Christmas Movie List 2013

i am a huge sucker for movies — cheesy or otherwise — all year round, but during the holidays my need for them intensifies quite a great deal. there are easily a couple dozen flicks i like to watch this time of year, so today i decided to share with you a handful or so of those that i have really enjoyed these past few days. some may not be about christmas exactly, but still perfect for viewing this season.

1. JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1996)

i am getting the cheesiest one out of the way, at risk of incurring a few eye rolls and sighs of disbelief. i can’t help it — i love this movie. to clarify: i am not a fan of schwarzenegger, but even i have to admit he is endearing and quite funny in this wholesome family flick, full of warming, christmassy sentiments. several plot points fall in the realm of ridiculous impossibility, but i am willing to look the other way for the sake of the holidays.

2. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (2011)

this is the first year i’ve seen this animated film and i am completely smitten with it. arthur is a very likeable character and all the twists and turns in the movie create an altogether enjoyable, heart-warming christmas experience. definitely watching it for years to come!

3. THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

being that one of my all-time favorite movies is you’ve got mail, i naturally was curious about the original film on which it was based. well, it took me years to finally bite the bullet and watch it, but i have found this 1940’s masterpiece to be a true delight. it is a beautifully crafted movie filled with kooky characters and ever so giddy moments, and the fact that it all happens around the holidays is the cherry on top. it hasn’t quite surpassed my love for the new version (i love meg and tom’s chemistry okay!) but reigns a close, close second.

4. KISS KISS BANG BANG (2005)

this is yet another new addition to my christmas movie list, having only seen it once (today, natch!). i absolutely died laughing at this quirky little film, with a stellar cast that succeeds without fail in taking you on their unending whirlwind of excitement and misadventure, all the way lending you speechless at the insanity of it all. i will for sure watch this over and over again, christmas or not, and enjoy every minute of it.

5. HOME ALONE 1 (1990) & HOME ALONE 2 (1992)

two movies that need no introduction or description, but known and loved by everyone especially this time of year. really, these two will never get old.

6. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)

i’ve loved watching this movie for years but only realized fairly recently that it makes for great holiday viewing, it being set during the christmas season (yup, facepalm moment there). it is about love and family and togetherness — and also the gorgeousness that is a white christmas in chicago.