Having just finished watching The Family Stone I am left with a clear reminder of the idea of a Pleasant Fiction–the one where everything seems possible and works out, in some way, in the end. It is an enjoyable film as all of my Christmas selections are. I adore the players and the circumstance and… there is Clare Danes. This is a holiday tradition that goes along with a short list of films that must be properly consumed every xmas season. It is under these conditions that I present, for your consideration, the twelve films of Christmas.
12. Jingle All The Way. Though dated, the film presents a charm reminiscent of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles that reminds you of the absolutely crazy nature of getting that perfect xmas gift. As we all know, there will always be that seasonal sellout gift!
11. The Grinch. Jim Carey’s physical acting is a constant xmas treat
10. Die Hard. Happy trails, Hans. or should I quote, “Now I have a sub machine gun. Ho, Ho, Ho.”
9. The Best Man Holiday. This is what I imagined grown up christmas would look like. Didn’t quite work out like that.
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Chevy Chase carries.
7. ELF. There is nothing bad about this movie. I laugh out loud every single time and I love that I have the chance to see this film each year.
6. Miracle on 34th Street. Classic.
5. The Family Stone. Rachel McAdams reminds me of my stepdaughter. Nuff said.
4, 4 Christmases. The drama! The comedy! It just stands up well.
3. Last Christmas. My love for all things George Micheal not withstanding, this is a charmer for the ages and an instant classic. I’ve watched it multiple times since it came out.
2. Trading Places. Didn’t see that coming, did you?!
AND Finally: Love Actually. It brings me to tears every damn time and there is no way of getting around that. This is a fantastic Christmas fantasy that I would not go without.