My Top 11 Christmas Movies

By Ruth on November 10, 2013 in Christmas, Holidays, movies
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Well, Christmas is coming.  That’s right.  I’m sure you know that, but I thought I would do a Top 11 list.  I also needed a Christmas post for an upcoming giveaway, so this seemed like a good time.

Our family has always loved Christmas movies, and I thought I would list our top 11.  I’m not going to list Christmas specials–just movies that either appeared in the theatre, TV, or DVD.  So here’s my list.

11. Meet Me in St. Louis–This is one of my favorite Judy Garland films.  There is so much I know about this movie–behind the scenes.  I actually don’t regularly watch the film like I used to since I helped direct and choreograph it many years ago.  I actually grew tired of it.  But it certainly belongs on this list!

10.  Home Alone–I remember watching this the first time, and it became an iconic tradition.  It is a little far-fetched, but I must admit it still makes me laugh.

9.  Prancer–I love this film!  I was so happy for real Christmas songs being featured, and the true meaning of Christmas comes across.  The little girl is so cute, and I love Prancer–who wouldn’t?

8.  The Muppet Christmas Carol–I know, who would choose this one, right?  I love this version of this story, and Michael Caine gives a great rendition of Scrooge.

7. Elf–This is a more recent find.  We bought it last year, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.  If only we could all embrace Christmas like this.

6. Holiday Inn–Another nostalgic film starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby.  And featuring the most wondrous holiday songs by Irving Berlin.  This is where White  Christmas got its start, and it is thoroughly delightful.

5.  The Polar Express–An amazing visual celebration, and we all agree that it’s just not Christmas until we see this film.  And the music is phenomenal.

4.  A Christmas Carol–This is my earliest recollection of this story.  George C.  Scott played Scrooge like no one else.  And it is one of the most faithful retelling of the original story.

3.  The Christmas Shoes–Okay, I dare you to listen to this song without shedding a tear.  I had heard this song for years, but we only saw the film last year.  And I bawled!  What an amazing story.  And it stars Brad Paisley’s wife.  Same girl who was in Father of the Bride.

2.  White Christmas–This was one of my earliest musical memories.  I was introduced to Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen.  The music is Irving Berlin all the way, and the dancing is phenomenal.  The story makes practically no difference.  I watched this one so many times as I was growing up I have the script practically memorized.

1.  It’s a Wonderful Life–I don’t remember how old I was when this entered my world, but I was in love with it from the beginning.  It may have been the first James Stewart film I ever saw.  I never used to cry, but I do now.  This movie sometimes gets a bad wrap.  I love Clarence!!

There are other films I could put in, but these are the ones I selected.  I know I left off the iconic Christmas Story, but it has been a late addition to our Christmas films.  I have not fully embraced it yet.  Give me time.

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

13 Comments

  1. Sherry Compton November 26, 2013 Reply

    Christmas movies are touching, funny, and heartwarming. Our family loves watching them together. We are already talking about what we are going to start with. Thanks for the great list. It’s interesting to see what are people’s top ten and if they have kids movies on there too.

  2. md kennedy November 24, 2013 Reply

    I cannot believe you left our Christmas Story!!! I cannot go a few months without watching this, even in the Summer. And I always look for the 24 hour marathon showings during the holiday season!

  3. RANDY FULGHAM November 23, 2013 Reply

    I HAVE SEEN A FEW OF THESE MOIVIES -BUT WISHED I HAD THE COLLECTION FOR THE GRAND-KIDS….
    RANDY FULGHAM recently posted…http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pubid=eprizeaddthisMy Profile

  4. Alex Roach November 18, 2013 Reply

    It’s a wonderful life is one of my favorites too!

  5. Trish F November 17, 2013 Reply

    You have three of my most favorite Christmas movies of all time. It’s a Wonderful Life also is my all time favorite movie ever and I have to watch White Christmas and Holiday Inn every year. Thanks for the great list!

  6. megan vandeventer November 13, 2013 Reply

    Thank you for sharing these. If I order any, I will order through your links!
    megan vandeventer recently posted…Link your giveaway here 🙂My Profile

    • Author
      Ruth November 13, 2013 Reply

      Thank you for your support–it means a lot!

  7. Megan November 12, 2013 Reply

    Hey, Vincente Minelli! I didn’t realize (1) that you were still living and (2) that you had a blog!

    Kidding, kidding. 🙂 I’m assuming you directed/choreographed a stage version of Meet Me in St. Louis? I bet that was fun – it’s one of my favorites, too!

  8. LINDA B/HOTCHA1 November 12, 2013 Reply

    HI RUTH, THOSE ARE MY FAVORITES TOO AND I LOVE YOUR CANDLES.

    • Author
      Ruth November 12, 2013 Reply

      Linda,thank you. I had to think about what you meant by that.

  9. Alex Turpen November 12, 2013 Reply

    I love Christmas movies! We watch elf throughout he year. I have to say that my all time fave is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s just too funny 🙂

  10. Jamie November 12, 2013 Reply

    Some of those movies have so many memories – thanks for the list to add more!
    Jamie recently posted…Pumpkin Fall Decor – #TBCCrafters Hop 11/07/13My Profile

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