5 Christmas Movies to Watch Over Winter Break

1. Elf

Elf is a widely-known Christmas comedy starring Will Ferrel as Buddy, a human who has been living his entire life as an elf. When Buddy learns that he is actually human and his father lives in New York City, he leaves the North Pole in search of his real family. He meets his father, a wealthy businessman named  Walter Hobbs, who immediately disregards him as his son. Buddy takes a DNA test to prove their relationship, leaving his father with no choice but to take him in. The rest of the movie follows Walter trying to navigate a relationship with his unusual son, and Buddy going on chaotic yet humorous adventures. Elf is a movie you could watch over and over again and enjoy every single time. Its humor keeps you fully entertained and you’ll find yourself laughing throughout. It’s a fun and light-hearted movie to watch with family or friends that will make spirits bright.

2. Die Hard

Die Hard is a widely debated Christmas movie, with many people, including GMC’s own Avery Arida, believing it shouldn’t count as a Christmas movie. It stars Bruce Willis as policeman John McClane, who is returning home to his wife for Christmas (therefore making it a Christmas movie). He attends his wife’s office Christmas party in Nakatomi Plaza, which gets attacked by a group of German terrorists, led by Hans Gruber, who takes all the party-goers hostage. McClane escapes, but he realizes that no one can help free the hostages, leaving the job up to him. Die Hard is an engaging action movie that keeps you on your toes, since you never know what’s going to happen next. Die Hard is a fun mix of comedy and action, and an iconic Christmas movie.

3. Home Alone

Home Alone follows a young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, as he faces the challenge of being without his family. Kevin gets in a fight with his mother the day before the family plans on leaving for Paris, which ends in him being sent to sleep in the attic. He wakes up the next morning to his family gone, soon realizing they accidentally forgot him in their rush to the airport. At first he enjoys the idea of being home alone, until he realizes two criminals are trying to break in to the McCallister household. It’s up to Kevin to protect the house. Home Alone is a suspenseful but hilarious movie that keeps you surprised with all of Kevin’s tricks and traps for the robbers. Even though it’s a comedy, it is very heart-warming, with scenes that are guaranteed to make you cry a little.

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph is a classic Christmas movie, following a reindeer named Rudolph struggling to overcome his differences and fit in. He meets some friends and through them learns how to embrace what makes him special. While I think Rudolph has a great storyline, I would especially like to highlight the music, composed by Johnny Marks. And no, I’m not talking about the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” I want to talk about all the other songs that play throughout the movie. The movie opens with “Overture and A Holly Jolly Christmas,” which is a medley between a few of the songs heard throughout the movie. This is one of my favorite movie compositions and a perfect opening song. Another song I would like to highlight is “Silver and Gold,” sung by a snowman after Rudolph meets a miner named Cornelius. The song has a gorgeous melody and instrumental and it’s one if not the best song from the whole movie. Rudolph isn’t only good for the songs; the animation and characters are adorable. It’s a great movie if you’re just looking to relax and take it easy, or watch a classic Christmas movie with your family.

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol

A Muppet Christmas Carol is a rendering of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Michael Caine takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean and selfish old man who hates Christmas. Scrooge treats his worker unkindly on Christmas Eve, resulting in a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future to show him the error of his ways. A Muppet Christmas Carol is a light-hearted version of the original but still keeps the morals and message. It’s a cute movie with a great soundtrack, and of course it has all the well-known muppets. It’s a fun family movie and a sweet, enjoyable watch.