkers, groups, or simply getting a little you time in.

1. Watch party (neighbors, friends, church groups, coworkers, girls night, your kids friends group)- create themed snacks and drinks, if including kids you could even include a fun craft or printing off coloring sheets for them, or even build gingerbread houses before or during the movie if having older kids. You could even start the evening with a game of bingo or pictionary with answers all theme related to the movie.
2. Giving Back Night (community groups, neighbors) but organize as a fundraiser (admission might be a donation of socks or a coat or blanket to the local homeless shelter and you’ll provide the movie and snacks) or get together and work on a project for a non-profit while watching the movie together (my mom and her friends used to get together to make robes and hats for breast cancer patients, so enjoying the movie and time together, while working on a project to help a non-profit)
3. Get it done night (just you, or watching with your kids or spouse, but if the achiever in you can’t just sit and You NEED to be doing something) - plan your menu for the next week or two, address your christmas cards and get them sent out (my kids and I do this during a movie - I address the cards, my daughter stuffs them, and my son seals with stamps and return addresses so we are working together to get it done all while enjoying a movie together too), or maybe even just wrapping Christmas presents (this is my go to every year).
4. Game Night - do you have those movies that your kids love to watch but you can’t bear to sit and see one more time? Invite another family over and while the kids are watching the movie, the adults can play board games. Perhaps even start with dinner so you have an all group activity before dividing into movie and games.

No matter how you approach it, be sure to set the scene:

• have plenty of warm blankets accessible, as well as pillows
• You might even encourage those watching with you to come in their jammies or wear their favorite sweater (if as a group you could even have a favorite Christmas sweater prize). Perhaps even give a little swag to each person of comfy socks to wear.
• then be sure to turn the lights down low (I love dimmer switches myself), or even have mood lighting of hanging twinkling lights, or just allowing the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and decor to be on, or if needed put night lights in the outlets, or a couple of well-placed lamps throughout the room, you could even have candles lit and safely placed about, or use diffusers with certain scents to help set the scene or the feel of the movie
• don’t forget to plug in that space heater, build or turn on the fireplace too - - you’re goal should be comfy cozy for ALL.

Now for those who struggle with taking TIME to sit and watch a movie - well, According to news outlet, Mirror, Watching Christmas movies can bring us some much-needed festive cheer, help reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and even when watched with someone else - can strengthen your relationship, including anyone from a love interest to a family member. So see, you are actually accomplishing much FOR your health and relationships when allowing yourself to kick your feet up, and enjoy the show.

So, what to watch: Well,

1. Our Family Fave, number one picks are: Christmas with the Cranks (this is a hilarious film that gets you laughing, and one our family can relate with as we LOVE to cruise, and even attempted a Christmas cruise once - key word being attempted.) and Elf (who doesn’t love buddy?!? I could watch this every day leading up to Christmas and have even seen it in theater too - love it!!)
2. Looking for the movie with the Best Quotes (Elf by the way does have it’s fair share), but hands down : Lampoons Christmas Vacation (now this does have two scenes that still today we as adults fast forward through - one in the mall, one when dreaming of a pool, but you are sure to be quoting this movie for years to come like “I don’t KNOW margo!”, or “bend over and let me show you”, or even when asking your kids around the table to say grace, don’t be surprised if they suddenly start saying the pledge of allegiance. Again, you’ll understand after watching this movie. You’ll also realize your relatives may not be so bad after another scensored quote in this film.
3. For an Every year Go-to as marathon days: Home Alone 1, 2 and 3; Santa Claus 1, 2 and 3 (festive, and full of family fun - all of these are done well and are sure to bring a smile to your face)
4. Want the Warm and Fuzzy feels?: Miracle on 34th street (the Disney 1994 not the older one - is your movie. From the peaceful music, the adorable little girl, and the sweet story line that leaves you cheering on and believing in the end - this is a movie with a little pure romance sprinkled in it too)
5. Because it IS a Christmas movie: Die Hard 2 (enough said - although probably not one to watch with children, I still haven’t let my 15 year old daughter watch this one - but it is a go-to for watching with my dad)
6. Want some Oldies but goodies: try Holiday Inn and White Christmas (ah, such sweet and innocent times - caution, Holiday Inn IS a black and white film= your welcome, but the dancing in both is spectacular and of course both may leave you feeling a little more patriotic too)
7. For something that Takes me back to my childhood I watch: The Best Christmas Pagent Ever (for those of you who are pastor’s families, or those who have ever had a child in a christmas pageant, or for you sunday school teachers out there - - - you’ll be sure to appreciate this film for sure! and it’s a short one, I think it’s less than an hour?)
8. Last, but not least, for those times when you Need more movies or perhaps you are watching with the Kids but maybe you are multitasking so not fully watching- aka don’t really care what’s on): Jingle all the way, Deck the Halls (2006 with Danny Divito), and the Grinch are good ones. I’m sure there is a time or two us parents can relate with the task of finding that MUST HAVE present as in Jingle all the way, we’ve probably been witness to without knowing it of some Deck the Halls christmas light battles, and the Grinch - well, it’s just a classic in a way.

Yes, I realize there are more out there and I am positive that you are wondering why one specific movie didn’t make my list, ok, there are probably two or three specific movies that my not mentioning them is driving you crazy. I’d welcome you to connect with me over on facebook @hollyshighlights or on instagram @hollycurby and share with me your favorite Christmas movies. Let’s see which missing movie wins, the bb gun, the train, or the bell giving angels it’s wings. ha!

Others of you might be wondering where to find all of these movies, well try your streaming services of Netflix, Hulu, DisneyPlus, Amazon, Redbox, but also your local libraries have quite a selection. Still can’t find what you are looking for? Ask a friend, neighbor, people at church or work or school - hello, even post something on your social media page. You’ll find them.

Whatever you decide to watch this time of year - may you and yours have a merry christmas to all, and to all a wonderful movie watching night.