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DEL.ICIO.USDo you prefer Zuzu’s petals, a BB gun or ‘This Christmas’?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When my sons D.W. and Cecil B. were once-wee, we would gather in winter by the warmth of the glowing big-screen TV and watch “White Christmas.”
You know, Bing, the weirdsmobile and the girls they’d put in their show here and there singing “Snow … snow … snow … snow … snow!”
Since the boys have gotten older, we’ve been all about “The Ref” — that perfectly dysfunctional holiday masterpiece with the ever-arguing Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis under a kind of house arrest with robber Denis Leary.
I guess that means, as a family, the Smithees are naughty and nice.
I’ve always loved “It’s A Wonderful Life,” though I’ve given it a good rest. I haven’t seen it and Zuzu’s petals in at least a dozen years. And I’m thinking this may be the year to dust it off and slam it into the DVD player.
I’ve tried to watch “A Christmas Story” (a favorite of so many misguided holiday revelers) and I just can’t warm up to it. I understand the affection for Ralph and his desire for a Red Ryder BB gun, but …
“This Christmas” is likely the first really good African-American yuletide film. I love its “Soul Train” lines, its humor (if Regina King ever picks up a belt, just back away as fast as you can) and both of the songs Chris Brown sings — “Try a Little Tenderness” and “This Christmas.”
So what’s your favorite Christmas movie to watch with the family? “The Polar Express”? “The Bishop’s Wife”? “Holiday Inn”? One of the many “A Christmas Carol” versions? “Miracle on 34th Street”? “Home Alone”?
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By Maggie
November 28, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I think ELF has become my favorite to watch each year…I love that movie. I also like watching “The Santa Clause”—but only the first one!
By Nancy
November 28, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
It’s a newer movie, but Elf in my opinion, is the best Christmas movie. It’s light hearted, has a good message, great soundtrack, and it’s hilarious. Will Ferrell was born to be Buddy the Elf. Love that it’s innocent enough for children, but adults will have more laughs than kids. And really, any movie with a cameo by a narwhal rules.
By zeusermom
November 28, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Holiday Inn
By Joni
November 28, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
There is no contest for me, it’s White Christmas. I love it so much that I usually watch it 5 or 6 times each Christmas season and each time I still cry when they surprise General Waverly at the end of the movie. A great, great movie.
By Will
November 28, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
I love CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT…with Barbara Stanwyck (avoid the remake with Dyan Cannon, it’s beyond wretched). It’s one of those well written movies (like “All About Eve”) that no one makes anymore.
By Peter
November 28, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Christmas Vacation hands down wins…..
By Carl
November 28, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
“it’s A Wonderful Life” is not only the greatest Christmas movie, but it’s my favorite movie of all time. I have seen it dozens of times and still I am left misty eyed at the end. This is what great cinema is suppose to be like! I believe it should be required viewing by anyone who feels their life doesn’t matter.
By RickStir
November 28, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Christmas Vacation. Every Year, Laugh & Laugh & Laugh
By donna
November 28, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Christmas Vacation has to be my all time fav Christmas movie. Absolutely halarious!!
By Stevo
November 28, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
White Christmas is an annual staple, along with The Muppet Christmas Carol - “Heat wave!”
By jamie
November 28, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Christmas Vacation & The Ref
By Corey
November 28, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
It’s not even close. Christmas Vacation. Cousin Eddie dumping the waste in the lawn, priceless.
By Kim Wheeler
November 28, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Bright Eyes & Heidi really take me back to the first times I was truly moved by a movie as a small girl, S.T. was a tiny genious. Christmas Vaca has to seen on day one of the holidays and as it gets colder Dr. Zhivago has to be seen during the Holidays on the coldest day. That’s usually the day the heat system fails.
By Jeff
November 28, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Bad Santa
By myself
November 28, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Can anybody tell me why “White Christmas” is considered a Christmas movie? Is it because the name Christmas is in the movie? …. or is it because it starts out on Christmas Eve? … or is it because they sing ‘White Christmas’ at the very end ? Most of the movie is about some military comrades and their inter-relationships that has nothing to do with Christmas. If it is a Christmas movie then so are some of the “Rocky” movies because scenes take place on Christmas, like the fight with Russian Ivan Drago.
By e.c.
November 28, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Miracle on 34th Street.The 1947 original with Gwynn,O’Hara,Payne and Natalie Wood.
