You guys, we have officially entered the CHRISTMAS SEASON!
I mean, for whatever reason, August is like 105 days long and yet, October and November combined equal about a week. Here we are post-Thanksgiving, and I truly know that I’m going to blink, post my TOP BOOKS FOR THE YEAR, MY CHRISTMAS CARD and be out until 2024.
Things are about to go at lightening speed.
I’m trying to stop and savor as much as I can before the season slips by.
On that note, I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to kick off the Christmas season than with a contentious conversation…
Today, I’m sharing my TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS MOVIES.
Everyone take a breath.
Okay, we will all play nice today, right?
I understand (based on last year!) that these topics get me into a bit of trouble.
I am bracing myself for the drama that is the comment section today 😉 .
In full disclosure, I found this TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE to be the hardest one to date! Why? Because I truly love so many holiday films that I wanted to call this TOP FIFTEEN/BOTTOM TWO. I hated picking favorites today. Hated it. I know, KNOW, that I am leaving out some really amazing holiday movies, and that hurts my Christmas loving heart. I am quite passionate about my Christmas TV watching, so limiting myself to five felt really hard. Nevertheless, here we are.
Ready, set, let’s do this:
#5: The Family Stone
I love this movie. I love the music. I love the cozy New Hampshire setting. I love the messy/festive/cozy home. I love the balance between very serious and comic relief. I love Craig T. Nelson so much it hurts. And you know, know, know Diane Keaton is my favorite actress E-V-E-R. But what do I love most? It’s about a mom and her kids. I love the thought of my imperfect, unique, energetic, loving adult kids coming home for Christmas. This movie gives me all the feels, and I could (and often do!) watch it on repeat.
#4: Love Actually
I could gush all day. This movie fills my heart with so much holiday cheer. I love each and every “grouping” of characters and then especially love how they all are woven together bit by bit. I love that this is about family, about friendship, about new love, old love…all the love. I love Hugh Grant dancing. I love Collin in his sweater by the lake typing. I love Emma crying. I hate Alan Rickman for making Emma cry. I love Liam who is raw. I love Keira who is sweet. I love, I love, I love Love Actually. I remember exactly where I was when I saw this movie in the theater for the first time…in Iowa the night before the Iowa State-Kansas State game my senior year in college. The music, the relationships, I can (and do!) watch this movie on repeat.
#3: A Christmas Story
This one is just quintessential Christmas, no? There is a reason that for years and years and years it ran 24 hours a day on Christmas Day…it’s family, it’s funny, it’s filled with so many quotable lines and iconic scenes. This story never gets old over here. It makes me want to put a leg lamp in my window, buy Smith a Red Ryder, and not stick my tongue to a pole on a cold day. This one is an easy Top Five for me!
#2: White Christmas
HELLO?! This movie came out in 1954 (that’s before my parents were even born!), and yet, all four of my children can sing every lyric of every song (even if they pretend like they can’t) because it’s EPIC and AMAZING and OH SO CHRISTMASY! Not only do I love the story, but I just think it’s brilliant how the entire “show” is woven in throughout the movie as rehearsals so that you get to see the amazing costumes, the singing and oh that dancing without having to watch an hour of it at the very end. To me, that’s brilliant movie writing.
What other movies really have stood this test of time? I know there are a lot of “classics” (Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, etc), but are millions of people watching those every single year? Nope. I love the music, the dancing, the lodge, the message, Bing’s blue eyes…I love it ALL. Any movie that is still relevant and on repeat almost 70 years after it originally came out has to be in my Top Five.
#1: The Holiday
Because Nancy Meyers looks right into my soul and makes movies for me. If I were to list my favorite movies EVER (not just holiday movies), this one would be in my Top Three. This romantic comedy checks all the boxes for me: Cozy cottage, Jude Law, great music, Jude Law, the most beautiful restaurants, Jude Law, gorgeous homes, Jude Law, a happy ending, a sweet story, lovely clothes and women who are strong but vulnerable…and Jude Law. Nancy Meyers makes movies that the world needs more of…especially in 2023. I love this one so much.
And because I cannot help myself, please know that I also love, love, love Christmas Vacation, Christmas with the Kranks, The Family Man, A Christmas Story, Elf, Fred Claus, and of course, both Home Alones 🙂 .
So, that’s my TOP FIVE, what about my…
#5: Four Christmases
I just can’t with this one. Every single year, I fool myself into thinking I should give it “one more try” as it’s a Christmas movie filled with some of my favorite actors, but every single year, I turn it off after about 20 minutes because I’m always reminded that this one isn’t funny. It’s kind of mean, unhappy, and not really comical at all. Vince, Reese…so much potential, so not my favorite movie.
