Overdone it on mulled wine at the Christmas market? Us too. And what better to accompany that cheerful feeling than watching a holiday delight. Seeing as Notts has just witnessed its first snow blanket, why not chuck on your favourite holiday movie.
5) Home Alone
I think this film mostly brought up the utter terror at the thought of having our house, or more importantly, our presents, robbed. With that said, it’s absolute gold. As a child actor, Macaulay Culkin really manifested the youngest sibling syndrome. His brilliant preparedness of booby traps set to target dim-witted thieves is what makes him so likeable. There’s also something hilarious about the disastrous series of events during the ‘break in’.
4) The Grinch
This film is a timeless classic. Jim Carrey’s characterisation of the Dr Suess villain we love to hate couldn’t be more unhinged yet cunning. Also, the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, who would’ve thought?
For any of you yuletide drinkers, this movie makes for a very quickfire way to get drunk… (e.g. drink when anyone says “Grinch”, if you see the mountain, when the Grinch speaks directly to Max, or if there’s a reference to the Grinch’s heart. Add in “Christmas” if you’re feeling brave festive…
3) The Holiday
Going to start by pointing out the unbelievable soundtrack for this movie. We’re talking ‘Last Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Baby’, the works! I’m a sucker for romcoms, so throw in the winter holidays and you have, potentially, my favourite movie ever. Oh, and can we talk about the cast? How indicative of the talented early noughties actors and actresses. The film ends around New Year’s Eve, and I think we’re all waiting for those 2022 celebrations…
2) Love Actually
Who would’ve thought that following so many storylines would perfectly represent this merry time of year? Richard Curtis did a phenomenal job of illustrating the trials and tribulations of love. It’s such a sentimental film and an all-around portrayal of intimacy in relationships, whether it’s family, friendship or romantic. Also, it’s British – another win.
PSA It’s on Netflix at the moment! 24-hour movie marathon anyone?
1) Elf
“Ok people tomorrow morning, 10am, Santa’s coming to town.” “SANTA, OH MY GOD!” This is an honourable mention. I’m sure we all begged our parents for maple syrup spaghetti after seeing Buddy coat his in all sorts of treats. I can’t think of a film that encompasses the season better!
Also, what’s better than Christmas-time in New York? The snow over Central Park, the adorned décor of department stores and the radiating lights of the concrete jungle – simply dreamy. No one else could rock the green and yellow elf attire quite like Will Ferrell.
Final thoughts…
I’m biased though… I would happily watch Nativity every day of the year if I could. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t some other great movies out there! I’m sure it might seem slightly criminal that movies such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street aren’t featured but grab yourself a hot chocolate, warm blanket and pop yourself in front of the screen to get involved.
By Katie Mortimer
Feature image: Pixabay