By blue man
November 28, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
I have grown to really love “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and those are probably my all-time favorites. “A Christmas Story” freaked me out a bit during my younger years; probably the disembodied leg for a lamp that did it, plus the bunny suit. However, I can watch and enjoy that one now. My favorite to watch with my kids is, believe it or not, “Jingle All the Way”, with the Governator! My oldest daughter loved that movie when she was little and it first came out, and she even has the Turbo Man doll somewhere still. All the classic TV shows, like Frosty and Rudolph, are must sees as well.
By valerie
November 28, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Our Family loved This Christmas!!! It was different then I expected but a wonderful movie!!!
By valerie
November 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Our Family loved This Christmas!!! It was different then I expected but a wonderful movie!!! finally a nice move for Afican Americans!!
By Roswell Ed
November 28, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
I like Die Hard.
Ho-Ho-Ho
By George
November 28, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
The version of THE CHRISTMAS CAROL with George C. Scott as Scrooge is tops because of the tradition, quality of the production, acting, and the feel good, Christmas based story.
By Rusty
November 28, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott as Scrooge. Such a timeless powerful classic..Man,” said the Ghost [of Christmas Present], “if man you be in heart, not adamant, forbear that wicked cant [of ‘decrease the surplus population’] until you have discovered what the surplus is, and where it is. Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be that in the sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child. O God! to hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust!”
By Brittany
November 28, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Home Alone 1 & 2 & 1947 Miracle on 34th street. Also Jack Frost with Michael Keaton
By Ghost of Christmas Past
November 28, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
If someone has to explain to you why “White Christmas” is a Christmas movie - maybe you should WATCH it again!
By Jamie
November 28, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Like “the Christmas story”. Been a favorite of mine for years. Like the Grinch movie, too, with Jim Carey, to watch with the kids……
By Bob Mills
November 28, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Of greater importance, did Alan Smithee really name is sons “D.W” and “Cecil B.”? Tsk! Tsk! Does he have a daughter named “Mary Xmas”?
By Dynomite
November 28, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Babes In Toyland (1961 version w/Annette Futencelli(however it’s spelled). I loved that movie- it would come on tv every year but somehow it stopped and I miss it very much- think i’ll hit up ebay and get my own copy!
By Casey
November 28, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story a True Classic. I know I wont shoot my eye out.
By J
November 28, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story - hands down the best!
By Anne
November 28, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol (any old one and a new one with Patrick Stewart)……that about does it for me. Oh, yeah, a Charlie Brown Christmas, the cartoon Grinch (couldn’t stand Jim Carey’s version) and Rudolph have to be thrown in, even though they aren’t movies!!
By MD native
November 28, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Two Must Sees: A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation. It gets no better than that!
By Chevy Chase
November 28, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
All of those are classic Christmas movies but National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is definitely a must…..by far the newest “Classic” for most people who grew up in the early 90’s.
By Kyle
November 28, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story - no question about it.
You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!
By GeorgiafromGeorgia
November 28, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
It’s a Wonderful Life is a “must see” sometime during the holidays along with How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
By atlantaz3
November 28, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I have never appreciated the finer points of “It’s a Wonderful Life” now give me Harvey with a 6 foot Pooka… but I digress. I love White Christmas - Bing, Danny, Rosemary and Vera. I love the ending with the snow and red fur trimmed gowns - snif!
By Ralph
November 28, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
They are all the Great Christmas movies, as for the best, select anyone of them. They are all great and will make your day, whether it’s a Christmas, or not. They were made the way movies should be made for the whole family. They each have their own magic.
By SlimDiva
November 28, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
My favorite Christmas movie used to be “The Preacher’s Wife” starring Whitney Houston. However, “This Christmas” has become my favorite. For my special needs young adult son, it will always be “A Christmas Story”. He thinks that movie is so funny, although the movie is older than he is. Yet, it makes him laugh and that makes me happy.
By Steve
November 28, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
“Our Family loved This Christmas!!! It was different then I expected but a wonderful movie!!! finally a nice move for Afican Americans!!” Hey Valerie, Aren’t all Christmas movies for ALL Americans or is this like everything else where African-Americans have to have thier own. We will NEVER come together as a nation as long we this attitude continues. BTW, I am white and loved “This Christmas”. I thought it was a movie ALL Americans can enjoy!
