There is a common misconception that being Jewish means missing out on the holiday season due to the prominence of Christmas, but this is completely untrue. Most Jews in my life, myself included, love to indulge in all things Christmas (except for the Christ part, of course). Aggravatingly catchy holiday songs and ugly Christmas sweaters are certainly a significant part of my December, but Christmas movies are the biggest. There is nothing better than curling up by the fire and watching a Christmas movie to get anyone, regardless of religion, in the holiday spirit. With that being said, here are this Jew’s top 10 favorite Christmas movies:
10. The Polar Express
Starting with a bang, I know. Did this movie traumatize me as a child? Yes, of course. Do I think that everyone should see it at least once? Yes, of course. It’s definitely a weird Christmas movie, but I would argue that it has become a classic and is worth a watch (if you can stomach it).
9. Let it Snow
Alright, is it the best movie I’ve ever seen? No, but I somehow find myself watching it time and time again. It feels like a Disney Channel Original Movie even though it isn’t, so if that’s the sort of vibe that you’re looking for then I definitely recommend it.
8. Lethal Weapon
It may be unconventional, but I think that Lethal Weapon takes on Christmas from a VERY different angle that I really enjoy. If you take away all of the cop nonsense, it's simply a movie about how everyone’s differences allow them to bring something different to the table; Isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
I have always wondered if this one should be classified as a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie, but nevertheless it’s definitely a good one to watch during the holiday season. The animation is so fun and the whole film is just delightful.
6. A Christmas Story
This movie screams elementary school winter break to me. It evokes memories of waking up on Christmas and coming downstairs to see your family catching a part of the 24-hour marathon. It is an absolute comfort movie to me and so, so quotable.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol
If you love the Muppets you will love this movie. It has the comedy of any Muppet movie interspersed with Dickens’ classic tale, and it will leave you laughing and crying. And did I mention that it's a musical? The songs will be stuck in your head for days.
4. Gremlins
Yes, I am throwing in another movie that traumatized the youth so much that it caused the invention of the PG-13 rating (that’s true! Google it!). Scary meets festive and a little bit sad. Definitely a good watch if you’re looking for something more high-energy than the typical Christmas movie.
3. Home Alone
No list of Christmas movies is complete without Home Alone. It is a renowned holiday favorite for everyone, certainly including myself. There is much debate about whether the first or second is better, but I think that it's impossible to beat McCauley Culkin booby-trapping his home, even when compared to him getting lost in New York.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Something about A Charlie Brown Christmas evokes a certain peace in me that I cannot find anywhere else. It is such a sweet and classic Christmas movie that I can watch year after year and never get tired of. Just writing this got the terrific score stuck in my head, and it is the perfect movie to watch and enjoy with people of all ages.
1. Die Hard
I am ending the debate here and now: Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Though this isn’t your average Hallmark rom-com, it definitely follows the same themes of love and family and takes place on Christmas… it just also happens to be about a hostage situation. This movie’s excellence isn’t the only thing that makes it my favorite, though, it is the tradition that I associate with it: ordering Chinese food and watching it with my family every Christmas eve.
So, reader, whether or not you choose to trust me with your holiday movie picks this year, I hope that no matter what you’re watching to celebrate this year, you’re watching it with the people that you love.
