It’s the best time of the year! The kids are out of school for a couple of weeks, and, hopefully, work is slowing down a bit, which creates some unusual amounts of free time. Take advantage of these opportunities with your family. Go play outside (weather permitting), make cookies, work on puzzles, play board games…just do stuff together. After a little while of “doing” stuff together, you’ll soon realize that what you really want is to simply “sit” together. That’s where Christmas movies step in to save the day.
While your wife may suggest one of the 435,672 Hallmark movies that are pumped out every 23 minutes, you should mention one of these more family-favorite holiday films. Here is a list of 5 Christmas movies for kids that everyone will enjoy (and I’m leaving out all of that 1950’s Claymation stuff that still haunts my dreams).
1. The Star.
This is a great movie for younger kids. It tells the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of a donkey, Bo. Growing wrestles with his humdrum life, Bo and a couple of other animal friends leave home following the star to see where it leads them.
Rated: PG
Run Time: 86 minutes
2. The Polar Express.
Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book, this movie details a magical train ride to the North Pole for a boy who is beginning to have his doubts about Christmas. This one is a musical adventure with plenty of memorable characters—most of which are played by Tom Hanks.
Rated: G
Run Time: 100 minutes
3. A Christmas Story.
It’s hard to think about Christmas movies and not picture 9-year-old Ralphie being told by everyone he knows that his dream gift is dangerous, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” This is a funny movie about the buildup to Christmas in the lives of kids and how they will go to great lengths to get what they want from Santa.
Rated: PG
Run Time: 94 minutes
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4. Klaus.
While this is a newer movie, it is a twist on the old story of Santa’s start. In order to create a successful postal business that will allow him to leave his tiny island, the postman joins forces with a toy-making woodsman named…you guessed it, Klaus. It was nominated for an Academy Award, a rare feat for an animated Christmas film.
Rated: PG
Run Time: 96 minutes
5. Elf.
A Christmas classic, Elf is the story of a human raised by elves in the North Pole. Realizing his differences and shortcomings as a toy-making elf, Buddy receives Santa’s permission to travel through the land of swirly twirly gumdrops to meet his father in the big city. This comedic masterpiece is a story of family, fun, and forgiveness.
Rated: PG
Run Time: 96 minutes
Which one of these Christmas movies is your family going to watch next?
Whatever movie(s) you choose to watch with your family over the Christmas break, this is an easy way to create some family time. So, stock up on popcorn, movie snacks, and blankets for your wife, who will be cold regardless of how high you turn up the heat.
