By the 2nd week of November I typically start watching Christmas movies, and don’t stop till after the new year. Every holiday season I seem to gravitate towards certain films more than others. There are some clear favorites straight away this year. One in particular I had never seen before. So here are my top 5 movies you should watch this holiday season. Whether you’re alone, or with friends and family, these films will add a little morsel of joy to your season.
White Christmas 1954– This movie for me is the epitome of classic. I have to confess (if you didn’t already know), I watch this year round. I drove my grandma crazy growing up because I would request to watch this movie so often. But it does have a special feeling when you’re watching it during the holiday season. Throw in some snow on the ground, trimmed tree, hot chocolate…… perfection. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, and was released in 1954 and directed by Michael Curtiz. Jeremy Arnold’s book Christmas in the Movies discusses how the movie was meant to reunite Holiday Inn stars Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Except they both declined, with Crosby only later agreeing to do the film. Adding in Danny Kaye (after Donald O’Connor fell ill and couldn’t do the film), and the rest is Christmas movie history. You can see White Christmas on Netflix,and Fawesome. 
Beyond Tomorrow 1940– The least known film on my list, Beyond Tomorrow is a sweet little gem that I finally watched after I read about it in Christmas in the Movies. Released in 1940 by RKO, Beyond Tomorrow is a charming and warm Christmas film that ventures into fantasy. And the fantasy aspect works well, much like it does in It’s a Wonderful Life. Led by the trio of Charles Winninger, C. Aubrey Smith, and Harry Carey, the film follows the old men as they help a couple they got together on Christmas Eve, navigate their relationship. Because it’s in the public domain, you can find this film just about anywhere. It may also be under the title of Beyond Christmas. This film can be found on tubi, and TCM on the 21st and 24th.
It Happened on Fifth Avenue 1947– One of the most heartfelt Christmas movies ever, It Happened on Fifth Avenue was released in 1947. It stars Don DeFore, Charlie Ruggles, Victor Moore, Gale Storm and Ann Harding. The story follows a homeless man who moves into a vacant NYC mansion during the winter. He decides to invite others into the house, including (unknowingly), the owner and his family passing off as homeless too. Victor Moore plays the role of Mac, the hobo who brings everyone together, and he’s an absolute delight! And your heart will melt with the last lines by Charlie Ruggles character, Michael J. O’Connor. A little fun fact, Christmas in the Movies, author Jeremy Arnold writes ” Despite being a television staple through the 1980’s, the movie had been virtually unseen for two decades when TCM broadcast it in 2009. It has steadily regained a following ever since”. I can’t believe this classic just started picking up popularity recently. It’s a true Christmas essential! You can watch it on TCM on the 9th, 17th, and 24th.
It’s a Wonderful Life 1946– Would Christmas be Christmas without this classic? It certainly wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without it (for me). George Bailey, is a man on the verge of suicide at Christmas. With the help of an angel, Clarence, he is able to see what life would look like for his loved ones had he not been born. To me, it feels a bit like Frank Capra’s version of A Christmas Carol, and it works on every level. Jimmy Stewart is at his best, and it’s one of his best performances. As a child, I lived for the scene where everyone was dancing and the swimming pool opened beneath them. As an adult, I live for the last scenes, the ones where George realizes his impact on his family and community. You can find this one on Fawesome, Roku Channel, Hulu on demand, Plex, and more.
Home Alone 1990– I can’t really recall watching Home Alone from beginning to end until last month. My daughter had seen it in one of her many children’s YouTube videos. She requested we watch it one night when she saw it pop up on Disney+. And….. I have to admit, it was fun! I enjoyed it so much more than I anticipated. The movie shows main character, young Kevin, being left home alone, while his whole family jets off to Paris for Christmas. He has to defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve, while his mom is racing back home to Chicago. The whole thing sounds far fetched and crazy, and I guess it is. But it’s funny, and family friendly, sweet, and has the Christmas magic in it we all look for in good Christmas movies. Check your local TV listings for times and dates when Home Alone will be on, or stream anytime on Disney+.
I want to highlight one honorable mention. It’s a non-traditional Christmas film, but one I’ve been drawn to this season. The Curse of the Cat People is the sequel (if you really want to call it that) to Cat People, the 5 star horror film from beloved producer Val Lewton. The story is of a young, lonely girl who befriends her father’s dead first wife, Irena. She’s something of an imaginary friend. She also befriends a reclusive neighbor who is an aging actress. Christmas comes into play in the last quarter of the film, but it blends in seamlessly, with a beautiful climax on Christmas Eve with both of her friends. The Curse of the Cat People will air on TCM on both the 18th and 21st this month. You can also rent it on Prime. 
I hope you’ll make time to enjoy some Christmas classics this month. Nothing is cozier than the only lights on in the room being from the Christmas tree, a yummy snack, and a soft blanket. I would love to hear your Christmas movie staples too, so please drop them below!
Slow down and enjoy a Tuesday Matinee.