No homework, a cozy knit blanket, a hot yummy drink, cold weather & a fireplace, super soft sweatpants, an xxl comfort color tshirt, and my favorite holiday movies make for the perfect Christmas pastime. Whether I watch these movies alone, with my family & relatives, with friends or with my favorite boy (my dog Bodie), these movies are my go to christmas time movies. Some are christmas themed and some are not. Regardless, these movies bring warmess and joy to my heart: isn't that what christmas is all about?
It's a Wonderful Life
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving his time, help, and love to the people of Bedford Falls. An angel is sent from Heaven to help this desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. It is such a heartfelt movie of perspective and positivity. It's a christmas classic.
who to watch with: family
will I cry: I do every time
romance: somewhat but not main focus
how realistic: not realistic, but relatable
quote: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Eloise at Christmastime
Christmastime in New York City finds Eloise eagerly anticipating her mother's return. In the meantime, she terrorizes the hotel staff Plaza with her usual shanagans. Rachel, the daughter of Plaza owner Mr. Peabody, returns from college to marry Brooks Oliver. But Rachel used to like Eloise's favorite waiter, Bill, who still has feelings for her. Eloise sets out to remedy the situation, while celebrating the season in her own irrepressible style. I grew up aspiring to be Eloise.
who to watch with: your girlfriends
will I cry: no
how romantic: a little romantic story
how realistic: eh
quote: "think pink. it's a better way of life"
A Walk to Remember
Hands down my favorite movie ever. Not a Christmas movie, but a good one to watch at Christmastime. It's the story of a jaded, aimless high school senior boy who falls in love with a guileless sweet senior girl he and his friends once scorned. The two develop a powerful and inspirational relationship in which they discover truths that take most people a lifetime to learn. The ending gets me everytime with her walk to remember.
who to watch with: your girlfriends, your family, anyone!!!
will I cry: YES
how romantic: extremely, but a sweet genuine romance
how realistic: very
quote 1: “Without suffering, there'd be no compassion.”
quote 2: “It wasn't that long, and it certainly wasn't the kind of kiss you see in movies these days, but it was wonderful in its own way, and all I can remember about the moment is that when our lips touched, I knew the memory would last forever.”
quote 3: “It was, I remembered thinking, the most difficult walk anyone ever had to make. In every way, a walk to remember.”
Miracle on 34th Street
In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain's main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Another christmas classic that I love.
who to watch with: your mom, family
will I cry: no
how romantic: not
how realistic: not
quote: "Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles."
The Vow
Paige and Leo are happily married newlyweds, but their sought-after life together suddenly shatters when a car accident leaves her in a coma. When Paige awakes, she has severe memory loss and doesn't know Leo. She also has a confusing relationship with her parents and still harbors feelings for a former fiancé. Despite these difficult obstacles, Leo is determined to renew their bond and rebuild their marriage. This movies leaves me on the edge of my seat even though I've seen it a bagillion times. It shows how love will always find its way (haha super cheesy but true). It's set during winter, perfect for a christmas movie. And it's based off a true story!!!
who to watch with: the girls
will I cry: yes
how romantic: VERY
how realistic: true story
quote: "How do you look at the woman you love, and tell yourself that its time to walk away?"
Dear John
When soldier John Tyree meets an idealistic college student, Savannah Curtis, it's the beginning of a strong romance. Over the next seven tumultuous years and separated by John's increasingly dangerous deployment, the lovers stay in touch through their letters, meeting in person only rarely. However, their correspondence triggers consequences that neither could foresee.
who to watch with: girlfriends
will I cry: very high chance
how romantic: uber
how realistic: realsitic, but events unlikely to occur in your life
quote: “And when her lips met mine, I knew that I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would ever compare to that single moment when I first kissed the girl of my dreams and knew that my love would last forever.”
Santa Clause
Divorced dad Scott has custody of his son on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do. This movie has so many hilarous jokes and plot twists. I belly laugh everytime.
who to watch with: family
will I cry: no
how romantic: nope, but you will laugh hard
how realistic: santa is real right?
quote: "I dont't know what's happening to you. You're starting to look like the Pillsbury Doughboy."
Me Before You
Young and quirky Louisa "Lou" Clark moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will's cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined. One of my favorite movies I will be watching this holiday.
who to watch with: people who you are okay with seeing you ball your eyes out
will I cry: ^^^
how romantic: super romantic
how realistic: eh, itd never happen to you, but realistic
quote: "You are pretty much the only thing that makes me wanna get up in the morning."
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In this live-action hilarious adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who. One of my go-to Christmas movie that never gets old. Jim Carrey makes the Dr. Seuss story his own, by adding so many adult jokes and plot twists.
who to watch with: family, friends
will I cry: maybe because you're laughing so hard
how romantic: not romantic
how realistic: haha
quote: "Am I just eating because I'm bored?"
Age of Adaline
Adaline Bowman has miraculously remained a youthful 29 years of age for nearly eight decades, never allowing herself to get close to anyone lest they discover her secret. However, a chance encounter with a charismatic philanthropist named Ellis Jones reawakens Adaline's long-suppressed passion for life and romance. When a weekend with Ellis' parents threatens to expose the truth, Adaline makes a decision that changes her life forever. I love the timeless story of this movie. Blake Lively is classy, elegent and everything I aspire to be in her eight decades on earth. I love watching this movie at Christmastime because for most of the movie it takes place in the winter and the beauty of romance in the movie is perfect for the holidays.
who to watch with: besties, family
will I cry: 60% chance
how romantic: yes romantic
how realistic: not at all
quote: "First time I saw you, I knew I had to meet you. I didn't know when or how but I knew I wanted to."
The Best of Me
Again, not a christmas movie, but The Best of Me is about once high-school sweethearts, Amanda and Dawson. They have a bittersweet reunion when they return to their hometown for the funeral of a mutual, beloved friend. Seeing each other again after 20 years apart reignites the love they've never forgotten, but Amanda and Dawson soon discover that the forces that drove them apart when they were younger pose even more threats today.
who to watch with: friends
will I cry: oh yes
how romantic: highly romantic
how realistic: medium
quote: "You want me to fall back in love with you? How do I do that if I haven't ever stopped?"
The Holiday
Two women, one from America and one from Britain, swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups with their boyfriends. Each woman finds romance with a local man, but realizes that the imminent return home may end the relationship. Such a good Christmas movie with a sweet story and wonderful music.
who to watch with: family, friends
will I cry: likely
how romantic: super
how realistic: lowkey realistic
quote: "Iris, if you were a melody... I used only the good notes."
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