#4: The Polar Express
I really shouldn’t put this one in my Bottom Five because I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the ending. Why? Because it’s so slow and boring that I fall asleep within the first 20 minutes. The next time you’re reaching for that Nyquil to get your zzzzs might I suggest this movie instead?
#3: Scrooged
If I’m being 100% transparent, I don’t love the Ebenezer Scrooge story that much. I know, I know, I know, it’s a Dickens’ classic, but maybe I’ve just seen it too many times on stage (like a million) or maybe I just have a hard time with any story that has a ghost in it (much less three), but it’s not my favorite…so throw in Bill Murray and a wink and a nod to the original, and yeah, I’m out.
#2: Bad Santa
Andrew Shull is not going to like this answer, but um, no thank you. It’s too dark, too vulgar, too not what I want to watch to put me in the holiday spirit. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of the holiday spirit in my opinion.
#1: It’s a Wonderful Life
Yeah, I’m saying it. I know a lot of you are agreeing with me, but you’re too scared to admit it…this movie is depressing. It’s sad. It’s not cheerful. It’s not really that Christmas-y. And it’s long and slow. I know, I know, I know, some of you are going to name it in your Top Five (my mom and Andrew both love this one), but just the mean pharmacist alone is enough to turn me off. It’s not a terrible movie, but I think it’s highly overrated as a holiday gem. I know, I know, some of you are mad at me, but I’m speaking my truth 😉 .
And of course, I asked my hubby his thoughts on CHRISTMAS MOVIES too…
ANDREW’S TOP FIVE:
5: Daddy’s Home 2
4: Love Actually
3: Christmas Vacation
2: White Christmas
1: The Holiday
ANDREW’S BOTTOM FIVE:
5: The Polar Express
4: The Grinch (with Jim Carey)
3: The Family Stone
2: Four Christmases
1: Any Hallmark Christmas movie
We are somehow exactly the same and yet polar opposites. Ha!
Okay, I’m nervous about the comment section today! Agh! I feel like you guys are about to be suuuper passionate below. Please share your TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE as well!
One last thing, don’t forget to check out these other TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE blog posts:
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CEREALS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOUSEHOLD CHORES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS SONGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THANKSGIVING FOODS
Merry Monday, friends!
I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Elisabeth says
Top Five:
1. White Christmas – my all-time fav.
2. Home Alone (1 & 2)
3. Ice Sculpture Christmas (my favourite Hallmark movie)
4. The Grinch (2018 animated) + LOVE THE Boris Karloff cartoon
5. Elf
Bottom Five:
1. Die Hard. This is NOT a Christmas movie. Sigh.
2. A Christmas Story. I’ve only seen this once and I hated it so much. I found it downright depressing.
3. Family Stone. Everyone loves this; again, I’ve only seen it once but it just did not feel festive 🙁
4. Bad Hallmark movies (some really are just so much less engaging than others)
5. The straight to video Home Alones (4 & 5). Truly horrific.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I certainly don’t agree with your lists. Bahahaha! Thank you so much for sharing, Elisabeth!!
leigh says
My college daughter had her friends over to her dorm last weekend for a movie party to watch Love Actually. I really didn’t think about the fact she’s only seen it with me fast forwarding through a few parts. . . So the scene with the stand in actors came up and her friends (boys included) have teased her since. She said, “Mama, now everyone keeps saying they can’t believe LUST Actually is my favorite movie.” So funny!
Margaret says
I agree about Its a Wonderful Life. I’ve never watched the whole thing. Too depressing. Christmas Vacation is my top movie. So funny and we can quote all the lines.
Elspeth says
I love Love Actually- hello Christmas rom com! That’s my top But i can only do many hallmark Christmas movies! They are cute and predictable but i have my limits, those are my bottom.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kristen says
Whaaaaaat?! Four Christmases is my favorite!!! It makes me laugh so hard! I watch it every Christmas Eve while wrapping presents!
Natalie B. says
Totally agree!!! I don’t see how anyone doesn’t like that movie. I’m sorry! It is HYSTERICAL!! Mistletoe, mistletoe!! Lol!!
Stacy C Meek says
it’s our favorite!!
Christa says
You can’t spell families without lies!
Alison says
No Elf or Home Alone?!?
My top 5 are:
1.) Home Alone- It’s the ultimate classic Christmas movie from my childhood.
2.) Elf- I love Will Ferrell in this! It’s so fun and puts me in the holiday spirit.
3.) Christmas Vacation- Another classic that never gets old. So many comedic scenes!
4.) The Holiday- It’s so charming and romantic!
5.) The Family Man- This movie is so underrated! I’m not a fan of It’s A Wonderful Life but love this modern take on it.
