Each year, the holidays bring specific things we look forward to, to make the season a little extra special. There’s festive decorations, gifts, parties, music, and entertainment that bring us all together. We also count on these things to make our individual holiday experience a little brighter. For me, there’s really nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a comfy blanket, festive décor lighting the room, and a cup of hot chocolate in hand while watching a favorite holiday movie.
It’s this scene that captures the feeling of nostalgia that I want to hold onto every year for myself. Some movies I love to share with family and friends, and others I keep to myself to enjoy peacefully with my Christmas tree glowing off in the corner. I allowed myself to begin watching holiday movies before Thanksgiving this year, and this got me thinking about which ones top the list for me to watch every year, and why they never seem to get old.
Here are my top picks for holiday movies to watch year after year, and why:
The Family Stone
The Family Stone tops the list as my favorite holiday movie. This is a movie that I like to watch alone, and also with my mom when I get the chance. I immediately feel connected to the characters, almost like I’m part of the family when I watch it. Admittedly, it makes me cry every time, and I don’t mind. It almost feels like an annual cleanse of emotions that I let myself express this same time every year. It reminds me what really matters in life. (Also by the end, I have a huge crush on Luke Wilson’s character, Ben.) nIt’s the storyline of a cliquey family who love each other deeply, with their mom at the center keeping everyone together, that keeps me coming back. (And yes, I just cried thinking about the ending… gets me every time.)
Elf
Elf is one of my favorite holiday movies ever, of all time. I’m a huge fan of both Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, so this combination is pure gold to me. This movie could be playing in the background every day of the year and I wouldn’t mind. I definitely find myself reciting lines all year.
I think my two year old son’s favorite food groups match Buddy the elf’s (candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup). There’s honestly too many great scenes to pick a favorite, they are all amazing. The comedy, costumes, cheeky music, cute love story, and the classic storyline of believing in Santa make it worth it, every time.
White Christmas
I love decorating my Christmas tree while watching White Christmas every year. Bing Crosby was a staple in my house around Christmas time growing up; the iconic white album cover with Crosby’s face and a festive stocking hat on it is burned into my memory, as well as every song on that record. So it’s only natural that this movie gives me that nostalgic feeling I look forward to every year.
I love when the two duo acts meet for the first time in the movie and end up riding the train to Vermont together. I can’t tell you how many times the songs “Sisters” or “Snow” get stuck in my head, at any time during the year. It’s the music and dance production mixed with nostalgia that make me look forward to watching it year after year.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The second I hear the opening music to Christmas Vacation, it brings a smile to my face. This is a total cult classic holiday movie, and it’s funny every time I see it. My favorite part has to be when Clark ceremoniously carves into the turkey at Christmas dinner and it deflates from being overcooked.
Besides the humor, it’s the genuine, good-hearted Clark Griswold, and his family that are hilariously always embarrassed by him, that keeps me watching every year. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a one-year subscription to a jam of the month club?
The Holiday
The Holiday is the perfect trifecta: part chick flick, part romantic comedy, and part holiday movie. I love watching Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet’s characters take bold risks in hopes for a little self-care, and then fall in love because of it. The scene when Iris wakes up in what looks like the most comfortable bed of all time in her California vacation rental, and has a lone dance party to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet, is definitely one of my favorites.
What really hooks me, though, is how the storylines of the main characters are perfectly intertwined. It leads everyone to a happy ending, of which we see with the final dance party on New Year’s Eve. I’m left wishing there was a sequel every year… (and I can only hope someone in Hollywood reads this).
Don’t Forget the Accessories!
If you’re looking to get extra cozy while watching holiday movies, here are some ideas. Set the scene to create the perfect holiday movie ambiance in your home (and support local businesses, too!). Find the perfect local accessories here:
- Comfy Throw | Mutual Adoration + POST
- Holiday Décor | Leon & Lulu
- Hot Chocolate | Zingerman’s
- Mug | Pewabic Pottery
These holiday movies all share a similar recipe: great soundtracks, humor, love stories, family, and memories of seasons past. So whatever tops your list, I hope you thoroughly enjoy watching your favorites with those you love or with some much-deserved alone time. Happy watching, and happy holidays!
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Orna provides some practical tips for preparing your home for the holidays.
Nice article Kimberly!