13 Days of Christmas: Day 3

You've done your shopping, everything has been crossed off your list and carted home--or if you're like me is being shipped to your home via UPS. At any rate, it's time for some R&R. You deserve it. So, kick back, relax and let's watch some movies. 

Herewith, my humble list of favorite Christmas movies....

10. Little Women (1994)
Not a traditional Christmas movie, but it begins during the Christmas season with the classic story of the March girls. Sometimes I get really bogged down in the materialism of Christmas and this story (also one of my very favorite books) is a great way to keep things in perspective. Family, generosity, faith. These are things that matter on Christmas and always.

Beth, Meg and Jo March take Christmas to others

9. Home Alone (1990)

Any child born in the eighties saw this movie (probably too many times) and thought about what it might be like to be left home at the holidays while putting pranking to good use (to foil the bad guys, I hope that's not giving anything away). More than that, it's just a great nineties movie, so indicative of the pre-9/11 "good old days." 

8. The Family Stone (2005)

Before the days of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve there was this all-star cast: Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, etc., made a fantastic little movie about a wacky family at Christmas. I love how this movie (despite it's cheesier moments) depicts a real family, warts and all.

One of the cheesier moments, I want to say they dropped a turkey...

7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The original Christmas Carol was always a little bit dark for me. The Muppets do it a little lighter (although the frog-version of Tiny Tim still makes me teary). The resurgence of Muppet popularity this year is beyond awesome and why not celebrate with an original. Which reminds me, I need to see the new Muppet movie, have you?

The Cratchits, Muppet style

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

It's impossible not to believe in Santa after watching this one. 

Little Virginia and Kris Kringle

5. Elf (2003)

If I cared less about what people thought of me, I would answer my phone "Buddy the Elf, Whats your favorite color?" Will Ferrell is at his best as the bumbling human raised as an elf who travels to New York to find his real papa. 

Will Ferrell enjoys spagetti with maple syrup in Elf

4. A Christmas Story (1983)

I saw this movie for the very first time three years ago. I know, gasp. My husband grew up watching it, but I never had. Basically, I wasn't completely celebrating Christmas prior to seeing it. This movie, to me, is everything both magical and scary about being a kid. Everything is more important through the eyes of a little one, especially Christmas. 

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I was really surprised to learn that this movie was a big flop when it came out. Apparently, it made less than it cost to film. Sure, the premise is a little dreary: man wonders what life would be like if he never existed, but it's just so good. The incomparable Jimmy Stewart plays the lead. 

2. Love Actually (2003)

Another dynamic ensemble cast featuring separate rom-com plot lines, British accents and a rendition of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." What more could you possibly want from a movie?

1. White Christmas (1954)

The ultimate. A Christmas musical featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two retired GIs who put on shows at an Inn and find love with two sisters (Rosemary Clooney and the utterly amazing Vera-Ellen). Not only are the musical numbers and costumes are just too much fun, but it's also traditional and patriotic. An American classic!

xo,

The Canary Diaries