Emilee says
Your Top 5 are all such great choices! Mine would almost exactly match, but insert “Meet Me in St. Louis” in place of “Love Actually.” It’s an oldie, but I think a treasure!
Ashley Williams says
Yes!! Lovvveee. Judy Garland singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 🥰🥰😢😢
Erika Slaughter says
I’ve got all kinds of issues with both of your lists!! 😂😂😂😂
Meghan Gottshalk says
Parts of Family Stone were filled in my home town, Madison, NJ. Got to watch them film some! Love that movie!!
Kim says
We have this discussion regularly… there are movies about Christmas and movies that take place at Christmas. It’s a Wonderful Life takes place at Christmas but is about much more! It could go either way. But that’s also true for White Christmas, The Holiday, and The Family Stone and so many others that I love! Because I love Christmas movies and my husband doesn’t as much we start with the movies that take place at or involve Christmas so they feel Christmasy every year. It’s usually Die Hard first 🤪
Mix and Match Mama says
Such a great distinction!!!
Nicole says
Haha! Agree with yours for sure! I have a random question, but know you’ve had recovery with surgeries before and was not able to work out. How did you manage? I think I read before you had to take 6 weeks off post surgery? It’s so much apart of my daily routine, and I know it is yours too. What’s your advice? Currently dealing with an injury. Did your body change? Did you still wear your watch? Need your insight! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so sorry, Nicole. First, I’m sorry you’re injured, but second, I’m sorry you’re not going to get your daily workout in as I know it’s good for your soul as well as your actual fitness. For me, after lots of times doing it the wrong way, I finally learned to lean into rest and recovery. If I pushed myself, it just made things harder. This is the golden opportunity for you to actually rest, relax and let your body heal. I loved walking and with each recent surgery, have done more and more of that and been blessed in other ways. The more you let yourself heal and recover, the easier it will be to get back into your “normal” routine. You’ll be fine!! You will!! Sending you much much love! xx
Beth Knecht says
Ohh I love The Holiday and just watched it last night. This might be weird but I was telling my husband that at my funeral I hope they go for a run and then everyone goes home and watches The Holiday. It gives me all the cozy feels, and as much as I don’t love watching movies it is perfect in every way!
SS says
Awe Beth…. what a thing to do…
Debbie Ham says
I agree with most of your list! I can’t stand the Christmas Story or Its a Wonderful life. I watch all the hallmark movies good and bad just because it’s Christmas
Kimbrough says
Agree. It’s a Wonderful Life is a garbage movie.
Kristen says
It’s a Wonderful Life…THE BEST! My family loves it so much we traveled to Seneca Falls, NY to attend the yearly “It’s a Wonderful Life” festival where the town was inspiration for the movie.
Runners up- Rudolph, Frosty and The Year w/out a Santa Claus (these are nostalgic for me!)
Worst- Polar Express
Alicia K says
I’m also a fan of a holiday rom-com! My list would have Love Actually, The Holiday, and The Family Stone and also Christmas Vacation and Home Alone.
Rebecca Horvath says
AGREE!!! THE BEST MOVIE EVER!! I can see why someone would think it’s depressing or slow…but that’s only if you don’t watch the whole thing!! It’s one of the best stories of redemption, faith, and God’s faithfulness never failing that’s ever been told on the screen. (I love it so much I actually wrote a devotional book about it!) I have never seen most of Shea’s top 5 and I actually hate “A Christmas Story”! LOL! (But I love “White Christmas.”) To each her own and that’s a great thing about Christmas movies – there’s something for everyone!
Lana M says
I could not agree more on It’s a Wonderful Life! I LOVE a Christmas movies, but I’ve said it’s the worst Christmas movie for years – so glad I’m not alone in that!!!
Kim Harrigan says
I’m on board with all your picks. Watched The Holiday this weekend as my first Christmas movie of the season.
Dana P says
Well, here I thought we were basically the same person, but alas. 🤭 I don’t know why but I HATE A Christmas Story. The only time I tolerate it is Christmas Day just to be nice, but there is something about it that gives me the creeps! And I LOVE 4 Christmases! I do fast forward through the weird part with the wrestling brothers, but that is one of the few movies that actually makes me laugh. This is a fun post!
Kelsey says
Getting to your blog website and seeing the Bad Santa poster as the cover for this post was like a jump scare. I wondered if I had the right website. 😂
Kim says
I thought the same thing! Best movie Elf, home alone, Santa Clause, worst family stone and its a wonderful life
Jen says
I have to know what is cheerful about the Family Stone!? I watched it for the first time as you kept recommending it and I thought it was so sad I’ll never watch it again! Haha.
Jessamyn Peace says
I agree totally! Who wants to watch a movie with such a sad theme?! We did lose my mother in law to cancer so maybe it’s just way too close to home.
