The stockings are hung, the tree is gleaming and you’ve finally got the inflatable snowman up, but it is not officially Christmas until you have checked these holiday classics off of your list.
At this time of year, it’s practically impossible to turn on your TV without subjecting yourself to endless marathons of Christmas movies, but who’s complaining? Not us! Here are some of the greatest Christmas classics, so put that wrapping paper down and pick up that remote.
A Christmas Story
Who doesn’t love films chockfull of humiliating bunny outfits, a provocative leg lamp and kids being dared to lick the school flagpole? And yes, this is a Christmas movie.
For 9-year-old Ralphie, Christmas is approaching and he only wants one thing: a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB Gun. However, when your mother, teacher and Santa Claus himself advise against it you should probably listen, but you just can’t stop a kid from dreaming.
And just a word of advice: Mythbusters tested whether it was possible to truly get your tongue stuck on a piece of cold metal. Guess what? It is. So don't triple dog dare your best friend to try it.
Elf
The 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell as whimsical Buddy the Elf, Santa’s overgrown helper, has snuggled its way into our hearts and onto our list of Christmas favorites.
Buddy the Elf travels through the Candy Cane Forest to find his father, who is a bit of a Grinch, living in the Big Apple. It doesn’t take long, however, for this oversized elf to spread Christmas cheer.
Mythbusters has yet to test the best method for spreading Christmas cheer, but we’re pretty sure it’s because Buddy the Elf set the record straight: It’s singing loud for all to hear…and dousing spaghetti in maple syrup.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Despite bulb outages, intolerable in-laws, overly dry turkeys, charred Christmas trees, and a SWAT team, Clark Griswold is determined to have a happy holiday at home.
For anyone who has ever tried to have a Martha Stewart Christmas and had it end up a mammoth-sized catastrophe, take comfort in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. And always make sure to keep the cat away from the Christmas lights.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Even the bitter, grouchy, Who-hating Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, got into the Christmas spirit eventually. Even if it took disguising himself as Santa, stealing all of Whoville’s presents and almost destroying Christmas to lead him to the epiphany of all epiphanies.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is sure to steal your heart year after year because you’re never too old for this classic tale.
Home Alone
Left “home alone” by his nightmare of a family, Kevin McCallister celebrates his parental-free holiday like any other kid would…elaborately booby-trapping his house to catch a pair of burglars of course.
Whether you’re 5 or 75, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the adorable yet audacious Kevin McCallister played by Macaulay Culkin, who’s battle plan could impress a professional.
So don’t be a Scrooge this Christmas, and get into the holiday spirit with some of our favorite Christmas movies of all time! Check your local listing to find all of these great holiday movies.
