The lights are hung on the tree. The cookies are baking. The fire in the fireplace is warming your toes. And of course, you are humming along to songs like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Christmas is finally here.
So if you’re looking for a movie to watch tonight, here are 6 of my favorite Christmas movies and what each one has taught me regarding important things about family.
1. A Christmas Carol
In this timeless classic, we find the selfish Ebenezer Scrooge with a hatred for all things Christmas. Through different influential events in the movie, Scrooge transforms from a man of bitterness and selfishness to a man of love. He learns, through Tiny Tim, that having a family you love and that loves you is all-important.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
We all enjoy watching the quirky people of Whoville get ready for their favorite time of the year. While Jim Carrey is hilarious as the wildly outrageous Grinch, I find that Cindy Lou Who teaches audiences what love looks like. She is a perfect picture of the way we should be voices of encouragement to everyone—no matter how odd or crazy others may seem on the outside.
3. Miracle on 34th Street
This wonderful movie reveals to us how love conquers all. Despite court rulings, business, and everything else, we find that a parent’s love for his or her child is one of the most vital and incredible things we will ever know. The film encourages us to make our children a top priority.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This great animated film includes the whole gang of Charlie Brown and his friends. While at times our culture can turn Christmas into a season of greediness, this movie reminds us that Christmas is about love and giving—about God loving us so much that he gave us the gift of His Son, Immanuel.
5. Elf
While this movie may not be as sentimental as some of the others on my list, I’ve still learned some things from watching this film. Buddy the Elf shows us the importance of forgiveness and proves that relational pain can lead to stronger relationships between family members.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life
This black and white classic is perhaps my favorite. It follows George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, through childhood, marriage, and fatherhood. When George was down and out and didn’t feel like his life mattered, Clarence, the angel, showed him in a dream what the little town of Bedford Falls would have been like without him and that he really did have a wonderful life. He influenced his community beyond his wildest imagination, he loved his family more than words could describe, and his family loved him more than he would ever know. George Bailey had a wonderful life. Every time I watch this movie, I’m reminded that I have a wonderful life, too.
If you loved to curl up with your kids and read, check out these 10 Great Christmas Stories for Kids (they’re free in the link!).
What are some other Christmas movies you and your family enjoy watching? What have you learned from them? Share in a comment.