By Diogenes
November 28, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
“Scrooged,” just to see Carol Kane, if nothing else. “It’s a TOAST-er!”
After that, yeah, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” hands down. “Love, Actually,” too, though I have hard time admitting that one in public.
By here_we_go
November 28, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Agreed Steve! “Jingle all the Way” is funny “A Christmas Carol” is meaniful “The Preacher’s Wife” (remake of The Bishop’s Wife) as good as the original And ALL the clamation stories (Rudolph, A year without Christmas, etc)
By Brad
November 28, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and Jingle All the Way are our favorites.
By E.
November 28, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Bad Santa…best Christmas movie EVER!
“Can I make you some sandwiches?”! :-)
By Rusty
November 28, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Valerie,if you’re gonna call yourself African American, learn to spell African.
By steph
November 28, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Definately this christmas.
By Billionaire Sandwich
November 28, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story would have to be my favorite of all time! I grew up in Florida and have never experienced a winter or wholesome family Christmas like the one pictured in the film. My heart fills up with joy each time I see Ralphie and Randy waiting in line to see Santa Claus at the Higbees department store.
By sharon
November 28, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
The Preachers Wife with Whitney Houston, Home Alone 1&2 and Bad Santa. Bad Santa is not for the faint at heart
By Bridgette
November 28, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
The Preacher’s Wife was my favorite and I loved the original The Bishop’s Wife, however This Christmas is now my favorite. I am sure I will enjoy it for years to come.
By Marbo
November 28, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Home Alone ….hands down has to be the best Christmas movie ever!
By Thrash
November 28, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story. BLOW OUT DADGUMMIT!
By Soulfinger
November 28, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hands down, A Christmas Story. But a close second and third would have to be Jingle All The Way starring the Govenator and Sinbad, followed by Christmas Vacation starting my favorite travelling family the Griswolds.
By e
November 28, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Love Actually…charming, sweet, and just a little bit cynical…plus, All I Want For Christmas is YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
By Soulfinger
November 28, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah! Jim Carrey as the Grinch….that is in the regular Christmas movie rotation at my house!
By Andy
November 28, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Love Actually is a feel good Christmas movie that should be watched every Christmas Eve!
By RON
November 28, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
A tie: Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and The Bishop’s Wife. A close third is A Christmas Carol with ALISTER SIM. (The only version worth watching.) These are the only real Christmas movies; all about giving and doing for others as opposed to getting and doing things only for yourself.
By kelley
November 28, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
My favorite will ALWAYS be “A Christmas Story.” I also love the animated movies - Charlie Brown and Rudolph.
By Maureen
November 28, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Miracle on 34th Street, original version
By steve
November 28, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
My Christmas Top 10
At least that is my top 10 off the top of my head. Generally speaking, I am a sucker for most Christmas movies except for those hokey made for tv ones.
By Debbie
November 28, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
The best that never gets shown is oldie: “One Magic Christmas”….. Watch it, you’ll like it.
By Dan
November 28, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
“This Christmas”???? Never heard of it and I doubt it’s considered a ‘classic’ in most circles. “Miracle On 34th Street” is the ALL TIME classic…..hands down.
By shannon
November 28, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Love Actually!! My new fave feel good Christmas movie…
By Kathleen Pettys
November 28, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
My favorite Christmas movie is The Santa Clause #, The escape Clause.
Santa is a loving man who gives whenever he can. Also the movie is agood combination of Its a Wonderful Life, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Santa discovers what life would be like if he never became Santa, and Jack Frost turns a beautiful holiday into pure commericalism.
By Jessica
November 28, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
My favorite has to be White Christmas. I love singing along with the songs, and can quote the whole movie. Bing Crosby has the smoothest voice I have ever heard.
By lovelyliz
November 28, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
I prefer the ones that are most true to real life like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
By Jessica
November 28, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
My favorite has to be White Christmas. I love singing along with the songs, and can quote the whole movie. Bing Crosby has the smoothest voice I have ever heard.
By Dawgcrzy
November 28, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
A Christmas Story,because it is close to my christmas’s in the early 70’s.Every kid dreams about that perfect gift.
By Brandy
November 28, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
I have to admitt I love all the Christmas movies, especially The Santa Claus #1, A Christmas Story, watched it all night last year, Christmas Vacation, The Animated How the Grinch Stoled Christmas,the 1947 Miracle On 34th Street,you just can’t remake the older versions of Christmas movies. Prancer is also a great one.
