'Tis was only the last weekend before Christmas, and you probably have lots to do before the wonderful holiday chaos. After you have completed your task lists, why not relax with a Christmas movie that you could watch with your family, friends, or even be yourself for a little "Me" time?
As there are so many choices, we unwrapped them down to five to make your life a little bit more easier this season. We could all use that perogative as the holidays can be stressful and distracting, which could reset our emotions. And who really wants that?
From comedy to classic, to romance, our Christmas movie watch list will surely have you whipping a mug of cocoa and slipping into your favorite fleece pajamas, as you should.
5 Christmas movies that will ring in the spirit this weekend
Home Alone (and Home Alone 2) (1990 and 1992)
Can you believe that the classic film turned 35 years old this year? And the unique thing about it is that it never gets old with its humor and Kevin's precociousness. I mean, he's eight years old, and he captured those bandits when the police failed to do so. Moreover, the entire McCallister family is oblivious to the scenario, except that they left Kevin home alone.
Additionally, the movie was filmed in my hometown of Chicago, and I visited the McCallister house in Winnetka on several occasions. It's even better in person, and yes, it's really that big.
And you can't watch Home Alone without watching its equally amusing sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. You have Tim Curry in a villainous role, a cameo by you know who, and the beauty of Manhattan at Christmas. Plus, Eddie Bracken must get credit for his portrayal of a kind toy store owner.
Where to watch: Disney+
Jingle All the Way (1996)
The holiday toy rush was something else in the 1990s, and you just had to be there to experience it. Poor businessman Howard Langford is on the hunt to buy a sold-out Turboman for his young son, only to get involved in a series of mishaps across Minneapolis. But the things that we do for our kids.
Things don't improve when Howard's neighbor, the annoying Ted and mailman Myron invade his space, but they're the delightful ingredients that add to the humor from start to finish! And the chemistry between the three men is gold.
Where to watch: Disney+
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
There are many versions of the Dickensian tale, but The Muppet Christmas Carol is perhaps among the best. You have Kermit the Frog as Bob Crachit, Miss Piggy as his wife, Gonzo as the storyteller, and several more Muppets playing the iconic characters. Michael Caine portrays the miserable misor Ebenezor Scrooge, and he did it brilliantly.
And Sam the Eagle mistakingly praised the US while teaching a young Scrooge, only to be corrected by Gonzo.
Where to watch: Disney+
Christmas Inheritance (2017)
Eliza Taylor becomes NYC heiress Ellen Langford in this heartwarming Hallmark-esque Christmas movie. The story has her set off to a small town, after a scandal breaks out at a party, and she must make amends with the company. In her journey, Ellen discovers love and the true meaning of the holiday season, which doesn't reflect riches, but with those you deeply care about.
The fashions Eliza wore in Christmas Inheritance were a flip from her grungy survival attire in The 100. But I love both looks.
Where to watch: Netflix
Elf (2003)
Buddy is an overgrown elf at the North Pole and all he wants for Christmas is to meet his biological father, who happens to be a wealthy publisher of children's books. As Buddy takes in New York (and awkwardly at first), he brings in some holiday magic, along with finding love with a department store elf.
Elf is addtionally known for its hilarious one-liners, such as "You sit on a throne of lies" and "Son of a nutcracker." It's just a feel-good and fun movie to watch and with actors the late Bob Newhart and Peter Billingsly from A Christmas Story, it's even better.