Kristine says
I hear you…I lost my mom to cancer around the holidays so I just can’t watch this one.
Kim says
Exactly. So dark and depressing.
Jodi says
Yessss! There is nothing Christmasy about your mother dying during the holidays. NOTHING.
Ani Martinez says
Ashamed to say I’ve never watched The Family Stone nor White Christmas!
The Polar Express will be a forever favorite thanks to my (not-so-little) boy who LOVED trains, LOVED the jingle bells and watched it on repeat for several Christmases (he’s now 18 and cringes at the thought of watching a holiday movie with mom).
Laci L Murray says
The Holiday is my favorite movie ever! Home Alone 1 and 2, Elf (it’s ridiculous but I watch it), The Grinch…the only movies I make sure I watch each season!
Dana Abney says
Where’s ELF? You left off ELF!
SS says
Shay,
We are The Holiday fans too..we even have Christmas Alfredo every year because of this movie. 😁
Where is Elf??? Not on either list?? Lol.
We are big time Hallmark movie watchers. This year we really like Holiday Road, so far.
If you haven’t watched Genie on Peacock…it is really cute!!
I like the Polar Express book better than movie…but the hot chocolate song gets played here. Plus, the author of the book is from Michigan!!! If you didn’t know he is the same author of Jumanji!! You have to see the book…pencil drawing are so good!
Fun lists and can’t wait to see people’s list. Lol
Michele says
Oh, I keep seeing the commercials for Genie…looks SO cute! Cant’ wait to see it!
Michele says
SHAY!!!! Polar Express??? Really?? Oh, man..Santa just informed me that you are on the naughty list! LOLOLOL!!!
Kay says
You know what? I largely agree with you! I think you did a good job and I hope people go easy on you ;). One of my absolute favorites that is never really counted as a Christmas movie is “While you were Sleeping!” My (now) teenage daughter and I watch it EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. I love that one. But other than that, I really do agree with your list! Happy start to the holiday season!!!
Lisa A says
YES!!!! While You Were Sleeping is my all time favorite movie, and it totally counts as a Christmas movie. I watch it with my niece every year. So glad you mentioned it.
Amy Heinl says
I agree Kay….my number 1 Christmas movie is While you were sleeping….love this movie
Dawn says
Totally agree! While you were Sleeping is one of the very best Christmas movies!!!!
Teri says
Yes! I love watching While You Were Sleeping every Christmas and also View from the Top with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Gretchen says
Wondering if you have found a version of Love Actually without the one rated x story line? Love that movie!
Mix and Match Mama says
They *sometimes* play it on TV edited. That’s a great way to watch it!
Katie says
Christmas Vacation, and Home alone are forever in my top 5 Christmas movies! I can’t and never will understand Family Stone being in anyone’s top 5, it is so depressing and sad. I never finish that movie and fell happy or festive 😬
Natalie says
I love the holiday, or did, but then Jude Law had a baby with a college friend so just not the same watching lol but he’s charming for sure. I just saw White Christmas for the 1st time last year and it is truly the best! Cracks me up Andrew saying least favorite is anything Hallmark. Can’t do Christmas without Hallmark! 🤗
Nades says
So my favorites are Love Actually and Christmas Vacation. I have a newsletter question about today’s newsletter email- what are “adaptogenic herbs?”
Mix and Match Mama says
They are found in foods/things we consume naturally and have amazing health benefits, but so many of us (like me!) don’t consume enough of them for the full benefits, which is one of the many reasons why I love AG1…it has all of the “good stuff” in one little scoop/packet so even if I’m not eating them all in my daily diet, I’m still getting them all.
Ashley says
My absolute favorite is Same Time, Next Christmas!
Debby says
I also love The Preacher’s Wife with Whitney Houston and watch it every year, and a new one last year – Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Farrell on Apple TV. So funny!
SS says
Ooh.. forgot about Preacher’s wife….
Julie Tootle says
SAME!!! My top of the top is The Stingiest Man in Town!!! You have to watch it! All the feels!
Susan Swiggart says
My least favorite are:
The Grinch, Elf (I know!!), Polar Express (fall asleep every time)…that’s all I can think of at the moment.
Top 5:
The Holiday
Christmas Vacation
White Christmas
Home Alone 2
Little Women
Amanda says
I agree with The Holiday, but would put Love Actually and The Family Stone in my bottom 5… they just don’t give that happy Christmas feeling I love.
Larissa M Baker says
The Holiday is my all time favorite!!! Jude Law!!!!! And I can’t stand Its a wonderful life either – soooo depressing!!!
