Classic Christmas movies that will evoke holiday nostalgia
The holiday season is upon us, which gives us the perfect excuse to kick back, relax, sip on some eggnog, and of course, watch our most beloved Christmas movies. So, to get you in the spirit, “I have passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel” to bring you this list (checked not once, but twice!) of my favourite yuletide flicks.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This fantasy comedy-drama film is a well-loved Christmas classic, and tells the story of George Bailey, a man who wants to commit suicide on Christmas Eve, but is saved by angel Clarence Odbody, revealing to him how life would have turned out if he hadn’t been born. Warning: The feel-good story about family and redemption is guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes — keep a tissue box at hand!
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
This film will be forever nostalgic to me, perfectly capturing the spirit of being a kid during the holidays. Set in the 1950s U.S. Midwest, nine-year-old Ralphie’s mission to receive an “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle” from Santa Claus is the stuff of childhood dreams, and it can’t help but bring a warm and fuzzy feeling. Just don’t forget, “you’ll shoot your eye out!”
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The reason behind this movie being a must-watch every Christmas? It is relatable! Clark Griswold is determined to get his “old-fashioned family Christmas,” all the while dealing with pushy relatives, a deranged squirrel, and 25,000 strands of Christmas lights that just won’t light up. This flick reminds us how much can go hilariously wrong over the holidays! Lesson: family time is precious, embrace it this time of the year — chaos & all!
4. Home Alone (1990)
Prepare to feel old… It has almost been 30 years since the release of this holiday favourite, which means it has been almost two decades since Kevin McCallister booby trapped his home in the suburbs to ward off the “Wet Bandits,” and taught kids everywhere a thing or two about independence. I am still loving every moment of it! Tip: Watch this one with “a lovely cheese pizza” just for you!
5. Elf (2003)
I have to be honest: no matter how many times I watch this movie, it’s just never enough! The story of Buddy, a charming but misguided elf who tracks down his grouchy father in NYC gives us a reason to smile every year and is definitely an overload of holiday cheer. Enjoy with the main food groups: “candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.”
Now, don’t be a “cotton-headed ninny muggins,” stock up on hot chocolate, claim your favourite spot on the couch and enjoy these festive flicks, along with your own go-tos! “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal[s]!”
Story by Sarah Regan