My husband and I grew up with different Christmas traditions, but we’ve combined them to get the best of both worlds — we watch “The Santa Clause” on Christmas Eve and “A Muppet Christmas Carol” on Christmas Day while we open presents. There are so many streaming services with family-friendly holiday movies and specials, making it so easy to spend this festive season revisiting the tried-and-true classic holiday movies!
“Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”
I recently saw a meme that said that Macaulay Culkin is now older than Catherine O’Hara was when she played his mother in the first movie. We love these movies all year round — and finding “traps” around our house for bad guys never gets old!
“Elf”
“Elf” is so fun for adults and kids. Don’t be a “cotton-headed ninny muggins” — if you haven’t seen this movie, now is the time!
“Babes in Toyland”
This throwback stars Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, and Mr. Miyagi. Not only does Keanu sing, he’ll teach the whole family how to spell Cincinnati!
“The Santa Clause”
Technically, there are three in this series, but my personal opinion is that the first two are better than the third. I can’t take the third off the list, though, because Martin Short as an evil Jack Frost is something you can’t miss.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
All three versions of this timeless Dr. Seuss tale make my list. The original is a classic, but the remakes are both fun interpretations. And you can’t go wrong with, “Where Are You Christmas?” on your holiday playlist.
“Frosty the Snowman”
This 1969 animated tale hasn’t really been rebooted, and I hope it stays that way.
“Krampus”
OK, this one might not be for the kids but it’s a horror movie about Krampus, Santa’s counterpart who helps handle the children on the naughty list.
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
This claymation special took 18 months to make in Japan according to MeTv.com and was originally made for a department store.
“A Muppet Christmas Carol”
There are many versions of “A Christmas Carol,” but this one is my favorite. Kermit as Bob Cratchet and Gonzo as Charles Dickens? It’s joy on the screen.
“The Polar Express”
I’ve mentioned our family tradition of elves in our home before, and part of their arrival includes the delivery of our matching Christmas PJs and a family viewing of “The Polar Express” while we sip hot chocolate.
“The Nutcracker Prince”
I owned this one on VHS. Anne of Greene Gables herself, Megan Follows, voices Clara. And her Nutcracker Prince? None other than Jack Bower, aka Kiefer Sutherland.
“Christmas Vacation”
In a scenario when anything that could go wrong will go wrong, you won’t carve your holiday meal or count your Christmas lights without thinking about Clark Griswold.
