Flicks for an “Old-Fashioned Family Christmas”

Amy Lee

Staff Writer

The holidays can be a particularly tense time and it is easy to get caught up in accusing your siblings of being “cotton-headed ninny muggins.” I am a firm believer that a good movie can really assist in bringing the family together, even for 90 minutes of sharing some popcorn and Christmas cookies. However, I did not expect the hot debate over the best Christmas movie that ensued at Tay’s when I brought it up to my lunch table. Unexpectedly, simply choosing a movie to watch can turn into an argument! Despite potential disagreements, in the words of famous Christmas-loving movie dad, Clark Griswold, “Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” So, here are some safe bets that the whole family can enjoy:

“Elf” (2003)

While the concept of Will Ferrell running around New York City in an elf suit is questionable (and almost did not get made due to its unseriousness), “Elf” can undoubtedly make the whole family laugh out loud year after year. This flick is perfect if you are looking for something silly and light!

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)

Nothing captures the occasional chaos that occurs during family Christmas events like “Christmas Vacation.” The film’s quirkiness is what makes it relatable, making it one of the most classic Christmas movies of all time. 

“Home Alone” (1990)

“Home Alone” serves as a great reminder to not wish for your family to disappear, even if your cousin needs to “go easy on the Pepsi” and your brother’s tarantula kind of freaks you out. And if you cannot get enough of Kevin McCallister, the sequel holds up!

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)

While Jim Carey’s live-action version of the Grinch may scare some little viewers and the 2018 animated version may not be old enough to invoke sentimentality (yet), the 1966 version is perfect for a quick movie to put on while decorating the tree or wrapping gifts. 

“The Polar Express” (2004)

To the current generation of college students, “The Polar Express” is reminiscent of elementary school pajama days, hot chocolate in hand, surrounded by friends on the last day before Christmas break. You better believe that this movie holds so much nostalgia, and get on board for any plans to watch it!

These movies cannot fail when trying to stop your family from acting like a bunch of “filthy animals,” but this list is not exhaustive. In fact, it’s the films that foster family tradition that become the closest to our hearts. Every Christmas Eve, my mom and I wake up before everyone else in the house to watch the 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol,” starring Alastair Sim, in the quiet of the early morning. I have yet to come across any other current college student that shares this movie as one of their favorites, but to me, there is no other movie that feels more like an “old-fashioned family Christmas.”