‘Tis the season for movies. This winter break, grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy on up by the fire and pop in one of these classic holiday films.
“Home Alone” (1990)
When the large and excitable McCallister family sets off on a holiday trip to Paris, eight-year-old troublemaker Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin (“My Girl”), finds himself forgotten at home. The excitement of Christmas without his rambunctious relatives soon dulls as he faces two burglars, played by Joe Pesci (“Goodfellas”) and Daniel Stern (“Diner”), eager to rob his house. Kevin protects his home through a variety of innovative and hilarious booby traps, and finally discovers just how important family is to him. This iconic movie is perfect for the holiday season.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970)
This stop-motion classic, narrated by Fred Astaire (“Top Hat”), showcases the origins of a variety of stories surrounding Kris Kringle. Santa is seen finding his first toy, flying his first reindeer, growing his first beard and acquiring his magic. The film features a number of classic Christmas songs and is great for anyone looking to relive the joys of a youthful holiday.
“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” (1987)
High-strung Neal Page, played by Steve Martin (“The Jerk”), is eager to spend Thanksgiving at home with his wife and kids, but when his flight is rerouted by a freak snowstorm, he finds himself forced to travel with overly-chatty Del Griffith, played by John Candy (“Spaceballs”). The film finds a heartwarming tone despite the pair’s incessant arguing, and is a must-see for comedy and Thanksgiving lovers alike.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)
Good-ol’ Charlie Brown and his sister, Sally, are ready to spend Thanksgiving at their grandmother’s, but the rest of the Peanuts crew have just invited themselves over for an impromptu feast. The story follows a very stressed Chuck, desperately trying to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving in time to make it to his family’s dinner. These loveable characters are sure to brighten anyone’s winter break.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Late on Christmas Eve, philanthropic George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart (“Vertigo”), wishes he had never been born. A guardian angel is then sent down from heaven to show him how the world would differ without him. Audiences discover how Bailey saved his brother from drowning, earned the medal of honor, saved his family’s bank and fell in love. This quintessential holiday film reminds watchers to take a step back from life once in a while and find the good in it.
Don’t let this break go to waste. Celebrate winter right with the perfect throwback holiday film.
