If there is one season properly represented on television, it's probably Christmas. Truly, have you ever met someone who did not have a favorite movie to watch at Christmas? Even if it is 'Die hard'...
And I cannot cast any judgement on this, as I feel Christmas isn't complete if I haven't watched at least one of the first two Home Alone movies and at least a couple Hallmark-y Christmassy romcoms.
During the holiday season, I want all the warmth, joy and cheer I can get! So today I wanted to share a list of my all time favorite things to watch during Christmas for that ultimate comforting, cozy, Christmas vibe!
Do you want to save this list to Pinterest? Here is a picture!
1. A Biltmore Christmas
'A magical Hallmark romcom'
I am working on a list of my favorite cheesy Christmas romance movies, so I won't fill this list with only Hallmark movies. But I will share my favorite, that came out in 2023. It has time travel, romance and a gorgeous country estate decorated to the nines for Christmas. The visuals of this movie are just delicious and totally make up for the simple plot that you can expect from a Hallmark movie. The cast is also great, delivering the often cheesy lines with swoon-worthy sincerity.
2. Noelle
'An upbeat family friendly modern Disney Christmas movie'
When I watched this movie for the first time, I expected it to be quirky and, quite honestly, forgettable. I could not have been more wrong. In fact, I have watched it every year since! There is just something so charming about the kind hearted main character played by Anna Kendrick. The movie is funny at times, but at the heart it is a magical, heartwarming tale of finding your place in the world, even if that place isn't what you (or everyone else!) expected it to be.
3. Christmas Around the Corner
'A small town, bookish Christmas romance'
A romantic movie about a small town bookstore during Christmas, starring Alexandra Breckenridge? Talk about Christmas cheer! Breckenridge has this ability to exude cozy and kindness and she really shines in this movie! I adore the atmosphere of the bookstore (The main character Claire actually sleeps above the store, seriously, how dreamy is that?) and the themes of fighting for what you believe in and coming together for the important things in life really strengthen this movie beyond a simple Christmas romcom!
4. Mistletoe Murders
'Small town Christmas mysteries with a dark undertone'
Apparently, Hallmark can't just do a good romcom for Christmas. Mistletoe Murders is a Christmas show, with two seasons out right now. Sarah Drew plays the owner of an all year round Christmas shop in Fletchers Grove. She has a mysterious past and knows how to investigate a mystery, even when local detective Sam is also trying to solve the case himself. The show balances the dark nature of serious crimes with quirky small town characters and Christmas cheer. An unexpected Christmas gem worth a couple nights of your time!
5. Arthur Christmas
'A nostalgic, heartwarming modern animated Santa movie'
I can't lie. I am normally not one for animated movies. Really, I only rewatch the ones I used to watch as a kid, for the nostalgia kick. And yet, this movie managed to charm even me! In the movie, Santa's workshop has become... a commercial, bleak, productivity focused factory. Santa's younger son, Arthur, has his own little world, where he answers the letters kids sent to Santa. Of course, it will have to be Arthur who saves the day, when things go awry! It's a sweet story where the underdog saves the day while you enjoy the nostalgic, adorable visuals.
6. While You Were Sleeping
'A family themed, 90's romance movie set during Christmas'
Even though this movie is a romance at it's core, it also delivers on a lovely dramatic Christmas tale of finding your family. Finding where you fit in, in the world, without having to try (You only have to pretend to be dating a man in a coma! And keep your distance from his handsome brother. That's all!). Sandra Bullock has this ability to play a flawed character with so much charm and sincerity that you just cannot do anything but root for her. And the 90's Christmas visuals are just to swoon over. Gosh, they really don't make thick sweaters like that anymore either!
7. Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too
'A nostalgic Christmas adventure'
Winnie the Pooh is probably the most wholesome thing I used to watch as a kid. Besides the cute visuals, the storylines are as sweet as they come. And this 26 minute Christmas special is no different. Our friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are having a hard time, they sent a letter to Santa, but Pooh forgot to ask for anything! A new letter must be sent, but getting it to Santa turns out to be harder than they thought. Will Christmas be saved? (Spoiler alert: it will and the journey is a treat!).
8. Home Alone 1 & 2
The fact that there are people who have never seen Home Alone, truly boggles my mind. But I have been told those people exist and so I feel obligated to include the first two movies on this list. I have also recently realized that it is, perhaps, the fact that I am an introvert, that makes me love these movies so much. Because Kevin McCallister is left alone for Christmas twice, once at home and once in New York. And he has an absolute blast. The visuals of this movie are out of this world. The set design could not be more Christmas, without it ever looking unrealistic. And the sequel is just as great as the first movie! (And there have been no other home alone movies. okay?). So if you've never seen either one but you are a lover of all things cozy and Christmas like me, give them a chance!!An extra favorite I want to share
Another thing I love to watch during Christmas is an ambience. If you've never watched them before: these are video's with cosy visuals and some sort of comforting soundscape, often rain, fire, birds, café sounds and/or slow jazz. My favorite YouTube channel, Calmed by Nature, has several different cozy scenes with snow slowly falling, the fire crackling and Christmas jazz playing in the background. I love putting one of his video's on on my TV or laptop while I read, craft or cook for some extra festive vibes!
Many ambience channels on YouTube are AI generated, but all ambiences by Calmed by Nature are designed by hand, making the scenes real delights to watch with lots of fun details to spot.
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