What better way to get into the Christmas spirit then to put on a Christmas movie. The team are sharing their all-time favourite Christmas films in this blog.
Fran – Nativity
Now we have covered our favourite Christmas songs, next in line is Christmas movies. ‘Nativity!’ is very popular amongst the younger generation, and I am no exception. Although the concept of primary school kids putting on a performance for parents isn’t the most audacious storyline, it’s the reality for a lot of people!
But regardless of whether you can relate to it or not, it remains a warm watch for all ages. The innocent, feel-good sentiment of the film has me checking Netflix every December in hope of its return. And I’m only talking about the first ‘Nativity!’. Personally, I don’t think the later films capture the simple realisms of Christmas as a child quite like the original does.
Dave – Scrooged
It has already been on telly this year in the run-up to Christmas and Scrooged immediately put me in the mood for Christmas. In its day, 1988, it was simply a modern spin of the timeless Scrooge redemption story we all grew up with, but framed in the lens of greed and consumerism.
The message is as relevant today as it was when Dickens crafted the original. Bill Murray was perfect in the role, able to bring a new level of sarcasm to his caustic delivery, which when combined with the absurd, slapstick comedic elements, makes it a film with something for everyone.
This version of the classic tale is loud and brash, but above all very, very funny, even if it now appears a little dated. Visually it is stunning and Murray carries the whole story along at a rollicking pace. He is by turns, annoying, unpleasant, sweet, lumpy and finally redeemed, so if you never seen it, please make the effort and thank me later.
Jess – The Muppets Christmas Carol
There are over 30 film adaptations of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens but by far The Muppets Christmas Carol is the only one you should be watching.
A classic story being told by Gonzo as Charles Dickens, there’s an incredible musical soundtrack, and Michael Caine somehow maintaining an insanely serious Ebenezer Scrooge while bossing around at the much-loved Kermit the Frog (who plays Bob Cratchit), it’s one of the best films to get me in the Christmas spirit. I normally tuck myself into bed on Christmas eve with a glass of something fizzy and a chocolate orange and put this on, I might treat myself to watching it a few times this year!
Laura – Holiday Inn
In our house we start watching Christmas films in November (many eyerolls from my husband), just so me and the kids are sure to watch all the favourites before it is too late. Regulars on our little screen are Elf, Polar Express, Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone but my personal favourite is the 1942 classic Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. I just love the music, dancing and 1940’s fashions. My childhood was filled with watching all the golden oldies, so it is not surprising that this one tops the bill. Holiday Inn holds a special place in my heart as it was the one my children had no interest in watching growing up so I always saved it for when I was alone wrapping their Christmas presents, thinking of how excited they will be when they open them.
Ben – Doctor Who Christmas Special
Way back in 2005, the TARDIS crashed landed in London and David Tennant burst into our screens (after about 30 minutes of sleeping) as the new Doctor in Doctor Who. The killer robot Santas and deadly spinning Christmas tree were a fun Whovian take on Christmas, and on that day the tradition of the Doctor Who Christmas special was born. A highlight of the day, after Christmas dinner when even the family who’d never seen Doctor Who would sit down and watch it together.
We enjoyed thirteen Christmas specials every year, until Chris Chibnall took over and decided we should have the special on New Year’s Day instead – a decision that made logical sense, but upset many Whovians. But now Russell T Davies (I’m throwing these names out like you’re going to know who they are!) is back in charge and the Christmas specials are back! Marking Ncuti Gatwa’s first full episode as the Doctor, and being made with a whopping new budget courtesy of Disney, the special is set to be an exciting watch on Christmas Day. So, whether you’re a Doctor Who fan or not, this year you should don your fez, grab your jelly babies and enjoy the first Doctor Who Christmas special in six years!
Eve – The Snowman and the Snowdog
Pre-children, I would have almost certainly cited the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street as my all-time favourite Christmas film, as I genuinely believe that you’d be hard-pushed to ever find a more authentic and believable Santa Claus as the legendary Sir Richard Attenborough (RIP). It was, and still is, a film guaranteed to make me laugh out loud, sob uncontrollably, and warm my cockles. But that was before I had kids…
These days, I would have to say that The Snowman and the Snowdog, the 2012 follow-up to Raymond Brigg’s classic, is the most watched festive film in our house. I love it for a few reasons. When my eldest was tiny he would watch it on repeat. “Snowdog! Snowdog!” would be demanded almost hourly, and we’d snuggle up under a blanket and watch it. Again. And again. And again. He’s bigger now, but the memories of those times are still so precious to me, and I’ll never miss an opportunity to scoop up both my kids and try to recapture those feelings.
Secondly, it’s the poor, aging dog at the start of the film, who looks exactly like my old mutt, Steve, who sadly is no longer with us. The film’s dog, SPOLIER ALERT, unfortunately, doesn’t make it much past the opening sequence (ouch), leading to a lost, lonely owner (hello me), who goes on to have his heart healed by the kindness of Santa, the eponymous snowman, and his snow dog, who – EVEN BIGGER SPOILER – is bought to life through the magic of Christmas and the spirit of kindness and giving! I mean, how lovely is that?! The snowman still cops it, of course. BUT, unlike the original film, when you thought that he was a goner forever, at least this time you know he could come back again, for the right child, at the right time. Giving us all a glimmer of hope. And if that doesn’t thaw a none-festive heart, I’m not sure what will!
Matt – Home Alone
Choosing a favourite Christmas film can be difficult for a number of reasons. There are some that create a strong sense of nostalgia and others that are generally just good quality films, all things considered. Perhaps it’s a bit cliché, but Home Alone 1&2 are definitely in the top tier for me personally – I don’t think it could feel like Christmas without a couple of viewings of each. I’ve also got a lot of time for Jingle All The Way and Elf – couldn’t resist throwing a couple of extra names out there too!
Jamie – Jingle All the Way
My favourite Christmas film is Jingle All the Way. I first watched it when I was a kid and have been watching it at Christmas for the past few years. The film is about a busy businessman (Arnold Schwarzenegger) getting a superhero toy for his son for Christmas day, which is sold out everywhere, and he must take extreme measures to get one. I think this is a Christmas classic and captures what it is like as a kid who really wanted a popular toy for Christmas and from the parent’s perspective.