Families often have their own unique traditions when it comes to the holidays.
Lately, families have begun to include films in many of those traditions. That’s thanks largely to the array of classic holiday films that have consistently put people in the holiday mood.
Among those classics are the following films.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) — When distraught George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) meets a compassionate angel, he learns what life would have been like if he’d never existed. Holiday magic wins out in the end.
• “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) — Another classic that can’t be missed! When a man claiming to be Santa Claus is deemed insane, a young lawyer and a headstrong young girl come to his rescue.
• “A Christmas Carol” (1951) — Yet another movie that has spawned a series of more recent remakes. This one stars Alastair Sim as Mr. Scrooge, a bitter, miserly man who doesn’t give a bah humbug about the holiday season. But will a haunting by three ghosts change his mind and ill will?
• “A Charlie Brown Chr istmas” (1965) — Charlie Brown is depressed and can’t find the Christmas spirit. When he is put in charge of the school’s holiday pageant and comes in with a meager Christmas tree, the school kids ultimately learn about the true meaning of Christmas.
• A Christmas Story (1983) — Growing up in 1940s America, young Ralphie has his heart set on a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, but it seems like Mom, teacher and even Santa are certain he’ll “shoot his eye out” with such a gift. Will Ralphie find his heart’s desire under the tree? Watch to find out.
• “Nat ional Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) — Led by an all-star cast including Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, the Griswold family Christmas should be merry, but naturally turns into a hilarious disaster. Look for appearances by “Seinfeld” veteran Julia Louis-Dreyfus and legendary comedienne Doris Roberts in supporting roles.
• “Home Alone” (1990) — A young boy, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), is accidentally left behind when his family t akes o ff f or a v acation in France over the holiday season. Once he realizes they’ve left him “home alone,” he learns to fend for himself and, eventually has to protect his house against two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern). “Home Alone” is a highly successful and beloved family comedy with several sequels.
• “Elf” (2003) — Buddy (Will Ferrell), a regular- sized man raised as an elf by Santa Claus (Edward Asner), discovers he’s not a real elf and returns to his place of birth, New York City, in search of his biological family. “Elf” is full of yuletide cheer and good-natured family comedy.
Other holiday classics include “White Christmas” (1954), “The Polar Express” (2004), “The Santa Clause” (1994), “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993), “Holiday Inn” (1942) and “A Christmas Carol” (1984).
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