Top 10 Holiday Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Since the holidays mean that the kids are home from school, what’s better than using that additional time for a little extra family bonding? If you’ve already been ice skating, have read all the Christmas stories, and are at a loss as to what to do next, why not indulge in a family movie night with some classic holiday favorites?

Break out the popcorn and the eggnog and cuddle up with the kids to watch some of these holiday classics, and maybe a few new favorites too.

• Charlie Brown Christmas – This movie has been around for over 60 years and it still shows up on television every year. The movie is about Charlie Brown getting frustrated with the materialism of Christmas. Linus gives a monologue about the true meaning of Christmas, which helps Charlie Brown understand what Christmas is really all about. Great for toddlers and older.
• A Christmas Story – A classic movie that everyone needs to see, though due to some content it might be best for kids over 10. Ralphie is a kid who wants a BB gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him that he will shoot his eye out if he gets one. The story is set in the 40’s and is kind of reminiscent of how things were in the old days. It was a simpler time, but there is some language and kids fighting, so you’ll need to decide for yourself if your kids are ready. The movie may leave your children wanting to Find out the latest airsoft guns here just like Ralphie, so be warned.
• Frosty the Snowman – Frosty is a snowman that comes to life after some kids found a hat that belonged to a magician and put it on his head. The animation and music are memorable. Great for any age. Your kids will likely love this favorite, and probably already know all the words to the accompanying song.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss wrote this book first, and it was then made into a movie. The Grinch is an ugly, green, furry fellow that is sick to death of how happy everyone is at Christmas, so he decides to steal everything about Christmas. Because of the kindness shown to him by one small girl, his heart melts and he gives everything back and realizes what Christmas is all about. Good for all ages.
• The Polar Express – A relative newcomer to the holiday movie top picks is this new classic about a young boy who is teetering on the fence as to whether he believes in Santa or not. Then, on Christmas Eve, a train pulls up behind his house and takes him to the North Pole where he gets to see everything for himself. A delightful story and great for any age.
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Rudolph is a baby reindeer born to one of Santa’s flying reindeer. He is destined to be on the team that carries Santa’s sleigh until it is discovered that Rudolph has a red nose that lights up. Because of Rudolph’s differences he is picked on by the other young reindeer and they tell him since he doesn’t fit in that he can never fly Santa’s sleigh. Finally, due to a bad blizzard, Santa discovers that Rudolph’s nose might just be what he needs to be able to deliver all of the toys.
• Shrek the Halls – Shrek is planning Christmas when his friends show up and he is concerned that they will wreck all of his plans. As the movie goes on, he realizes that the true joy in Christmas is being with the people that you love, not all of the material things that also tend to accompany the Christmas season.
• It’s a Wonderful Life – Jimmy Stewart stars in this classic movie about a guy who feels stuck in his life and wants to travel and see the world. He doesn’t think he matters, and it’s not until he ends up in a life where no one knows him that he realizes just how important he really is and just how wonderful his life is. This movie is most suitable for children ages 8 and up.
• The Santa Clause – Tim Allen plays a normal guy who happens to unintentionally knock Santa off his roof because he thinks Santa is a burglar. Tim finds out that he is the next Santa Clause and that he doesn’t really have a choice about it. Throughout his journey becoming Santa he learns to love the idea and is able to become closer to his son. Ages 5 and up for this movie.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol – As much as you would expect by the title, this movie is the classic Christmas Carol story retold with the Muppets. The ghost of Christmas future is a little scary, so you may want to shield younger viewers on this part. This movie is appropriate for kids 5 and up.

Slow down this holiday season and grab a movie to enjoy with your family. These movies have stood the test of time and are worthy of sharing with your kids.

 

Thanks to Babysitting.net