It’s the most wonderful time of year! The long-awaited month has finally arrived; lights are put up, stockings hung by the fire, and smells of gingerbread waft from the warm oven. Holiday movies are turned on as families cozy up by the fire with a bucket of popcorn. Most people have a few go-to Christmas movies they must watch every year, but you may be missing some lesser-known movies that are classics in their own right. Ring in the holiday spirit with some oldies, but goodies. These are my personal favorite, underrated (but still amazing!) Christmas movies you may have missed in years past, but should be sure to watch this season.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
“It’s a Wonderful Life” may be a popular movie among older generations, but many high school students have not even heard of it. This movie tells the story of George Bailey, a good-hearted man with a plethora of hardships. George’s life is shared through flashbacks, and viewers see how the early events of his childhood and teen years have led up to a pivotal moment on Christmas Eve. George feels that his failures have disappointed everyone he loves, and they would be better off without him. In order to end his life, George jumps from a bridge, only to be rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence. Through a series of events, Clarence reveals to George that his life really does matter. This movie is very uplifting and contains a positive message; it may be a tear-jerker, so be sure to get your tissues ready!
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
We all know and love “Home Alone”, but did you know that there is a sequel? Though not as renowned as the original, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” is a great movie. Taking place one year after he was left home alone during the holidays, Kevin McCallister and his family head to sunny Florida to spend Christmas break in a warmer climate. Plot twist: Kevin doesn’t make it to Florida. Once again, Kevin winds up separated from his family, but this time in New York, all alone, miles away from the rest of the McCallisters. It wouldn’t be “Home Alone” without the shenanigans of Harry and Marv, who are once again, hot on Kevin’s tail!
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This nostalgic, heartwarming film focuses on the biblical meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Charlie Brown has the Christmas blues. His friend Lucy suggests that he help direct the Christmas play to try to instill some Christmas spirit within him. Charlie takes her up on the offer, but the Peanuts gang makes fun of him for the small evergreen with sparse leaves that he chooses to be the Christmas tree. Getting all his friends to cooperate under his direction and come together to tell the story of Jesus’ birth proves to be far more difficult than Charlie imagined. The movie leaves the audience with a beautiful message that the holidays are not about the presents or the pretty lights, but rather the people we surround ourselves with and the love and kindness we share; something that captures the true meaning of the season!
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Luther Krank is fed up with Christmas costing thousands of dollars every year. With his daughter, Blair, being away for the holidays, Luther convinces his wife Nora to just skip Christmas altogether and go on a cruise. No lights decorate the Krank’s house, no tree is put up, no stockings are hung, and certainly no presents are wrapped – or bought! Despite being the outcasts of the neighborhood, the Kranks enjoy their no-Christmas Christmas, until their daughter calls on Christmas Eve to surprise them with the news that she is at the airport and will arrive home that night. Luther and Nora are thrown into a frenzy as they scramble to cover up their tracks and decorate their house for Christmas, and throw their annual Christmas Eve party before Blair returns home.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This film rendition of the classic Christmas song is sure to put a smile on your face! The movie starts on Christmas Eve, with school children heading outside to go play in the snow. Meanwhile, magician Professor Hinkle unsuccessfully performs a magic trick and loses his magic hat. Outside, the children make a snowman with a corn cob pipe, button nose, and two eyes made of coal. Coincidently, the Magician’s top hat is blown by the wind and caught by a student, Karen, who thinks it would make the perfect accessory for the snowman. When the hat is placed on the snowman the children deem “Frosty,” he magically comes to life! After a long day of play, Frosty worries he will melt, and the children decide he would be best off in the North Pole. The journey to get there won’t be easy, with evil Professor Hinkle trailing close behind to get his magic hat back and take Frosty away.
