While it is unlikely (and actually impossible) to watch all of these Christmas flicks in one night, I want to suggest that a Family Fun night can be served with hot buttered popcorn, or better yet, Julie Neering's Yummy Caramel Corn recipe. So, in the spirit of the season, I have compiled a list of top Christmas movies...in my not hardly ever humble opinion. If you know me very well, you are certainly aware that I never hold my opinion back as I happen to be particularly forthcoming! :)
Similar to my MORTGAGE PRO Week in Review , I have opted to do a Top Ten theme. I thought it was fun to do that way, so you, my audience may see posts this way again...unless I get hired to write as the writer's guild is still on strike (JOKING! The striking union has very valid issues and I will stand with them in solidarity -- although I do miss my show, "The Office")!
I digress, so in getting back to the point, let's start!!!

10.) Home Alone (the original version) ~ Well before Mr. Culkin's meltdowns, I loved his work as a child. The good news for him is that this movie still garners laughs from the kids. Which means parents enjoy it...which means money in his pocket! Oh well, I hope he is making smarter money choices these days! :)
9.) White Christmas ~ More a movie for our parents' times. A great movie nonetheless, full of values and history (almost). Well, with the black and white feature at least there is a contrast of how generations and technology go. We have actually had the conversation on this one...perhaps you have too!
8.) The Grinch ~ Jim Carrey is at his best in a role like this one. And, who doesn't love Cindy Lou? She is as sweet as the day is long. There is a warm fuzzy lesson in here too, making it a family great! May I inquire, though, whether you prefer the cartoon version or the live "action" film? Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you on that one!
7.) A Christmas Story~ Little Ralphy shooting his eye out...the hilarious scene with the tongue stuck to the flagpole, the Dad losing his temper, and his control, and of course...the dogs eating the Christmas dinner. All sorts of reality tied up with laughter! You may need to fast forward the part showing Dad's lack of control...too many expletives for kidlet ears, I think! :)
6.) The Nativity ~ I make no apologies for being a faith filled girl. So, I am putting this out here. The movie is well done for sure. The interpretation is believable to me, and the story is compelling! If you have not seen this one, you should watch it and respond with your comments. :)
5.) Miracle on 34th Street ~ In case of a lively debate...let me just start this by saying both versions are good. I, personally, prefer the newer version. The quality is better and I enjoy the little girl who plays the role. Besides, Dylan McDermott is dreamy with his dark hair and bright eyes.
4.) Elf ~ Another comic worth mentioning. Although not from "In Living Color", he is from SNL. This movie is both sweet and goofy. We all have a lot of laughs from this slapstick comedy. We also get to snuggle in as a family and learn to love one another again. Who could ask for a better Christmas miracle than rekindled love and appreciation. Feeling warm enough, now?? :)
3.) A Charlie Brown Christmas~ While a short film, it still remains a classic in my book! An endearing story of sadness turned hope...enough said! Well, almost! I love Lucy because we are so much alike!
2.) It's A Wonderful Life ~ I am not so certain that every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings. I amcertain that this movie portrays the value of life...our own lives. It demonstrates that we all have a purpose and that the world just would not be worthwhile without each one of us. What a Christmas gift...realizing that we have worth.
1.) The best Christmas movie of all time is ... National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation~ Laughs, lessons, family, Christmas, giving, priorities, twinkle lights (not working), saying grace, uncle Eddy. Just too much fun to describe in a post. It is a must watch (if you have not watched it already!
To that end, I hope that you all rush right out and rent (or buy...it may stimulate the economy) at least one of the movies to spend that time with your family. Laugh, eat, drink, and be Merry. Speaking of Merry...have a very Happy Christmas!
I will be watching, reading, and writing as you all share with the class your thoughts and feelings on the top ten Christmas movies of all time! I cannot wait to see what you recommend...
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What are you doing blogging when you could be watching Elf?? That movie is hilarious!! My favorite Christmas movie that you didn't mention here is "Love Actually". I don't love Christmas, but I sure love the movies! Will you make us a pizza too?
MWA!!
Thanks for the movie list. Always good holiday enjoyment. Have a nice holiday season.
Sarah, great idea for a family fun night. I will have to check out several of those movies, there are 3 or 4 that I have yet to see.
Sarah-Thank you for mentioning my "yummy caramel popcorn" recipe. Me and my family have actually been watching some Christmas movies over the past few days. When I say actually, that's because I have a hard time sitting down to watch TV. Oh, after reading Elizabeth Nieves' post on The Ultimate Gift, we rented that and one of my boys (14) watched it with me last night. That movie gives you so much to think about. I found myself teared up through most of the movie, but it's a must see. As for your list, a great one. One of my faves is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Funny stuff!
Great list, I'll head to Blockbuster and get going on the one's we haven't seen.
Sal Poliandro - Bergen County Realtor
Sarah, guaranteed a movie gets put in the dvd player and I fall asleep....it's all part of what makes our family movie nights fun. My kids wager on how much of the movie I'll actually see. I'm sure there are a lot of great Christmas movies out there but very few I will actually stay awake through!
Jennifer ~ Once the new home is done you are welcome to come over for pizza and a movie anytime! We just watched a movie...but not Elf. It is called Waitress. Quirky and good! :)
I agree with the movies on your list, although I might change the order to place "It's a Wonderful Life" first. In my eyes, everything else pales in comparison. I also love "A Christmas Story".
