Christmas has become far too commercial. It’s no longer a religious holiday, but an excuse to demand a long list of worthless possessions that half of us won’t even appreciate in a year’s time. Despite my rantings about the charmless culture of mass consumerism that Christmas has evolved into, there is still an area that xmas excels in- bringing families together, for better or worse, to spend quality time during the holidays.
There’s no better way to relax with the family and ease the tensions caused from arguments gone by, than with a good xmas film. Some are cheesy, in fact the majority are, some are funny, others are sad, but there’s no doubt that winding down with a good movie is one of the highlights of the season.
The following films are some of my personal faves, but don’t shoot the messenger because there will,undoubtedly, be some classics which have been forgotten or left out, so with the disclaimer well and truly taken care of here goes it with the hit Christmas film list…….
HOME ALONE!
Need I say more than Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin aka Kevin McAllister is the mischievous little boy who realises that being left at home alone is not so fun as he had imagined it would be. This film just ticks so many boxes, an ageless and timeless classic.
THE SANTA CLAUSE
Okay so I imagine that some people may really want to slaughter me for this one, but I don’t care what anyone wants to say this is THE classic 90s Santa movie. Tim Allen is great in his role as a neglectful father who learns to bond with his son when he takes on the unfathomable role of becoming the newest Santa Claus. It is not only funny, but it has a great cast and was pretty innovative at the time so I have to give this one extra brownie points for raising the bar so high. Let’s just forget that they ever tried to expand the brand with another 3 films….
MARY POPPINS
There can be no doubt that this film right here, is the ultimate Christmas film, as irritating as it may be to, well, most of us – this is a quintessentially British Christmas film. The institution that is Julia Andrews, shines as the unorthodox British nanny who changes the lives of the wealthy family that she is employed to look after. It’s sheer sillyness makes it an absolute pleasure to watch- for anyone who hasn’t had to sit through it more than ten times.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Miracle on 34th Street is an excellent christmas movie full stop. Whether you are talking about the original 1947 version or the 1994 remake there is absolutely nothing to hate about this film. It explores the meaning of Christmas in a deeper and more thought provoking manner than most other films of the genre and in my eyes it’s a cinematic triumph.
– Jade S
Global Xmas 