Countdown to Christmas Movie List

Coffee by Free Photos at Pixabay

The weather has shifted.  Old man winter sends cold wind from the North and my children don scarves, hats, mittens, and puffy jackets as they head out into the frosted landscape.  I prepare mugs of cocoa to greet rosy cheeks as The Vince Guaraldi Trio's music dances through the air. The scent of pine mingled with cedar makes me happy as memories of Christmases past overcome me.

The sights, sounds, and smells this time of year echo of tradition and usher in so many fond memories that I love.  Today, as we continue to countdown to Christmas, I wanted to share with you the movies my family looks forward to each holiday season.

In early November we gather up our favorite Christmas movies and determine the order in which we want to watch them.  Then, the Movies of Christmas countdown begins.  Some movies are connected to events.  For example, we always watch Elf after we set up and decorate our Christmas tree. Each Movie of Christmas is paired with a favorite Christmas treat. Sometimes the treat is random and other times, the movie/tradition will determine the type of treat. It has become such a tradition that one cannot happen without the other.  :)  We prep cookies and goodies ahead of time so they are at the ready.

Polar Express by Jill111 at Pixabay

The Movies of Christmas happen weekly in our home, starting on Saturday the week before Thanksgiving.  Here is our line up this year:

1. The Polar Express.

Tom Hanks whisks us away to the North Pole on Christmas Eve as he helps a little boy discover his Christmas spirit again. We pair this incredibly life like and heart touching journey with hot cocoa, whipped cream, candy canes and either Indiana Company's Black and White Drizzle Corn (you have to totally grab a bag, they sell it at Walmart) or brownies with ice cream if the popcorn is sold out. Tip: buy it early and stash it away.  

2.  Home Alone.

This hilarious throwback to my childhood brings nostalgia and laughs as we watch a young Macaulay Caulkin fend off burglars at Christmas time. There is some language and bullying that we discuss with our children, but overall this is a fun family favorite.  We pair this Christmas caper  with take out pizza, "ya filthy animal". :)

Santa's Elf by Jill111 at Pixabay

3. ELF.

Will Ferrel is an unusually large elf who lives at the North Pole and is on a journey to the United States to search for his true identity. This movie warms our hearts and keeps us laughing the entire night.  Don't be a cotton headed ninny muggins... cozy up with your family over this hilarious Christmas flick.  We pair ELF with cocoa, whipped cream, pretzel turtles, and candy cane kiss cookies. (You can come back on December 15th for the recipe for these awesome goodies.)

4. White Christmas

This classic musical with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye delights all ages.  This movie was one of my grandparent's favorites and I have been enjoying it since I was a child. White Christmas is a wonderful tale of two army buddies becoming a song and dance team who unite with a sister duo to put on a Christmas show in the hopes of saving a failing Vermont inn. It is nothing short of magical.  Even my toddlers love this movie.  They enjoy dancing while the acts are going on on the screen.  We will be pairing this classic film with traditional ginger cookies and egg nog. 

"[abominable snowman]" (CC BY 2.0) by pocolover1957

5. Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman

Christmas wouldn't be quite the same without these traditional programs. These classic tv shows bring all the feels and we enjoy every corny minute! This year we are serving up ice cream floats as we sing Frosty the Snowman and plan on warming up with cocoa as we wonder if Rudolph will be safe from the abominable. 

"a-charlie-brown-christmas" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by 22860

6. We always end our Christmas Movie Countdown with The Grinch (1966) and A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). These animated television specials have been around since before I was born and they add to the exciting build up to Christmas. I think we will be decorating sugar cookies to enjoy with this wonderful reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Savor the traditions and special moments of the holiday dear readers because it is often these simple rituals that  our loved ones hold dear and remember for years to come.

"Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we cannot see." 

- The Polar Express - 

What movies are a "must watch" on your holiday list? Please leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

Waiting with anticipation,

Dawna