By Rusty
November 28, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Steve, Scrooged with Bill Murray!! Hilarious!”back off big man, it might work with the chicks but not with me”. “would someone answer the GOD… DAM#D… PHONE!! Hilarious!!!
By Shannon
November 28, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Of the classics my faves are “A Christmas Carol (1938), “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
More recent faves are “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, “The Santa Clause”, “Home Alone” (1 & 2), “Love Actually”, The Holiday and even though its not specifically about Christmas it does have a wonderful Christmas scene at the beginning … the 1994 version of “Little Women” with Wynona Ryder.
BTW … looking forward to seeing “Fred Clause”!
By Patti
November 28, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
The 1951 movie “Scrooge” with Alistair Sim is the best Christmas movie ever, and absolutlely true to Dickens’s story.
By Christmas Story Fan
November 28, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
“Smithee,” I’ll tell you why A Christmas Story is so popular: It beautifully illuminates common elements of the all-American Christmas. Even though the movie is set twenty years before I was born, it is so reminiscent of my childhood Christmases, right down to the trip downtown to see Santa, my dad haggling over Christmas trees, and the mad paper-tearing spree on Christmas morning. My husband and I like to watch it together. Even though he grew up in the frozen tundra of Ohio and I grew up in metro Atlanta, so much that our childhood Christmases have in common is in that movie. I know it’s not Oscar-quality, but it is probably the most all-American Yule film out there. Stop being a critic for once, put everything you learned in film school out of your mind, and enjoy it for what it is.
By Tom
November 28, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
All of the Rankin-Bass Shows (Year without a Santa Clause, etc), White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street (Original only).
Die Hard is also fun to watch during the season.
Tom…
By Gary
November 28, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
The original Miracle on 34th Street is my favorite. I agree with you about Christmas Story, it’s just too “odd” to be a classic for me, I’ve never been able to watch it all the way through. Of the newer movies, I have to agree that Elf is terrific.
By Perpetually Offbase
November 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Add Love Actually to the list of Christmas movies you should see. It’s not for kids due to certain scenes, but it is as wonderful a Christmas movie about the importance of love — especially at this time of year — as you could find. If you have not seen it, go rent it and snuggle up with someone you love for a wonderful treat.
By Mari
November 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Christmas Vacation; Not sure of title can anyone help- Wilderness Christmas that has been on television.
By Claire
November 28, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
My favorite is Elf, but I also LOVE the Muppet Christmas Carol. It’s great!
By Matt
November 28, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
I know the Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol is considered the best, but for me nothing comes close to Albert Finney’s Scrooge or Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.
By John in Tampa, FLA
November 28, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Bad Santa, but only the UNCUT, UNCENSORED version.
By Tim
November 28, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
For many years I had to watch “A Christmas Story”, “Christmas Vacation” and “Scrooged” before it really felt like Christmas. These days, I just have to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s A Wonderful Life”. I guess I’ve grown up alot.
By CR
November 28, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
My favorite is “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It is not Christmas time to me until I see that. I always tear up when everyone comes to George’s rescue at the end. “aaaaand dance by the light of the moon….”
Merry Christmas - Free Cookbooks
By Da Boze
November 28, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
It’s a Wonderful Life, hands down.
By CR
November 28, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
My favorite is “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It is not Christmas time to me until I see that. I always tear up when everyone comes to George’s rescue at the end. “aaaaand dance by the light of the moon….”
Link:Merry Christmas - Free Cookbooks
By Carlton
November 28, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
My favorite is “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It is not Christmas time to me until I see that. I always tear up when everyone comes to George’s rescue at the end. “aaaaand dance by the light of the moon….”
Link:Merry Christmas - Free Cookbooks
By Mborodawg
November 28, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Favorite Christma movie depends on what mood you are in and type of movie. If you are looking for a funny and/or nostalgic Christmas movie you cannot go wrong with “A Christmas Story”. I cried the first time I saw that movie because I was laughing so hard.
If you are looking for a good feel good movie then Miracle on 34th street and Its a Wonderful Life are the best. One movie I have not seen yet that I want to see the the Nativity story that came out last year….thats the true meaning of Christmas.
