December greetings, my lovely reader friends!
How is it already well into December?!?! I did not realize that it was indeed the second week of December until just yesterday and then it hit me...the days until Christmas are lessening very rapidly.
We are just beginning to decorate our home this week...a little bit here and there, that's how we like to do it. Up until a couple years ago, we would go full steam ahead and get all the decorating done in one weekend. Then one year we just unconsciously did it slowly and it wasn't until after Christmas that we realized what we'd done. It was without a doubt a good thing and we all heartily agreed that from now on that was how we were going to go about it. Funnily enough, it ends up being more fun because each year we end up making several crafts or decorations for our Christmas festivities and most of the time, our creations are suitable to stay out all winter long.
Another favorite unconscious thing we began a few years back is spending December at home as much as possible. In years past, we would go out lots of evenings to look at Christmas lights and decorations around town and into the city. We would have lots of shopping that still needed to be completed. And then one year, we just stayed home. And we absolutely loved it! Our days and evenings just being at home puttering about as we decorated this or that, or enjoying crafting sessions, or game nights, or just whatever...it was absolute bliss. So, a homey, slow December is just what we love.
And one of those December things that makes this time of year extra fun and festive are the movies. Today I want to share my absolute favorites with you...pour some hot cocoa and curl up with your most snuggly blanket, because I think you may want to watch at least one of these very soon. {{smiles}}
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Let me begin by saying that I (for the most part) do not prefer more recent Christmas movies. Whether they are on Hallmark Channel (don't even get me started!) or in the theatre, for me, they just don't seem Christmasy or have the charm and magic that the ones from my childhood do...or even ones that are are from "back in the day". So you probably won't find anything too modern on this list, but in my opinion, the best of Christmas movies are the ones from years ago!
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Home Alone 1 & 2
This is the first Christmas movie I remember watching as a little girl. Ever since I was a toddler, probably even before I can remember, we have watched these movies every single year. Without fail. They are hands down some of the best! And I don't think you can get more of a classic than Home Alone. And while we do enjoy the third and fourth editions, the first two are by far our favorites. Oh, and do stay away from the newest remake on Disney Plus. It is an absolute disgrace!
Christmas with the Kranks
We first saw this movie in the theatre when I was about ten years old, and it's been a favorite ever since. This movie will make you laugh over and over, your sides will eventually hurt. It seems as though any Christmas movie with Tim Allen is a favorite, and this one is no different. We watch it multiple times each season.
Santa Clause 1, 2, & 3
These are also movies that I grew up with. The second one is my favorite of the series....but I love the others too. Tim Allen IS Santa Claus in my mind, and I love the imaginative story-telling of these.
Eloise at Christmastime
Another childhood classic...I loved, loved this movie when I was younger. And even though, I'm in my late twenties now, I still love it. This movie is such a fun, cheerful, happy, festive one and I simply must watch it every December. It just feels so magical. I'll probably still be watching this when I'm old and grey.
Holiday in Handcuffs
I love this movie...usually comical holiday movies are dumb and stupid (example: "Elf") in my opinion, but not this one. It's just plain hilarious! The scenery in this one is to die for (as is the case in most my favorite movies), and while there are plenty of moments to laugh until you cry, there's also sweet, tender, touching moments as well.
The Christmas Gift
This is one of my mom's favorite movies, one reason being because her favorite singer, John Denver, is the main actor. I admit that I love this one as well...a quaint and charming snow-covered mountain town where the neighbors are practically family...that sounds like a dream to me...and everyone just so happens to believe in Santa Clause. {{smiles}} This one is heartwarming in all the ways imaginable!
A Heartland Christmas
One of my family's favorite TV series is Heartland (we only like seasons 1-7), and this movie goes along with the show. It is like a regular episode, except longer, better and Christmasy! I LOVE it! And the scenery in this movie is beautiful, as well. {{smiles}}
Little Women
This one isn't exactly a Christmas movie, but nonetheless, it's one that I love watching this time of year. There is a bit of Christmas in it, which is one of my favorite parts. Our favorite is the 1994 version, though we also love the PBS version (my sister and I loved everything about that version, especially the music!)...perfect to watch anytime of year, even at Christmas! It feels so very cozy! ♥
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I personally don't like too many Hallmark movies...the acting is terrible and the storylines are ridiculously simple and they just seem to get worse each year. Not to mention, that in recent years, they are FULL of hidden messages and social and political agendas. They don't even feel Christmasy anymore. But this one is older and literally one of the only ones I enjoy...and I do love this one. It has been a favorite since I was a teenager and it's such a fun one to watch...it has humor, sentimental moments, and Christmasy cheer.
