Top 10 Tuesday: 12 Days of Christmas Movies

Well, so instead of a Top 10, I'm changing it to a Top 12!  Because I love The Twelve Days of Christmas and I love Christmas movies and why not combine both together to make it 12 Days of Christmas Movies!? 

I suppose we each all have our own opinions as to what Christmas Movies are *must-haves* on our Watch List, but I would like to think there are some that just generally required, by public agreement.  So, here's my Top 12 Days of Christmas Movies List, complete with a FREE Printable so you can make this a Holiday Bucket List Item, if you'd like!  I'd love to hear if your favorite movie made the cut or not!

OH---and one more thing---these movies are certainly not listed in an specific order, they are more in the order in which I may or may not have already watched them... (#SorryNotSorry!)

12.  The Santa Clause (1994)



When this movie first came out, I was totally entranced by the interpretation of the North Pole, courtesy of Disney Magic, that I almost believed Disney creators must have truly been there and seen Santa's Workshop!  Now, even though the movie is nearing 25 years, I still get transported to a magical place where Santa could exist.  And, I mean, who wouldn't wish their dad would become Santa? 

11.  How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)



Undeniably, this movie is a classic.  With two remakes now under its belt, this movie brings forth more than just Christmas childhood memories.  It also reminds us of evening storytime or beginning reading with Dr. Seuss.  Add in the lessons of love and inclusion and you've got yourself a movie that sticks with you for more than just the Christmas season.  Plus, the Grinch's dog, Max, always makes my heart melt into a puddle of goo with his animated cuteness overload.

10.  Miracle on 34th Street (1994)



Now, arguably, most people will probably say that the 1947 version with Maureen O'Hara, is far better than it's remake, but Mara Wilson's performance as Susan tugs at my heartstrings still to this day, Sir Richard Attenborough is the best Santa, and well, I'll admit, my crush on Dylan McDermott started with this movie (I always thought Bryan was just too good for Dorey!)  I also love the hidden meaning behind blind belief and the miracle of faith.  It translates to my Christian faith as well as the magic of Santa Claus (and yes, I do believe you can believe in both.)

9.  Annabelle's Wish (1997)



This movie may be fairly unknown, but, I discovered this movie as a little girl and it's been a movie I will only watch during this time of year.  I let myself have one good movie cry per year and it's always reserved for this movie.  If you've never seen it, I really don't want to spoil it for you---and if you have seen it, I hope you know what I'm talking about!  The story of a boy and his cow and the magic of Christmas Miracles makes me bawl like a baby Every. Single. Time.  And I've watched it tons.  Plus, my country music fans may like to know that Randy Travis has a role in this film, too!

8.  A Christmas Story (1983)



Red Ryder BB Guns, tongues on frozen poles, leg lamps, and Chinese turkey---this movie is full of classic icons that will forever live in infamy.  It's quite obvious why major TV Networks play this movie on repeat for 24-hours on Christmas Eve.  It's quite simply, everyone's Christmas Story, in one way or the other!  And yes, I'll binge watch this for 24-hours, too.

7.  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)



This movie, to me, is like a Christmas Story on steroids!  There's no Chinese turkey, but Cousin Catherine makes the turkey completely inedible, no leg lamp, but instead, we have rogue squirrels, eggnog from moose mugs, and a dream of an in-ground swimming pool, and no Red Ryder BB gun, but there is a lady in red ('tis the season to be Mary!).  If you could envision the worst possible family Christmas, this would probably be it!  And it makes us all feel a little bit better about our crazy, slightly dysfunctional families during this time of year!

6.  Frosty the Snowman (1969)



Having the nostalgia of stop-motion animation mixed with the traditional animated style, this classic Christmas short film is just the thing to make you want to indulge in a steaming hot cup of hot cocoa and then sing Christmas carols by the fireplace.  (Oh wait, maybe that's just me...)  Either way, I am so grateful to have been able to introduce my Littles to this movie and hearing their sweet little voices sing the song makes my heart burst into a pile of snowflakes!

5.  Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)



Speaking of stop-motion animation and Christmas carols, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer ranks right up there with timeless classics.  My heart still swells with joy when I see Rudolph's nose light the way for Santa's sleigh!  While this film doesn't capture the attention quite as well for my kiddos, it's short enough I can make them watch it with me so I can still get my "momstalgia" fix!

4.  The Star (2017)



This newer movie is not just about The Star, it also features many big Stars (i.e Oprah, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Zachary Levi, and Kristin Chenoweth, just to name a few) to bring the real Christmas Story to life.  Lexi is actually the one who wanted to watch it first, last year, and it's quickly become a true family favorite.  The story, the music, the humor, the miracle....it's all there in one gorgeous film. 

3.  Heidi (1937)

Now, many of you will probably say this is no Christmas movie---and honestly, you're probably right.  But for some reason, the 1937 version of Heidi culminates and comes to its climax on Christmas Day in Frankfurt.  Thus, I suppose, this is why I feel like it's a Christmas Must-See for myself.  The old-fashioned Christmas tree and the glimpses of Great Depression-Era high-society holidays takes me back to what would have been very real and very raw for someone like my grandmother and I can't help but love to see this time frame depicted on the silver screen (or the big screen in my basement...)

2.  Elf (2003)



Well, going back to a more light-hearted new-age "classic", Elf definitely fits the bill.  Will Ferrell's role as Buddy could not be more perfect---he truly identified with the innocence and enthusiasm of a Human-Elf!  Plus, who doesn't love Bob Newhart!?  This movie is quotable, Meme-worthy, and just gives you the best feel-good after watching it.  (It's also become the movie I wrap presents to---6" ribbon curls!)

1.  A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)



This truly is my all-time favorite Christmas movie.  Featuring the classic Peanuts gang members to the wonderful interlude of the Christmas Story (Luke 2:8-14) this movie summarizes what Christmas is all about.  It also takes me back to not just my childhood, but also to some of my beloved memories of Show Choir in high school, performing a ALHS tradition---"Still, Still, Still" while reading the Christmas Story from the Bible.  All of these memories really make me remember what Christmas is all about and it keeps me grounded and reminds me to share the true meaning with others this time of year.

Well, tell me---did your favorite movies make my list?  Let me know in the comments or on Facebook!  And don't forget to snag your FREE Printable Here!