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One of my favorite things to do once the Thanksgiving table is cleared is to snuggle up with my dog Penny and a cozy blanket, and get started on holiday movies!
Some of my faves aren’t really Christmas-y. I just like to watch them this time of year, like Harry Potter films. There’s something about them (Mrs. Weasley’s Christmas sweaters?) that makes them so comforting when winter rolls around.
So here are some of the holidays movies I love to watch in the countdown to Christmas!
The Muppets Christmas Carol – best holiday movie ever!
I remember watching The Muppets Christmas Carol with my sister at our little local movie theater when it was released in 1992, and dancing like the Spirit of Christmas Present on the way out! It’s my favorite Christmas movie and might also be my favorite Muppet movie. The Muppets are so cleverly cast – Kermit at Bob Cratchit, Sam the Eagle as Scrooge’s headmaster, Waldorff and Statler as the Marleys, Gonzo as the narrator with Rizzo as his sidekick. “Light the lamp, not the rat!” The songs were written by Paul Williams, who also wrote the Rainbow Connection, and they’re so happy and catchy. Michael Caine is a perfect Scrooge as he transforms with each visit from the ghosts. It’s so good I want to stop writing so that I can watch it right now! *
The Year Without a Santa Claus: Miser Brothers for the Win
Of all the Rankin and Bass Christmas movies, The Year Without A Santa Claus is my fave. I think it’s a little dated as Mrs. Claus wonders what it’s like to be Santa Claus and doesn’t get to. (Reboot!) But it’s the Miser brothers that gives this the edge for me over Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Sorry, Hermy. *
Elf: The holiday movie I could watch all year
I never get sick of Elf. I could watch it all year long. Buddy the Elf’s superpower is spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear. He might just be the most sincere character in a movie ever. How can you not love him?*
White Christmas: An annual classic
White Christmas is one of my mom’s faves. We watched it every year when I was growing up and we still do. I probably know it by heart. Love all the dance numbers and songs. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are an old timey bromance. They’re such a great pair. I really wonder how they fit all those people at the lodge!*
The Lord of the Rings: non-holiday holiday movies
I love to rewatch LOTR during the holidays! Maybe it’s because these films were released around Christmas? Or because it has elves? I watch the really long extended cuts on my journey to Middle Earth every year. Maybe I’ll add in the Hobbit this year as well.
What are your holiday movie favorites?
There are still so many more Christmas movies that I love. What are your favorite movies to watch around the holidays? Are there any non-Christmas movies in the mix? Comment below and let me know!
Robin Cabana loves to nerd out about Star Wars, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Disney and so much more. She has a pug named Penny and lives in New Jersey. 