By Roscoe
November 28, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Tossup - either Reginald Owen or Alastair Sim version of Christmas Carol…
After that…Muppets version. Then A Christmas Story - playing over and over again on Christmas Day - “you’ll shoot your eye out kid!” And It’s a Wonderful Life - even if just to see Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) turn the key and open up the floor over the pool.
By Pagan Poster
November 28, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Now is a great time to watch all those great horror films that you missed at Halloween. It’s a tasty alternative to that pervasive sugar-plum-sweetness in the air. Perhaps the Nightmare Before Christmas?
By vanessa
November 28, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Believe it or not, I have several. Normally it’s the orginial movies that are NBC Family Channel and Hallmark. There orginial movies are wonderful. I really like Three Wishes with Kristin Davis and The Christmas Card.NBC Family does 25 days of Christmas-just Christmas movies. I can spend a whole Saturday with popcorn and a coke watching movies.
By Mel
November 28, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Holiday Inn is FANTASTIC! I just discovered it last year and it was amazing. Netflix has a Holiday Inn/White Christmas (I think) dual disk. Great stuff.
Love Actually, Charlie Brown, and the Grinch are my other Christmas favs!
By Merry
November 28, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Ho. Ho. Ho. “A Christmas Story” was for a long time, but “Love Actually” really hits the spot nowadays.
By Shannon
November 28, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Also and maybe its a girl thing, but my two favorite channels this time of year are The Hallmark Channel and ABC Family because every night they show some sort of Christmas movie.
Also, it doesn’t matter that I’m 39, but I still love to watch (Bass & Rankin versions) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town.
By Peachy
November 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
In no particular order:
I have never seen “White Christmas” or “This Christmas” but apparently, I should!
By Shannon
November 28, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Vanessa,
It’s actually ABC Family not NBC. And I agree with you about it and the Hallmark Channel (see my post above). Also, you mentioned “The Christmas Card” … I rented that a few weeks ago and just loved it, so then I bought it on DVD … it’ll definetely be a favorite of mine. I love all of the Christmas TV movies, but two that I absolutely have to mention are “A Chance of Snow” and “A Very Brady Christmas”.
By Fan Belts
November 28, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
The “March of the Wooden Soldiers” with Laurel and Hardy is the treasure of my memory.
By Gerry
November 28, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Well, I’m just a goober, but somebody should mention the great Jim Varney’s “Ernest Saves Christmas.” Know what I mean?
By Hiame
November 28, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
The best Christmas movie of all time is Christmas Vacation.
By Clark
November 28, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Elf is awesome and so is A Christmas Story - but it’s REALLY hard to top Cousin Eddie in a tight white sweater and a dickie.
By Peachy
November 28, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
I forgot to add The Polar Express and both the Muppets’ and Mickey’s versions of A Christmas Carol. It’s a toss-up between motion-picture versions: Patrick Stewart’s or Kelsey Grammar’s (made for TV).
I don’t make it a point to watch Die Hard, A Christmas Story, Bad Santa or Home Alone, but I’ll watch if they come on.
Worst Christmas Movie: Reindeer Games.
By Goldie
November 28, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Somewhat in this order:
— NL’s Christmas Vacation
— A Christmas Carol (from the 50’s with Alistair Sim)
— Elf (Will Ferrell is too cute!)
— Grinch (Jim Carrey’s best)
— Miracle on 34th Street (any version)
By chuck
November 28, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
I love most of the Christmas movies. The older ones are great. My choices in the older movies are:
Miracle on 34th Street
It’s A Wonderful Life
Holiday Inn
White Christmas
Christmas In Connecticut
Of the newer Christmas movies, my favorites In order are:
Home Alone
The Santa Clause I
The Santa Clause II
Elf
What kind of person would choose the Ref as a favorite Christmas movie? You may as well go with Bad Santa.
By Ken Hollenbeck
November 28, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Nothing beats ‘A Christmas Story’…I smile and laugh all the way through that one. Merry Christmas!!
By $lick
November 28, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
It has 2 be “It’s a Wonderful Life” then “This Christmas” and finally “A Christmas Story”… Look I know my movies!!!
By merry
November 28, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Noel, Home Alone (1 & 2) and It’s A Wonderful Life is my favorite Christmas movies.
By Rhonda K
November 28, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
A Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation…..my favorites!
“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”
And everyone has a cousin Eddie in the family!
By $lick from Stone Mtn.
November 28, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas to all people and may your family’s be blessed during these holiday’s and Happy New Year… 2008 is going to be more exciting than 2007??? Not knowing what the Future Holds is “Priceless”…….
