The holiday season is the time to indulge, whether that’s by eating too many sweets, spending too much money on gifts and holiday dec or sleeping in. However, my favorite indulgence during the season is snuggling up with a blanket and watching some of my favorite Christmas classics. Must-watch movies during this time include “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Home alone,” “Christmas with the Kranks” and “Elf.”  

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ 

This 1946 movie by Frank Capra is truly a Christmas classic. The movie follows George Bailey, a man at a stage in his life where he can’t see his purpose. He has spent his life constantly giving back to the people in his town but feels that he hasn’t truly made an impact. Through a Christmas miracle and an angel giving him a glimpse of what the town would look like without him, George is finally able to recognize his self-worth.  

This movie wholeheartedly embodies the true spirit of Christmas. Getting to follow a simple man’s story about going through a hard time in his life, with Christmas and the values that are embedded into the holiday becoming his saving grace makes for one of the most heartwarming Christmas classics ever.  

‘Home Alone’

Directed by Christ Columbus, “Home Alone” is undeniably a Christmas favorite for many. The 1990 movie stars an 8-year-old boy named Kevin, whose family is planning on going to Paris for Christmas. The morning of their flight, as everyone is rushing out of the house, they forget Kevin. With Kevin’s parents already in Paris, he gets to live every young boy’s dream of being home alone with no rules. As he is enjoying this newfound freedom, he soon realizes he’s in danger. Robbers are trying to break into his house on Christmas Eve.

 Watching Kevin go against robbers through the eyes of an 8-year-old makes for a truly fantastic watch. This unique and unexpected Christmas story is undoubtedly on countless watch lists, which also explains why there are several spin offs to this classic. You don’t want to miss the “Home Alone” experience this holiday season.  

‘Christmas With the Kranks’

A newer Christmas movie still considered one of the greats is “Christmas with the Kranks,” directed by Joe Roth. The 2004 movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis is an enjoyable and relatable Christmas experience.  

Luther (Tim Allen) and Nora (Jamie Lee Curtis) Krank decide that while their daughter Blair is off in Peru, they will skip Christmas. Instead of spending their usual money on elaborate decorations, they decided to invest it in a luxury 10-day Caribbean Cruise. Unfortunately for the Kranks, this doesn’t go over well with their neighbors who take Christmas very seriously. A turn of events occurs when their daughter Blair calls on Christmas Eve to tell them she’s coming home for Christmas.  

Watching the Kranks, who have tried their hardest to ignore Christmas, manage to put together a magical Christmas in a matter of hours truly makes for a great story. This film takes a different but brilliant spin on the importance Christmas carries for families.  

‘Elf’

Lastly, what I believe to be one of the most popular and re-watchable Christmas movies is “Elf.” The 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell is a spectacularly done Christmas comedy that has become beloved by many.  

Buddy the Elf grows up in the North Pole, but when he learns that his biological dad is living in New York, he makes the journey from the North Pole to the big city. When he meets his father, he realizes that he needs to start embracing the Christmas spirit.  

Buddy’s contagious energy that he brings to the city, his dad’s life, and everyone else he meets along the way truly encompasses the meaning of Christmas. Buddy’s journey to find the importance of Christmas is one that is so enjoyable to watch. I rewatch this movie almost every year and still get the same entertainment I got when I watched it for the first time.  

These Holiday movies can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. From a cute holiday party with your friends to watching it with your whole family, you get the same appreciation from each movie. With winter break just around the corner, hopefully you will get the time to relax and indulge in watching one or maybe even all of these incredible films!