Favorite Childhood Holiday Movies

A Holiday Feature

It’s almost Christmas and what better way than to spend it watching Christmas movies! For a while, I wasn’t really going out of my way to watch these movies because they make me homesick. As you know, it is only the three of us here in the US and most of my family is back in the Philippines. So yeah, Christmas is a bittersweet holiday for me.

Home Alone (1990)

This movie was the movie of my childhood. When this movie came out, I was about Kevin McAllister’s age and the movie resonated with me. It was probably the first non-animated movie I saw where the main character of the movie was a child!

Why it’s my fave: This movie stands the test of time. Sure, this may not happen IRL since we have cell phones available but this movie still tickles my funny bone. This movie is also about family, resourcefulness, and friendship.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This movie came out when I was in third grade and I fell in love with it. It was ingenious and this is also a movie that you can enjoy for Halloween AND Christmas!

Why it’s my fave: This stop-motion movie reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas poems, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The songs were amazing and the characters were unique. This movie also stands the test of time and is about being yourself and embracing your strengths.

A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

I saw this movie in theaters when I was in second grade and it made me love the otherwise adult story of A Christmas Carol. It was such an amazing movie because I could relate to the Muppet characters! Also, Kermit!

Why it’s my fave: This mash-up between puppets and humans had so much heart. This movie made me enjoy the serious issues discussed in the book it was based on.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Ahhh, this movie brings a lot of nice memories! I saw this movie on TV since I was a kid and it has been played every year since (ABC shows it now, I think). The music and the dated animation has so much nostalgia. Also, do you remember the abdominal snowman and Yukon Cornelius?

Why it’s my fave: This movie was one of those Christmas specials that I used to watch as a child. Over. And over. And over. Again. It tackles bullying directed to those that are different really well.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

I’m mentioning the animated movie and not the live-action Jim Carrey version (although I also enjoy that) because the animated version felt like Dr. Seuss’ character jumped right off the pages of the book!

Why it’s my fave: I love the quirky animation and even though the animation looks dated, this movie surprisingly holds up.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

The first Harry Potter movie adaptation reminds me of Christmas. I think it’s because there is a Christmas scene in this book where Harry gets his very first Christmas present, knitted by Ron’s mum.

Why it’s my fave: Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? This first movie was an awesome adaptation of the already famous book.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

This movie is relatively new and I was an adult when I saw this but the story just spoke to me. Even though this movie isn’t really set during Christmas, it features Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy. Of course, there is Jack Frost who is a very interesting character.

Why it’s my fave: I love how this movie talks about finding your place in the world and fitting in. Jack Frost is an outcast and doesn’t really know who he is or what his purpose is until he finally saves the day.