Favorite Christmas Movies! What's Yours?

Les Femmes ^ | December 22, 2013 | Mary Ann Kreitzer

[NYer]

When I think of Christmas movies the first one that pops into my head is It's a Wonderful Life. Our kids loved it so much growing up that watching it over Christmas vacation (usually on Christmas eve) became an annual tradition. I love George Bailey, but my favorite character is George's guardian angel, Clarence, although Mr. Martini is a close second. I love his tender concern for George after he gets clobbered in Martini's bar by the husband of Zuzu's teacher. Most of the minor characters in the film are wonderful. George's parents, his brother Harry, Bert and Ernie, Violet, Uncle Billy. One of the funniest scenes takes place after George rescues Clarence from the river and the man who runs the railway house listens to Clarence telling George he's an angel. It's hilarious! What a cameo!

But there are lots of other memorable Christmas movies. Some are set at Christmas, like A Christmas Carol. Others have Christmas scenes like Little Lord Fauntleroy and The Bells of St. Mary's. One of my favorite Christmas films is Miracle on 34th Street -- not the remake, but the 1947 version with Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and the absolutely endearing Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. That movie is truly magical!

If I had to guess my husband's favorite Christmas movie it would have to be A Christmas Story with Darren McGavin. It's all about Ralphie who wants a BB gun for Christmas, but seems destined for disappointment. Just mention the movie and Larry starts quoting lines from it. "You'll shoot your eye out!" Whenever I think of it I see the lamp that has a lady's leg for the base with the fringed shade and Ralphie's poor friend with his tongue frozen to the metal pole. Believe it or not you can actually visit Ralphie's house in Cleveland and even buy a lady's leg lamp, just about the tackiest gift item in history. 

Then there are all the cartoon specials for kids, but the only one I really like is Charlie Brown's Christmas. It's one of the few films that expresses what Christmas is all about. Linus' rendition of St. Luke's gospel is lovely as he describes the true meaning of Christmas. And who doesn't love the kids all cooperating to transform Charlie Brown's pathetic little Christmas tree. It's Christmas magic! I love watching that with my grandchildren.

The number of made-for-TV Christmas movies is legion and every year it seems more materialize like ornaments on an over-decorated tree. But the one that sticks in my mind is the pilot for The Walton's TV series: The Homecoming, A Christmas Story. It takes place in our own neck of the woods, the Blue Ridge Mountains. And what a lovely film it is. You can feel the warmth of family. How I loved that wonderful series!

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

With all the dignity he could muster, the old man gathered up the sad remains of his shattered major award. Later that night, he buried it beside the garage. Now, I could never be sure, but I thought I heard “Taps” being played softly...

[prisoner6]

Not what anyone wants to hear...Magnificent 7.

My family watches it on lots of holidays because we can enjoy it together.

[cva66snipe]

The Homecoming very realistic characters and interactions for the era it portrayed. Clevon Little played the preacher narrating the nativity play also played the sheriff in Blazing Saddles. Second one is Christmas Story. Jean Shepherd was a great writer.

[yetidog]

I think yiu are correct; even if it were a Christmas movie, I should probably be somewhat ashamed for suggesting that it was my favorite Chrismas movie. I suppose I feel a little better for naming it as my favorite Thanksgiving movie.

[neal1960]

Yep. CV is a tradition around here each year.

[NYer]

I agree with your first choice. It is my favorite, as well. The 1947 edition with Edmund Gwenn as Santa.

[Salvation]

**Miracle on 34th Street — not the remake, but the 1947 version with Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and the absolutely endearing Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. That movie is truly magical!**

My vote!

[NYer]

Love A Christmas Story!!! My daughter and I watch the 24 hour Christmas Day marathon each year.

[Darren McCarty]

Die Hard

[Cyman]

Bad Santa

[bray]

White Christmas and Jingle all the way

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Die Hard.

(Yes it is too a Christmas movie!)

[trisham]

“A Christmas Story”, “Elf” and “Christmas Vacation”.

[precisionshootist]

Die Hard

[trisham]

I love that movie. Now that I think of it, it’s almost Christmas and I haven’t seen it on any of the channels.

[Fledermaus]

Grrrrrr, I hate to be a fuddy duddy but “It’s a Wonderful Life” isn’t technically a Christmas movie. It just happens to end at Christmas.

[Catmom]

It’s a Wonderful Life if I’m feeling like a good girl and Bad Santa if I’m feeling like a bad one!

[trisham]

In the past it’s been on all during December. Not this year.

[Fledermaus]

Elf is a one watch movie for me. But the duet at the end during the credits of Zooey and Leon Redbone signing “It’s Cold Outside” is AWESOME!

[trisham]

It’s always played during Christmas, though.