Sarah: Great list. Being a guy I have been in contact with my son-in-law and we would kick in a few extras like, Gladiator, Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans. Theses will help me prepare for the 2008 year in my marketing plan.
From Gladiator: Have a prepared plan of attack; don't try to overthrow seniority, but be faithful as a servant, let the clients you serve ( real estate agents , builders, homebuyers) raise your flag for you.
From Braveheart: Wow, rally the troops just before battle that freedom is not cheap.
Last of the Mohicans: I am very partial to the openig scene as I love to run through the woods and I love the mountains
Merry Christmas, Have a great 2008!
Bob & Carolin ~ Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I wish you the bestest 2008 and Christmas!
Tony & Darcy, I am happy I can help. May I ask which ones you have not yet seen? Any others you recommend?? Thanks for your comments! :)
Hi Julie ~ you are welcome for the mention of your recipe. I am looking forward to making it soon! The Ultimate Gift, huh? I have not yet even heard of that one, I do not think. You see, here in our community is the sharing of ideas! :) Glad you liked the list!
Sal ~ Thanks for stopping by! Let me know what you think of them when you watch them. Which ones have you not yet seen?
Joddie ~ That is funny. We used to do that with my father-in-law. We judged a movie by it's ability to keep Dad awake! You are so not alone! :)
Jason ~ I understand your sentiments. I have always loved the story of It's a Wonderful life. However, I had to give first place status to Christmas Vacation because we watch it every Thanksgiving as a family ~ aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and even great grandparents. Traditions make things top rate in my book! :)
Keith ~ Thank you for reading and adding your two cents. The movies you listed are definitely boy style. They are great movies, epic for sure, and I appreciate you adding them! :)
Sarah-I came back for another visit. How about Polar Express? I love that movie too.
Oh, thank you! There are just too many. I thought about doing an honorable mention. I think I will go back and add that one, now. BTW, I was commenting on one of your blogs when you were here! How funny...like minds! :)
Julie ~ Our local area has an old fashioned train company (only about an hour away). We went up last Friday night and took the Polar Express ride complete with hot chocolate Christmas carols, cookies, pajamas, Santa, elves, and the North Pole. The children each got their own bell, too! Look for an update to the post! :)
Great lineup Sarah! I've watched most...and we have our marathon nights during the holidays also. FUN FUN FUN!!! :-)
Thanks, Elizabeth! Is there one that you would add to the list to recommend to people? Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day...
Great video! National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.
Definitely a classic, Sal! It is a family favorite of ours for sure! :) Thanks for stopping by...
Sarah-That sounds like an incredibly wonderful time to enjoy during Christmas. I can't wait to see your post on it. Have a wonderful Friday!
Hi Julie ~ It was truly wonderful and the kids already asked if we can do it again next year. We met a really nice family, too! A great time was had by all! :)
Sarah, what a great list. It sounds like a fun time.
This is a great list! Christmas Vacation is my all time favorite followed closely by Elf. The Santa Clause with Tim Allen is a good one. If you are looking for a good black and white classic be sure to check out Christmas In Connecticuit with Barbara Stanwyck and Sydney Greenstreet but BEWARE their is a not too good remake with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dyan Cannon. I just bought Deck The Halls based on the review I read on another blog posted in this group by Charles McDonald but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet!
Rich ~ See you and I like the comedy type. Deck the Halls I have seen, too. It is cute, but still did not make my top ten. Let me know what you think once youv'e seen it! Thanks for commenting, and i will need to try out the Christmas in Connecticut! :)
Hi Danny! It is a great list. Do you have any flicks to add? Thank you for your comments and your time! :)
Hi Sarah: You've put together a great list. I think I have seen six of them. Let me recommend another Christmas movie. It's called The Christmas Wife. I saw it on Lifetime several years ago, and enjoyed it quite a bit. But, as you could imagine, it lost much of it's impact due to all the commercials they play when they interrupt the movie. So, I ordered it from Borders, and got it last year just in time for Christmas viewing. It's a great movie. I will watch it again this year. You have given me just the nudge to write a review about it on my blog. Thanks for sharing...
Hi Karen Anne ~ Thank you for commenting! What is the story about? I am glad that I am able to move you to write a review about it. I am looking forward to it. Can you rent it at the video stores? Thanks...
Sarah - So I watched Deck The Halls over the weekend and you are right, it is not a tope 10. I will admit thet I laughed at parts but the overly dramatic and heavy story line, loser dad and OCD dad detracted from the movie. I was hoping for more laughs. C'est la vie!
Rich ~ Thanks for your opinion and confirmation. I wa a bit disappointed in the film, but it did have a few funny parts. As with most movies...they were all on the trailer, though! :) Still need to get my hands on Christmas in Connecticut! :) Talk with you soon...
We also watched most of these movies, except I have to go with the cartoon grinch and the original miracle on 34th street. But, you did have a good collection of movies there that are must sees.
That's what I call a movie marathon... You picked a bunch of great flicks to watch.
Todd ~ Wow...I do not know how I missed your comment. I like the cartoon Grinch, too. I always have liked Jim Carrey, though, and he did a great job with it, I think! :)
Vincent ~ Thanks for the comment! I hope that you are doing well! :)