It’s tradition in my house to wake up, open gifts, eat breakfast and lay on the couch and watch movies all day, mimosa in hand Christmas morning. We aren’t rushing from house to house delivering gifts, my mother isn’t trapped in the kitchen preparing a huge meal (we nosh and snack mostly) and I’m not running around trying to make the house presentable for guests (although we do welcome drop-ins with the understanding that you’re not an official “guest” and should fix a drink and make a plate like a resident).
With that said, If you’re looking to have a chill day at home, here are a list of must-see movies that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. What I love about them is that they are able to give you the good feels the holiday season brings without hitting you over the head with the message.
Elf: It doesn’t feel like Christmas until I watch this movie. I’ve seen it hundreds of times and I still laugh like it’s the first.
The Holiday: The Holiday combines everything I love in a movie – beautiful set design (I love Kate Winslets quaint London cottage and Cameron Diaz’s modern California mansion is to die!) a touching love story, and a charming cast.
Steel Magnolia’s: So this may not be an official holiday movie but part of the movie takes place over the holiday so I’ve included it in this list. It’s my mother and I’s tradition to watch this and weep and laugh over mimosa’s (yeah mimosa’s are a thing in my household).
The Preacher’s Wife: The soundtrack alone makes this movie a must see over the holidays. Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington also have amazing chemistry and the story truly touches my heart.
Home Alone: How can you NOT include this movie on a top holiday movies list? Every time it’s on I have to watch it, and even though I know all of the tricks up Kevin McCallister’s sleeve I still get a huge kick out of them!
You’ve Got Mail: OK so this is another one that can be filed under “not your typical holiday movie”. However, once again a big part of the movie takes place over the holiday’s so it counts :). It also has my top 3 essentials for a great movie- awesome casting, gorgeous set design( HELLO! It takes place in NY over Autumn through Spring and anyone who knows and loves New York knows those months are the most gorgeous) and the love story is so sweet it just may give you a toothache.
So guys, what are your favorite holiday movies? Do you have any traditions that you’ve carried with you over the years? I’d love to know in the comments below!
Hubs and I have coffee in christmas mugs and watch ELF every Christmas morning! Other holiday movies I LOVE annually are THE FAMILY STONE and LOVE ACTUALLY. Must haves!!!!
Love it!
I love Christmas movies!! They are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!! I have not seen some of these , but Elf is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. I can’t believe how long Home Alone has been out now.
My favorite Christmas movie is the original Miracle on 34th Street, though my kids groan when they see me turn it on. 🙂 I really like the Santa Clause movies, too, and so do they! We enjoy popcorn and movie nights over Christmas break!
We are planning on doing a “Home alone” movie -a-thon on Christmas eve. We have all 3 just waiting to watch!
What some great, film ideas, I really fancy seeing Home Alone sometime soon. x
Watching Christmas movies is a must!! I love watching all the cheesy made for TV ones! They are the best!
Christmas is my favorite time of year to watch movies! I love watching the cheesy love story ones like Jenn! It’s the time of year for happy endings.
I’m loving these picks. I’ll be watching a few for sure. I’m going to make time to watch at least one Christmas movie tomorrow.
I like your style! We like lazing around and watching movies on Christmas day, as well. Love Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Family Man, A Christmas Story, NL Christmas Vacation, and While You Were Sleeping! 🙂
What a great list of movies. I think I’ve already watched them all but I would love to rewatch them.
We reserve Christmas Day for laying around in our PJs and relaxing too! We spend the rest of the holiday season (like, almost every day!) rushing from event to event, so we’ve always kept Christmas Day for just us! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Home alone is now such a timeless classic when it comes to holiday movies. I also hope they do a remake for current generations.
Great selections! I can’t wait to watch Home Alone with my son. He would so love that.
Great list! I love Elf! That movie is hilarious!
We are big fans of Home Alone, and have been enjoying Elf quite a bit this season. Making a note of your other recommendations for our christmas day lounging!
We don’t watch too many movies on Christmas. The kids have us building their new toys along with playing with them. Those are great selections. I’ve seen most of them many of times.
I love this idea and totally need to recommend this to my husband. I love that you just relax and enjoy the holiday; I honestly can’t remember the last time we did that. Like … EVER. I’m a fan of most of the movies that you listed but I can’t watch Steel Magnolia’s on Christmas. That is a total cry fest, no matter how amazing it is, and I just can’t! Thank you for sharing your traditions with us. Merry Christmas!
These are awesome movie ideas to watch over the Christmas holidays. I have not seen Elf in a long time so I will be watching this one tonight for sure. Thanks for sharing the awesome movie list.
I love watching The Holiday and Steel Magnolias!! Both are great Christmas movies!!
We love Christmas movies. And I do love Steel Magnolias. One of my favorites!
The Holiday is my all-time favourite movie…holiday movie or not!!! I could watch it over and over and over again!
Growing up I always used to watch A Christmas Story. I have not watched The Preacher’s Wife in ages, but I definitely think I will watch that again soon 😀 Thanks for the holiday movie suggestions!
I love the movie ELF! We also have to watch Charlie Brown Christmas every year. I want to go buy A Christmas Story for my family as well. Thanks for your awesome list of movies to watch. I need to go rent a new one soon!
I loved the movie Steel Magnolias! It always makes me cry and I love how it goes through all of the seasons so festive! I need to join your family I love me some mimosas!