A few years back, an organization called ‘What To Do With The Kids’ compiled a list of the top holiday films to enjoy over the Christmas season.
Organizers polled followers and asked them to give their lists of the top Christmas or holiday movies or television shows that the whole family can watch.
The list was well received and judging by the feedback was very popular. A few years later, however, they decided to ask their followers again and there was quite a shift in popularity of some of those classic movies.
Looking at the list, it seems that black and white movies are now out.
Many parents suggested that once the movie started, the kids would complain about the colour, or lack of it. And many families have said that although they enjoyed watching the old black and white movies in past years, they tend to agree with their kids that it has very little appeal today.
In this particular list, the Frank Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life dropped from second to third place while Miracle on 34th Street went from a tie in fifth to eighth place.
Animated features are as popular as ever but many adults commented that they were not able to watch them on regular television as they normally would because of their busy schedules so they opted to purchase a copy on DVD.
Most respondents however had said that they still do get the family together to watch at least one holiday movie. It’s an important part of the holiday season and a great way to spend time together as a family.
1. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 – animated)
2. The Polar Express (2004 – animated)
3. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
4. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964 – animated)
5. Elf (2004)
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 – animated)
7. The Santa Clause (1994)
8. Frosty the Snowman (1969 – animated)
9. The Grinch (2000)
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
12. A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Here are the movies that are no longer on the list: A Christmas Story (1983); A Christmas Carol (1951); White Christmas (1954) and Home Alone (1990).
Other gems worth noting include The Nativity Story (2006).
The movie retells the true story of Christmas in a manner that feels authentic. With fine direction, great sets and superb acting, viewers get a feel for the experiences of Mary and Joseph as they prepared for the birth of Jesus. Thanks to the superb acting and having been filmed overseas, there again is that sense of realism – it helps viewers to imagine what life must have been like in those days.
Another treasure is The Bells of St. Mary’s (1949) which features Bing Crosby as unconventional Father O’Malley.
He is sent to a school which is on the verge of being closed, but works together with Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) to save the facility.
-Weber