Allison says
Top (in no particular order)
1. Christmas Vacation- is there even Christmas without cousin Eddy? I think not.
2. Home Alone- again Kevin is Christmas.
3. The Family Man- forever a favorite about what is most important in life. Family. I choose us.
4. Love Actually (except I wish they left out the dumb porn actors. It’d be perfect otherwise).
5. The Holiday. Jude Law in those glasses. I’ll never recover. Jack Black is adorable.
Worst (in no particular order)
1. Polar Express. Too long.
2. Nightmare before Christmas. Hate the stick figure actors.
3. Scrooge or any Christmas Carol movie
4. The Grinch (Jim Carrey) had such potential but fell flat.
5. Jack Frost. So.flipping.SAD. Tragic death and Michal Keaton comes back as a snow man. I think any movie that depresses the hell out of you, is not a Christmas movie worth watching.
Jessamyn Peace says
White Christmas is my all time favorite (and I didn’t even see it until I got married!), Love Actually, Candace Cameron Bure Hallmark movies and the Holiday are definitely up there too! I also love The Star, Home Alone 2, Elf and The Grinch too though! Way too many good ones – not a bad problem!
Bren Pokorny says
This was hard!!!
Top:
1. The Family Stone
2. Christmas Vacation
3. Home Alone
4. Little Women (90’s version)
5. Miracle on 34th Street (90’s version)
Bottom:
1. A Christmas Story (I like a bit it more as I’ve gotten older but still not a fav)
2. The Grinch -Jim Carrey Version (creepy)
3. Most Hallmark movies 😆 (snooze fest)
4. The Polar Express (they need to remake this, it could be so good)
5. White Christmas (I like to put it on in the background but have never sat down and watched the whole thing) 🙈
Erika says
I agree with both of your lists! Holiday & Love actually are the best! A wonderful life, the worst. Everyone is yelling & mean. Turn it off right away.
Jaime says
Great List! And I mostly agree with all your choices.
My Top 5:
1. White Christmas
2. Family Stone
3. Love Actually
4. Home Alone
5. The Holiday
Honorable Mentions: Elf, Christmas With the Cranks, Christmas Chronicles, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story
Bottom 5:
1. The Grinch (Jim Carey Version)
2. Christmas Vacation
3. Scrooged
4. Home Alone 3-4
5. A Bad Moms Christmas
Kelli says
Have you seen The Man Who Invented Christmas on Amazon Prine about Dickens writing A Christmas Carol. My family actually enjoyed it, and it helped us like the story a bit better.
Emily says
Oh, I love The Holiday too!
I’ve never seen White Christmas….must be missing out!
Little Women is another favorite of mine…especially the music from the Winona Ryder version
Merry Christmas!!
Gillin says
I saw Family Stone in the theater and it was just awful. My friend and I couldn’t get past the plot of the GF switching brothers and then her sister forming a relationship with her sisters BF.
Donna Mason says
OMG SHAY!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband and I literally just had the is conversation this weekend about IT’s A WONDERFUL LIFE. I agree with you a million percent. He….SAYS IS A CHRISTMAS MUST. We are somehow exactly the same and yet polar opposites. Ha! This was US to perfection.
Amy Ms. Azza says
Haha of course a Yankee fan would list “any Hallmark Christmas movie” as their least favorite movie, they have no taste. 🙂 I feel like you are either the type of person who LOVES the cheesiness of the Hallmark Christmas movie and watches them on repeat… or you’re a Yankee. I do have to say, though, that I love It’s a Wonderful Life.. I love the message in it, and it gets me every time. I watch it every year on Xmas eve.
Ashley says
I agree completely with your lists. Also with andrews daddys home 2! We just found it last year and laughed so hard! I also have honorable mention of bad moms Christmas. Definately one to watch while kids are at school but I laugh so hard and underneath are all these moms just trying to make Christmas great for their kids.
K.K. says
Shay, these are fun! Lots of opinions… There’s one you love that I want to love. 😉
I consider While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman (and a lot of other big names) in this Christmas genre, and I love it so much! Probably my #1.
Also, voting yes on It’s a Wonderful Life. Traveled once from TX to the festival in upstate NY, and it was worth it for those of us who do love that one! The ending is what makes it magical to me.
All to say – the best time of the year! I love this conversation!! 🙂
Ashley says
It’s hard finding someone who agrees with my thoughts on Its A Wonderful Life, so THANK YOU! I think it’s so depressing and not cheerful like every one else. I get what the message is supposed to be but this does not do it for me in the least!
Michelle says
My Top Five…
5. Miracle on 34th Street
4. Elf
3. Christmas Vacation
2. A Christmas Story
1. Home Alone (1&2)
But really I love ALL Christmas movies. 🎄
Heather Williams says
Top 5
Any Hallmark Christmas Movie *Merry Me at Christmas and Mrs. Miracle my favorite
Family Stone
The Preachers Wife
White Christmas
Emmitt Otter Jug Band Christmas
Bottom 5
Elf
Christmas Vacation
Home Alone
The Grinch
Bad Santa
Robin says
Polar Express, the worst!! 😆
and I could not stop laughing with the Jude Law on repeat😂 LOVE that movie!!
