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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13 Comments
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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.
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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!
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I HAVE SEEN A FEW OF THESE MOIVIES -BUT WISHED I HAD THE COLLECTION FOR THE GRAND-KIDS….
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It’s a wonderful life is one of my favorites too!
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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!
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Thank you for sharing these. If I order any, I will order through your links!
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Thank you for your support–it means a lot!
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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!
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HI RUTH, THOSE ARE MY FAVORITES TOO AND I LOVE YOUR CANDLES.
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Linda,thank you. I had to think about what you meant by that.
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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 🙂
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Some of those movies have so many memories – thanks for the list to add more!
