In the words of Mariah Carey, “It’s time!” With the semester coming to a close and finals just sneaking around the corner, some of us may have forgotten that we are in the first week of the best holiday season ever. Every December, I make myself a list of must-see movies to get me in the spirit of the holidays. I recommend that all of the Monmouth University community start December off correctly. Grab a cozy blanket, your Christmas pajamas, hot cocoa, and sit down for my holiday watchlist picks.
How can one have Christmas without the “Home Alone” series? The 1990 family comedy, “Home Alone,” directed by Chris Colombus, is always the first movie I watch to get me in the Christmas spirit. This is also the perfect film to watch with the family that will certainly leave everyone laughing so much their cheeks hurt. For those unfamiliar with this classic film, it stars Macaulay Culkin’s character, Kevin McCallister, and his extended family as they are about to leave for their holiday trip to Paris. With 15 people residing in their family home, being one of the youngest made it entirely possible to get forgotten on the day of the hectic travel plans. You can watch the full movie anywhere from Disney+, Youtube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies or Fandango at Home.
This next suggestion may sound like it has no place on this list, but I humbly beg to differ. In the Harry Potter films, the movies that came from the popular series by J.K Rowling, several scenes are winter and holiday-themed. Snowy days or holidays are mentioned or shown in almost every film in great cinematic scenes. Specifically, in the 2001 film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” also directed by Chris Colombus, this is the very first Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, the young, famously known wizard, experiences his first true Christmas, surrounded by decorated trees, large lit fire pits, and a snowy outside with his best friend, Ron Weasley. In the scene, Harry gets the “H” knitted sweater Mrs. Weasley kindly made him, and both exchange “Happy Christmas” with one another by the fire. Hermione Granger shares Christmas at Hogwarts with Ron and Harry in the second film from 2002, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” directed by Columbus, and they open gifts as the snow-filled winter awaits outside the castle walls.
In both the third film from 2004, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” directed by Alfonso Cuarón, and the 2007 film, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” directed by David Yates, Harry is invited to spend Christmas with the entire Weasley family at their home full of fun and festivities. Even in the last two movies, Harry and Hermione share a bittersweet moment as they notice what day it is, walking through the snow-covered Grodic’s Hollow. The pair of friends exchange the words, “Merry Christmas, Hermione” and “Merry Christmas, Harry” to each other.
Moving along the line, I find many people also do not see this as a particularly festive film, and a majority even say it is strictly Halloween. One of my favorite films of all time, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a 1993 family musical directed by Henry Selick and created by Tim Burton, is not just for the Halloween season. The entire plot of the film follows how Jack Skellington, voiced by Danny Elfman, wants to bring Christmas to Halloween Town. There is nothing better than getting to watch this movie twice a year with my best friend, Carolyn, and I find I never get tired of rewatching it. If you would like to watch this movie with your family this holiday season, you can find it on the same apps as previously mentioned.
Don’t worry film fans, I have not forgotten the most important holiday must-watch. “The Polar Express,” the 2004 classic film by Robert Zemeckis, can be found on Hulu, Max, YouTube, Disney+ and others. It follows an unnamed young boy on this magical train ride that changes his perspective on whether Santa Claus is real or a myth told to children. I recommend making hot cocoa in your favorite holiday mug for the classic song “Hot Chocolate,” which the entire family will enjoy. I bet you won’t be able to watch the movie without smiling and feeling that warm holiday joy.
Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, magic, or a heartwarming holiday adventure, these films will surely bring festive cheer to your season. So grab your blanket, cozy up, and let these holiday classics remind you of the joy and magic that Christmas brings to all. Happy holidays, hawks.
