Christmas Movie Date Night

Alright, this does not have to be exclusively a date night. Come this time of year, you can catch me whipping up a cooking storm for friends and family in the kitchen with my laptop covered in flour (how does it manage to get everywhere??) playing a Christmas movie to keep me company. And even with our kids moved out, we still make time to share traditions together, among our favourites being a good Christmas movie-binge session by the fire. But it sure is nice to look forward to sharing one with your partner for quality time together.

This isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary. In fact, I think most of us already have a list of favourite movies. My youngest daughter even tells me “it’s not Christmas until I’ve watched xyz”! I think there is a bit of truth to that sentiment.

I think that most couples and families have at least a few favourite Christmas movies they enjoy each season, and you don’t need to wait for the kids or the grandkids to revisit them together.  If you are not up for a full feature length movie, I remember loving those 22 minute stop-motion oldies like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Charlie Brown’s Christmas to name a few.  We used to have to wait for them to show up on the TV schedule and do our best not to miss them, but nowadays it is just as easy to find them on one of the many entertainment providers and watch them on your own schedule.  And if you are really pressed, dust off the old VHS machine and dig those old Christmas movie tapes out of wherever you might have stored them (does anyone actually still have theirs, or am I the only one??!). Be sure to put the fireplace on, turn your phones off, make something special to eat and drink (like hot chocolate and popcorn?) and settle in to watch a few of the old favorites.  

So without any further introduction, Here are my top 5 movies that get me into the Christmas spirit!

1. Elf
   I realize this type of humour is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure is mine! I cannot even count how many times I have watched it, and to this day it still makes me laugh out loud! For those of you who have not yet seen it (what have you been doing for all these years, it came out in 2003!), it is a joyous film that contextualizes the struggle to keep Christmas spirit alive during the modern corporate world in New York City. Family bonding, standing strongly behind what you believe in, and prioritizing quality time are emphasized in such a fun and light-hearted way!

2. Arthur Christmas

   A fun and modern take on the “Santa Operation”, Arthur Christmas talks about the family dynamic of the Claus’s long lineage and emphasizes what the true magic of Santa Claus and Christmas really is. Capturing the magic and joy that the wonders of Christmas bring is a privilege and honour, and seeing this film reminds us of the fantastic memories we had with our two daughters as they grew up, watching them grow in age but young in their fervent Christmas spirit.

3. The Santa Clause

   Yes, I realize it is a trilogy, and I realize that they are not created equal. But isn’t it just fun to binge all day? Or for those of you who have more self-control than Kevin and I do, perhaps you make it into a 3 night affair! These films are a big family-hit, and its just old enough where I almost forget how amazing they are until I rewatch them. Laugh out loud funny, great for the kids, but honestly just as good (if not better!) for the adults!

4. A Christmas Carol

   You know we had to put in at least 1 true classic. I realize, unpopular opinion, but I am not a big fan of the standard hallmark films (my apologies to anyone that is offended by my movie preferences!). But A Christmas Carol is just one of those stories that holds up against the test of time. Real tangible fears of the past and future, reflecting on what could not or will not be. I realize it has a bit of a darker lens, but there are so many different iterations of the film over the years that each flavour can be appreciated. I am particularly a fan of the 2009 version with Jim Carrey, as the animation design and stylistic choices just make this a capsule in time to watch.

5. Klaus

   I’m going to be honest, I forgot about this one until my daughter rekindled my memory. How could I have possibly forgotten such an incredible film, I will never know!! I dare to say this isn’t even exclusively a festive film, as I would watch it outside of the month of December quite happily (I know my daughter does!). If you have not seen it yet, you are simply missing out. Kevin and I were moved by it in a way we were not expecting, and I am eager to watch it with him together in the coming weeks as we approach Christmas. Starting with a somewhat silly story with a campy-animation style, who knew it would touch my heart so deeply? Well, if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to wear your waterproof mascara… No spoilers, but I am surprised by how touched I am by the storytelling every time I revisit this film.