The holidays are my favorite time of year, and they always have been. But since having my daughter? My love for Christmas just increased tenfold. There’s nothing like seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child, as cheesy as it may sound, and that includes movies. There are just certain films everyone needs in their collection of holiday movies and here are my picks.
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1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Fun for kids (and adults) of any age, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday must. There’s nothing like the vintage animation and humor that comes with a Charles Schulz production, and this is no exception. There are few films that match the tradition of this one (and even fewer that recite the Christmas story from Luke 2) and it’s short enough that almost any family member can mange to sit through the whole thing.
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2. The Polar Express
All aboard this magical train to the North Pole! This Tom Hanks production is based off the winter classic book and does not disappoint. Follow a young boy on the magical journey of a lifetime as he waits to make his Christmas wish. This will keep your kids on the edge of their seat until the Polar Express pulls into the station.
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3. A Christmas Story
When it comes to holiday classics, A Christmas Story tops the list. Follow Ralphie as he makes his case to family and Santa for his coveted Red Rider BB Gun- his #1 gift choice for Christmas. Set in the 1950’s, you’ll get a laugh out of following some of the cultural humor, and finally understand what that leg lamp is all about. This movie is probably best for kids at least 7 years and older.
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4. Home Alone (and Home Alone 2)
KEVIN! The Home Alone franchise (just the first two films) are holiday classics. While you do not need to watch for some nuanced adult humor, kids usually get a kick out of Kevin’s antics as he tries to survive on his own after his parents leave him behind during the holiday vacations (on accident, of course). These are an absolute favorite in our house!
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5. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Mickey’s Christmas Carol is a holiday fav because it’s a Disneyfied version of the classic novel by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Kids probably won’t realize they’re watching a famous story being told as they enjoy new takes on Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, in the way Disney does best.
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6. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
The cartoon version of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale is a must for kids of all ages. There’s nothing like watching the true magic of Christmas transform a heart as small and broken as the Grinch’s. You can’t beat the timeless animation and the famous music!