By Tilla
November 28, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
My favorite Christmas movies are of course Christmas Story, then Jingle All The Way, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, one of my favorite scenes in that movie is when the cat was messing with the christmas light and the guy says “if that cat had 9 lives he just spent’em all” I love that line. Oh and lets not forget Home Alone 1&2, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
By Ms. Erika
November 28, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Christmas just is not Christmas until “A Christmas Story” is on TNT!!!! I love you Ralphie!!!
By Laura
November 28, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
I like Miracle on 34th St. & Home Alone but It’s A Wonderful Life is the best ever! It’s a good lesson for me on life & family in general & what is there but family! In Miracle on 34th St I laugh at the court scene & usually cry when they find the house. In Home Alone I always laugh till I cry when the burglers start trying to break in the house.
By Mike
November 28, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Holiday Inn Bells of Saint Marys Christmas in Connecticut Miracle on 34th Street Christmas Vacation (N. Lampoon
How about some Christmas episodes of TV shows? Andrew Griffith show M.A.S.H
By Tilla
November 28, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
You know, I see alot of you mention Miracle on 34th St, and It’s A Wonderful Life, now I have never watched either of those movies, just never wanted to watch them, but maybe I should check them out this Christmas and see what I have been missing.
By By Ms. V
November 28, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
This Christmas was a wonderful movie, loved it! Some of my all time favorites are Preacher’s Wife, Home Alone, and Borrow Hearts (Monica from Touched by an Angel) By Ms. V
By Shannon
November 28, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Oh! And also, “The Family Man”.
By Erin
November 28, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
My absolute favorite is “A Christmas Story,” but I also love “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street,” the George C. Scott version of “A Christmas Carol,” and “Home Alone,” the original version, not the sequel(s) …
Oh yeah, and “White Christmas.”
I laughed at Jim Carrey’s movie of The Grinch, but a roommate of mine once watched that movie on DVD SEVEN TIMES IN A ROW … that just killed it for me. I can’t watch it at all now.
By BiteMe
November 28, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
A Christmas Story - Hands down!
By Tilla
November 28, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
NO M.A.S.H episodes…PLEASE. Til this day I will never understand why that show is still on the air.
By shannon
November 28, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
my favorite is Love Actually I love seeing London at Christmas.
By dino
November 28, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
any version of charles dickens:a christmas carol
By MJ
November 28, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
White Christmas and The Muppets Christmas Carol for me.
By retlawjames
November 28, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
A Christmas story is an obvious classic Christmas film. It is probably my all time favorite, but This Christmas which has just come out is gaining ground fast. It is a close second only because I have seen it once. This Christmas is classic holiday fun with, great acting, writing and story. The soundtrack is a also a bonus. If you havent seen it I highly recomend it.
By Former Fan
November 28, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
As the Christmas season approaches we always look forward to watching the classics such as White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street (original version).
Have a Merry Christmas
By lil murf
November 28, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I saw This Christmas last weekend, and I am still laughing about Regina King and the belt scene. That was so classic. This is definitely a great newcomer flick!
By DB
November 28, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
My secret Christmas vice is the original version of “The Bishop’s Wife”, with Cary Grant. I just love it! But I am a sucker for just about any holiday movie, so bring ‘em on!
Our family Christmas traditional movie, though, is playing the entire Star Wars trilogy (Episodes 4,5,6) while decorating the Christmas tree. It started when my son was 6, and I realized that he had never seen Star Wars. He was “helping” with the tree, and I popped in “Star Wars (Episode 4)” in the DVD player and said, “I think you’ll like this!” THAT was an understatement — he was totally entranced, and we’ve done it that way ever since!
By GB
November 28, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Well, along with a lot of folks, White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life usher in the season for me, but there is another one, made a few years ago with Julie Andrews and James Garner, called “One Special Night” that has become meaningful to me. I watch it every year now.
By Trevin
November 28, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
I would have to say my faves are The Christmas Story, Christmas Carol, This Christmas and one that is hard to find, that Chipmunks special where Alvin wants a hulahoop, I think they updated it to a skateboard or guitar later.
By Pam
November 28, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
No doubt about it Christmas Vacation. Our family watches it every year and have the biggest laugh. You got to love Cousin Eddie and let’s not forget Margo.