C.C. says
I know I’m in the minority here. But Family Stone is in my humble opinion needlessly depressing. Also don’t love SJP in it and I usually do!!!
Otherwise agree with your lists! Would add Elf & When Harry Met Sally to Top 5 🙂
Susan says
top have to watch: All 3 Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen, white Christmas, all 3 Grinch movies, Crown for Christmas 2015 hallmark movie, Rudolph/Frosty/little drummer/mickey’s Christmas carol boy classic cartoons.
Bottom: polar express – always fall asleep too!, miracle on 34th street, Scrooged, Elf, all the prep and landing cartoon movies.
Gina Luebke says
Love your top 5!! I could watch Love Actually any time of the year!! 🥰🥰
My only disagreement is 4 Christmases, sorry but Vince Vaughn makes me ugly laugh every time I watch that movie!! 😂😂
Merry Christmas!!
Amy Heinl says
Favorites:
1. While you were sleeping
2. Miracle on 34th Street (original)
3. Angels and Ornaments (Hallmark Classic Hall of Fame)
4. Last Christmas
5. Any Christmas movie on Hallmark Channel and Home Alone 1 &2 (both tied for 5th)
Dislike:
1. Elf
2. Christmas Vacation
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
4. Family Stone
5. Bad Christmas
Erika M says
The Family Stone takes place in Massachusetts not New Hampshire.
Mix and Match Mama says
Does it? I think it’s New Hampshire???
MJ says
It was actually filmed in Riverside, Connecticut, but was based on Thayer, Massachusetts, (fictional town) for the movie
Mix and Match Mama says
Someone else today said it was filmed in New Jersey. I love the vibe no matter where it was filmed or set. It’s so my vibe for a holiday movie 🙂 .
Nicole Wilder says
I definitely agree with all your top faves except A Christmas Story. I just can’t get into that one. And I absolutely agree with your opinion on It’s a Wonderful Life. I don’t like it, it’s super boring. I’ve had to compromise with my husband though, as it’s his all time favorite and we watch it every Christmas Day. 🫤
Clair says
I disagree with you about “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The movie is about an angel, a miracle, friendship and love. What could possibly be more Christmasy than that? It stars Jimmy Stewart who is arguably one of the finest actors of all time. We watch it every year and can recite most of it!
Kristen says
It’s amazing!
Olga Alvarez says
Yes, perfectly said! I watch It’s a Wonderful Life a couple of times every Christmas season.
SS says
Yes! Not just top Christmas movie, but top movie of all time. Just adore “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Kristine G says
What?! No Home Alone, Elf, or even Christmas with the Kranks (super cheesy but in a good way!)?!
Wendy says
Where are the Christmas Chronicles. Absolutely LOVE both of them. Elf, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas story are all in the top 5.
Alison says
Love Actually and White Christmas are my top two! I have to watch those every Christmas season. Uninterrupted. lol
Andrew: Any Hallmark Christmas movie. I literally laughed out loud. I’m going to guess he isn’t racing to the couch to join you for those movies when you have them on. 😂
Lori Marshall says
The preachers wife is one of my favorites!!
Faith says
I watched the Holiday again yesterday and I agree…..Jude Law. Such a good movie!!!
Christmas Story…..ehhh but as I was reading your post, I thought about years as a child with it on 24 hours a day and thought of my dad. He passed away almost 20 years ago and loved Christmas.
I love Elf too!
Another favorite of mine is Serendipity!! Have you seen it?
Sascha says
There we go, Faith! Yes to Serendipity! Set during Christmas time rom-com!
Barb says
My favorite Christmas movie is:
The Holiday
White Christmas
Christmas with the Kranks
Bottom ones:
It’s a Wonderful Life
Love Actually
The Grinch
Erin says
This is me struggling to recall Daddys Home 1 let alone Daddys Home 2 😂😂😂 that is so random, Andrew! I actually can’t believe die hard isn’t on his list.
Dawn says
Well. I thought we could never be friends based on your love of pecan pie. However, your dislike for Polar Express has put you back on the friend list. You’re welcome. 🙂
I just don’t get that movie. At all. It’s dark, it’s creepy, it’s not festive, Tom Hanks is Tom Hanks but not Tom Hanks….the whole thing.
Ruby Huling says
It’s sad when my 9 year old dreads Christmas movie day at school because they play The Polar Express every year! She says it’s boring, except she drags out the word boring! 😂
Dena says
Have you seen The Family Man with Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni? One of my favorite Christmas movies and my brother and I have sooooo many lines we use all year long.