Miracle on 34th Street
We love watching the original 1947 version of this movie and always enjoy seeing it around Thanksgiving time...or sometime in December at least. This is the only "classic" that I grew up with and I've loved it since I was a little girl. I have not seen the newer version, though I would like to, maybe this year. But like most things...the original is the best.
The Holiday
I'll be honest and say that this movie doesn't feel super Christmasy to me. For me, it's more of a cozy winter movie. But since it is usually under the Christmas category, I'll include it here. The scenery is so dreamy and that's probably my favorite part. I wouldn't say the storyline stands out to me or is anything too special, but because it has that really cozy vibe, I do love watching it in the wintertime.
While You Were Sleeping
This is a movie that is newer to me, though it is from the 90's...aren't all the best movies and TV shows from the 90's? Anyway, this one had that family storyline and the heartwarming side that a Christmas movie should have. It also had comedy that literally had me laughing out loud...so definitely a winner as far as Christmas movies go.
Harry Potter
While Harry Potter isn't entirely Christmas...there's really only just a scene here or there, but quite a bit of snowy castle and village scenes, too...it just feels so cozy. I've seen the first four entirely and the final four in bits and pieces here and there, but I'm going to change that real soon. These are fun movies that make you believe in goodness and magic again. And you'll end up just really wishing you could board the train to Hogwarts...at least I do every time I watch them.
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Not ending with just movies, I wanted to include my list of must-watch Christmas episodes of what are, in my opinion, some of the best shows out there. Each year, I love picking a handful or so of these Christmas episodes and settling in for an evening of coziness and festive fun. Several of the shows below have multiple Christmas episodes throughout the entire series, while others just have one or two. Either way, I think they are pretty special and make it feel even more like Christmas.
Call the Midwife
Each season of Call the Midwife has a Christmas special, and I honestly don't think I could pick a favorite. Each one is truly so special and memorable. But then again, this entire series is that way.
Downton Abbey
It's been years since I watched Downton Abbey, but with the new movie coming out next year, I want to rewatch them to jog my memory on what all happened. And the Christmas episodes are some of the ones I'm looking forward to the most. Of course, the most memorable moment on a Christmas special was when Mary finally said YES to Matthew's proposal. Why, oh why, did they have to make him die? Aaahhhh!
Little House on the Prairie
These are just comforting and fun to watch...and make you long for simpler, more peaceful times when people were kinder and gentler towards one another and when family and home were valued above all else. When sweetness was found in ordinary days and people knew what was truly important.
7th Heaven
A long time favorite of mine, the Christmas episode from season three is my all-time number one favorite. It's funny, touching and heartwarming and full of Christmas spirit and cheer.
The Middle
Whenever I'm wanting something light and funny and just downright quirky, I turn to The Middle. This show really does the seasonal and holiday episodes up right. I love them completely! Especially the ending of the Christmas episode in season nine...yes, we squealed! (No spoilers here, though! You'll have to watch the series for yourself...start at the beginning ,too.)
Home Improvement
This is another show I turn to for something hilarious and sometimes ridiculous...and the Christmas episodes are no different. Seriously, why is Tim Allen just so darn funny?
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls has just two Christmas episodes and they aren't even all that Christmasy, if you ask me. Seriously, I love this show to bits, but I do wish they had done more holiday episodes. But regardless, it is a must-watch for me and I love the little quirky celebrations that the Gilmores do to celebrate Christmas.
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And finally, I have a few new-to-me titles that I have on my list to watch this December...and into the winter. (I love spreading out Christmas movies and such all throughout the winter. It makes the season more cozy and fun!) Here they are...
Lark Rise to Candleford
I've tried watching this series a couple of times and just can't seem to get into it. It seems like just my cup of tea but for whatever reason, the show just seems boring to me. I really want to like it though. I though that maybe if I try a Christmas episode (I have to see if there are any first) that may get me into it. If not, then I know it's just not for me. Sadly, because it sounds really delightful.
Christmas in Connecticut
My mom and I began this movie over the weekend but have yet to finish it. So far I am really enjoying it and can't wait to see how Christmas at the farm ends up.
The Bishop's Wife
And finally, this is the second movie (aside from the one above) that I heard are must-watches for December. They both seem like something I would adore, so I'm looking forward to finding out for myself.
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There you have it, friends...all my beloved favorite Christmas movies and shows. These are delightful companions in December and throughout the winter, making festive fun and coziness last the whole season long.
I'd love to know what YOUR favorite Christmas movies are, so do please share below.
I hope you are having a cheery December so far and finding beauty in all the small things...
soon, I'll be sharing my favorite Christmas books, so do come back then!
♥ ♥ ♥