By dion
November 28, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
any version of the classic charles dicken: a christmas carol, and also the two version of the how the grinch stole christmas, just to hear the voice of boris karloff who narrated the first, and anthony hopkins who narrated the second.
By Bloodhound1111
November 28, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Holiday Inn.
By Racebaiter
November 28, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
What’s a Holiday movie? None of those you mentioned are holiday movies; they’re all Christmas movies? So why didn’t you just say “Christmas movies.” Oh yeah, you hate Christians, American traditions, and what Christmas stands for, so you want to remove it from public view. Yeah, who wants to celebrate, or even recognize, the FEDERAL HOLIDAY of Christmas?
By Marcel
November 28, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
A Charlie Brown Christmas will always be a favorite of mine. It’s a universal story that everyone can love.
By the way - This Christmas is also a universal story that everyone will love. You don’t have to be African-American to appreciate the story. The theme crosses cultural boundaries It just happens to feature an African-American family.
By Rusty
November 28, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Another good one not mentioned yet I don’t think is “Holiday Affair” 1950’s with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. Btw.. The Preachers Wife is a blatant ripoff of the Cary Grant movie The Bishops Wife
By Heather
November 28, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is by far the best Christmas made. It is a tradition at my house to watch that movie on Thanksgiving evening!
Bad Santa is also one of my favorites, but I have a sick sense of humor.
Finally A Christmas Story has been a favorite of mine since I was little. In fact, my brother and I watch the 24 hour marathon of it on TNT every year. He is 21 and I am 24. How can you not love it when Santa kicks Ralphie down the slide after telling him that he will shoot his eye out?
By Heather
November 28, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is by far the best Christmas made. It is a tradition at my house to watch that movie on Thanksgiving evening!
Bad Santa is also one of my favorites, but I have a sick sense of humor.
Finally A Christmas Story has been a favorite of mine since I was little. In fact, my brother and I watch the 24 hour marathon of it on TNT every year. He is 21 and I am 24. How can you not love it when Santa kicks Ralphie down the slide after telling him that he will shoot his eye out?
By Marcel
November 28, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
I actually liked all of the animated TV specials growing up. I looked forward to them every year:
A Charlie Brown Christmas Frosty the Snowman (“…Happy New Year…”) The Grinch that Stole Christmas Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer
By Rusty
November 28, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
I do love the Charlie Brown Christmas (on abc last night)but the new Charlie Brown Christmas thing that came on after was L-A-M-E! Someone please put that thing out of it’s misery.
By van
November 28, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Holiday Inn is the “classic” holiday movie…it gave us the songs “White Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” and opened the door to 30 years of great American holiday songs.
By No Way
November 28, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
You have to kidding me! This Christmas is drivel and not a very good movie, much less one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. There must be a lot of people associated with that movie trying to plug it to help make some money. It doesn’t deserve to be on the list.
By No Way
November 28, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
You have to kidding me! This Christmas is drivel and not a very good movie, much less one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. There must be a lot of people associated with that movie trying to plug it to help make some money. It doesn’t deserve to be on the list.
By FCM
November 28, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
OH so many classics so little time (no particular order to my list):
By Barbara
November 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
I love Christmas Story. I watched it the other night and was laughing so hard I was crying and I have seen it a dozen times.
By Mrs. Warren
November 28, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
My husband and I always watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Ernest Saves Christmas. Sooooo hilarious!!
By Denise
November 28, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
A Christmas Story. I love when they play the marathon on Christas Eve. My favorite part is when Ralph helps his dad change the tire and uses the bad word and when the dad gets the ugly lamp.
By erin
November 28, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
How could I forget to mention the kiddie specials like Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Twas the Night Before Christmas, the Year Without a Santa Clause, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon version), and my personal favorite (and yes, I watched it again last night), A Charlie Brown Christmas.
By Amy
November 28, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Hands down… Christmas Vacation.
In fact, I watch it year round.
By Michelle
November 28, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Miracle on 34th Street and Love Actually!
By Erin
November 28, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Oh, one more comment and then I’ll shut up, I promise!
Anyone remember a TV movie that came out in the mid-1980s called “The Night They Saved Christmas,” with Jacklyn Smith and Art Carney as Santa Claus?
It’s not commonly aired and I have yet to find it on DVD (mainly because I never think to look except maybe a week before Christmas) anywhere for sale, but I LOVED that movie!