Mix and Match Mama says
I named it one of my honorable mentions!! I love that movie SO MUCH!!
Carla says
Home hear me out: It’s a Wonderful Life is somewhat depressing, but it is not garbage (as a previous commenter put it), rather, it is an important film and ultimately hopeful and uplifting. You have to understand the background of this film to realize its importance. Jimmy Stewart and director, Frank Capra had just returned from serving in WWII when this film was made, and their experiences, particularly Stewart’s, completely changed the emotional resonance of this film. The reason it is an important film to so many (including me) is because of the emotional connection it makes with the viewer and the important message it conveys that absolutely everyone’s life matters. Here is an interesting article from a few years ago about this subject:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/25/entertainment/its-a-wonderful-life-jimmy-stewart-world-war-ii/index.html
Joanna Borowy says
100% agree with the polar express. I never understood why that was always so pop popular.🤷♀️
Cathy says
I get that you don’t like Hallmark movies but they have new writers this year and some are not so predictable. If you only watch one this season, please watch, “Holiday Road”. It was the best movie I’ve seen on Hallmark. Just go through your guide and record. I’m sure it will be on again. It’s funny yet full of life’s lessons. Please watch it. ❤️ it’s one you don’t want to miss.
SS says
We enjoyed this one a lot too!! Agree.. it should be watched!! The whole family!!
Kristen says
OMG , not sure how I could forget the #1 of all time.. Emmett Otter’s Jug-band Christmas is hands down my fav!!!!!
Rachel says
Top Five
5. The Santa Clause
4. The Grinch (2018)
3. The Family Stone
2. Home Alone
1. Home Alone 2
Bottom Five
5. The Polar Express
4. A Christmas Story
3. It’s A Wonderful Life
2. The Grinch (with Jim Carey)
1. Christmas Vacation
Of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas is the best, but I don’t consider that a movie.
Beth Valenta says
Love these lists!
Top 5: The Holiday, The Christmas Train ( I watch weekly), Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
Bottom 5: It’s a Wonderful Life, Santa Claus 2, Grinch (Jim Carrey in anything), Polar Express, and A Christmas Story.
I still love all the animated Rudolph, Frosty, Grinch, Charlie Brown. 🙂
Niki says
Oooh I love this! Okay here goes..
Top five:
1- The Holiday
2- Love actually
3- White Christmas
4- Christmas Vacation
5- Elf
Bottom five:
1- 4 Christmases (hated it!!!)
2- Bad Santa (also hated it!)
3- Christmas Story 😬 I know! 🤦🏻♀️ it’s my sister’s fave but I don’t get the hype
4- The Grinch with Jim Carey (whom I love just not this movie)
5- The nightmare before Christmas
Scarlett Spangler says
Shay, I have so much faith in your recommendations that last year I bought the Family Stone- didn’t even bother renting, straight up BOUGHT it thinking I’d watch it time and time again. Sadly, it’s the only time you’ve let me down lol! I found it very depressing. I agree with most of your list, though! I swear Four Christmases gets funnier after they start actually arriving at their family Christmases. I like that movie because it took place all over the Bay Area where I grew up. 🙂
Ali Patterson says
I have never seen Love Actually and had no idea it was a Christmas movie! I agree about Polar Express, and my son loved it when he was little so I’ve seen it a billion times!
Mary says
one of my favorites is “A Dog Named Christmas” – it is a sweet story! a must watch!
especially if you are a dog lover and I know you are 🙂
we have 4 fur babies.
Alison says
I agree wholeheartedly with the person who said A Christmas Story gives them the creeps. Lol!
And, Andrew is right…Daddy’s Home 2 is a delight!
Morgan Godbold says
Christmas movies make this season so special!!
White Christmas is my all time fave!! I’m 31 and my sister and I have been watching/singing it since we were kids! People question why?? It’s a classic!! We live in Florida, and want to take a sister trip on a train to Vermont one day!!
And I just watched The Holiday this weekend!
Also, my family and I watched the movie Spirited, on Apple TV+ this past weekend and It’s SO GOOD! It’s kinda scrooge/musical/satire! It’s Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell and all I have to say is try it!! It completely surprised us!
Carrie says
The first time I watched The Family Stone, I thought it was boring. Maybe it had to do with my age. I don’t know. But I have watched it multiple times since and it is one of my favorites. Give it another try people! I can actually think of several movies I didn’t think I cared for but upon rewatching, they have become some of my favorites. Is that weird?!