Sure, it’s cheesy, but oh, was it fun! It was one of the first times I was allowed to stay up way past my bedtime to watch till the end!
By Samantha
November 28, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
My husband and I really enjoy Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer (Claymation version!), National Lampoon Christmas Vacation, and The original Grinch cartoon. I think of the Christmas Carol’s I’ve seen I like the version with Patrick Stewart best so far. Of course thats not all the Christmas movies we enjoy but those are the top ones :-)
By Quentin
November 28, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
A Christmas Story!
By Samantha
November 28, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Oh yes! I forgot about Love Actually! Thats a good one also and a bit different :-)
By kenny
November 28, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
I agree that “Elf” is a modern day classic…very sweet movie with a sweet message…but it will never top, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is also in my top three.
By Tilla
November 28, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
How could I forget about Jack Frost, not the one with Michael Keaten, but the other Jack Frost, bad snowman.
By Jim L
November 28, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
It’s A Wonderful Life is the Tops. However two of the other tops aren’t even on your list, The early 1930’s version of “A Christmas Carol” ( the black and white version)and the 1940=/- versions are both wonderful. The George C. Scott version doesn’t do it justice. But for shear warmth and depth of story It’s a Wonderful cannot be beat.
By CM
November 28, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
A Christmas Story is definitely one of my faves. Elf has to be one of the best from recent years though.
By Sherrie
November 28, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
My favorite movie for 2007 is “This Christmas”. It was such a great movie for this time of the year, when a family can come together and enjoy the holidays, and since Columbus Short was in the movie and he is one of my favorite actors from “Stomp the Yard” it was worth it for me to see the movie, and can’t wait until it’s on DVD.
By dawn
November 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
a christmas story i watch it every year and i still enjoy and now have my children watch it we laugh all the time
By dawn
November 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
a christmas story i watch it every year and i still enjoy and now have my children watch it we laugh all the time
By dawn
November 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
a christmas story i watch it every year and i still enjoy and now have my children watch it we laugh all the time
By JMS
November 28, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
The best Christmas movie EVER is Elf. It is the only must see every Christmas season.
By BB
November 28, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
My favorite all-time Christmas movi is a “Christmas Carol” starring Reginald Owens, the 1936 version I believe.
To me, it is not Christmas until I watch that movie!
By Val
November 28, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
I love them all, White Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s Wonderful Life (even though I never watch the entire movie all at once) I even love the shows that have Chritmas mentioned in them like(Someone Like You & You’ve Got Mail) Rudolph, I love Christmas. What can I say. Merry Christmas
By Chris
November 28, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I like Steve, Peachy and FCM’s list. I like the addition FCM and Peachy made with The Grinch and Polar Express by FCM. Not so sure about FCM’s choice of the Osmond Family Christmas Special.
By Ryan
November 28, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
SCROOGED with Bill Murray!! It’s a Classic!
By nurse&mother
November 28, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
So many great Christmas movies, but my all time fav is “A Christmas Story”. “Christmas Vacation”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” rank pretty high too.
By Old Movie Buff
November 28, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Favorites, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and a Christmas Carol (Old). I have not seen “:This Christmas,” yet, but it is on the list for this week.
By Keisha
November 28, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Hmmm … I would have to say “It’s A Wonderful Life.” My father has the color and B&W versions on VHS. I remember asking my dad to videotape “White Christmas” for me as a little girl because I loved the choreography. (I also am a Danny Kaye fan —remember him as the dentist on “The Cosby Show?”) I also love “A Christmas Story.” I remember the “original” “A Christmas Story” and the remake with George C. Scott. I like the original, but dare I say I prefer the Disney’s animated version better?!?
By Keisha
November 28, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
P.S. Although I grew up loving “White Christmas,” I love myself too much and am too intelligent succomb to “Holiday Inn.” (For some blatantly obvious reasons) I actually was a little heartbroken when my father revealed to me that the song “White Christmas” actually came from “Holiday Inn!”
By Keisha
November 28, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
P.S. Although I grew up loving “White Christmas,” I love myself too much and am too intelligent to succomb to “Holiday Inn.” (For some blatantly obvious reasons) I actually was a little heartbroken when my father revealed to me that the song “White Christmas” actually came from “Holiday Inn!”
By by Carol
November 29, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is the all time best Christmas movie ever. It makes you realize the important things in life. It’s just not Christmas for me until I see this movie at least once.