Katie Ingram says
Top 5
Elf
Home Alone
Home Alone 2
The Grinch (2018)
Christmas Vacation
Bottom 5
The Grinch (Jim Carrey)
Four Christmases
The Polar Express
The Santa Clause
The Santa clause 2
Mary Ellen says
Growing up I had dreams of my children snuggled up watching White Christmas in front of the tree- reality I have 5 sons and their favorite Christmas movie is….Die Hard, just like their Dad. That is our annual Christmas day movie and it is a better tradition than anything I could have dreamed up when I was younger.
Jenny Rowars says
I love Love Actually, The Holiday and Elf. Two years ago I came across Love the Coopers with Diane Keaton and John Goodman, wasn’t sure if you’ve ever seen that one??
I agree with It’s a Wonderful Life and Polar Express, depressing and LONG!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Top 5:
1) While You Were Sleeping
2) Family Stone
3) How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey version)
4) Elf
5) The Santa Claus 1 and 2
Bottom 5:
1) A Christmas Story (It’s the worst! So depressing)
2) Polar Express (snooze)
3) The Family Man (fairly boring)
4) Christmas with the Kranks
5) Jingle All the Way
Also, please let Andrew know I’m personally offended by his Hallmark insult. 🤣
Tina says
top 5:
A Christmas Story
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Elf
Christmas Chronicles
8-Bit Christmas
(the last 2 are much newer but I really like both!)
bottom 5:
Scrooged (and any other renditions)
It’s a Wonderful Life (For me, this one is the all time worse)
The Polar Express (never seen it all the way through…it just doesn’t hold my attention)
Christmas With the Kranks (bleh…boring)
Miracle on 34th Street
(I’ll admit I’ve never seen The Family Stone, Love Actually or White Christmas)
Lizzie says
I’m old school. Love all the old B/W movies.
Favs:
1. Christmas in Connecticut
2. The Bishop’s Wife
3. Remember the Night
4. The Holiday
5. It Happened on 5th Avenue
Bottom 5
1. anything Hallmark. You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all
2. Love Actually. Don’t understand the hype
3. Anything Jim Carey
4. It’s a Wonderful Life
5. Polar Express
Jodi says
Our go to Christmas movies and most favorites are Elf, Santa Clause (all of them), Christmas with the Kranks, I’ll be home for Christmas, and Deck the Halls. I guess we go for the funny ones. I do not like the Family Stone at all. A dying mom at Christmas just does not make me feel holiday cheer.
Bethany says
Home Alone!!!!
Ryane says
First, I love your list so much.
You recommended a random movie the other day… english/Indian arranged marriage one.. bah, the name is escaping me – loved it!
My sister and I always spend 4 hours together watching the directors cut Love Actually. It’s become tradition since…2010.
Second, I live in NH (practically born and raised) and I had NO idea Family Stone was based in NH. I’ve seen it a handful of times but now I need to rewatch stat.
Where does your family land on Die Hard. Christmas or no? (Xmas eve tradition over here)
Mix and Match Mama says
We don’t really ever watch it, but yes, we’ll consider it Christmas!
Holly says
A Bad Mom’s Christmas and Holiday Inn!!!
Watch them both! Thank me later!!!!! 😜
Hannah says
Love actually is not only a terrible christmas movie but one of the worst movies of all time! Cheating and awful relationships throughout that just did not tie together well at all with all the connections. Awful awful awful. Thats the only one i feel strongly about
Shannon says
Top 4 (can’t pick a 5th 🤣):
1. The Holiday- The best hands down. From the intro piano music to the ending dancing scene. Just love it so much.
2. Elf- Singing is my favorite and Santa I know him! How can you not love Will Ferrell in this movie?! It’s so great and hilarious.
3. White Christmas- Oh so great with all the singing- snow, snow snow snow snoowwww! And sisters, sisters…
4. Home Alone- only the original. It’s so good! I’ve seen it a million times but I love when he tricks the burglar guys. I’ll shoot your eye out.
Bottom 4:
1. A Christmas Story- those 24 marathons are the worst. I don’t get the humor in this movie.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas vacation- just no.
3. It’s a wonderful life- I’ve seen it a lot but it’s just so depressing. I need happy for Christmas.
4. Santa Clause- I like Tim Allen from Home improvement, but these movies are the worst. Ha!
Laura G says
I tried watching Love Actually with my young adult son and his girlfriend. I was very embarrassed soon into the movie. You have got to be kidding me that this movie was better than so many of the beautiful classics? Would you watch this with your teens?
Mix and Match Mama says
I wouldn’t, but I didn’t say Top Five, Bottom Five to watch with my kids. These are my own personal faves 🙂 .
Robin says
I am not a big holiday movie watcher. My favorite though is The Muppet Christmas Carol. (I’m 59 years old and I know it is crazy, but I love me some Muppets!) Michael Caine is Scrooge, Kermit is Bob Cratchit, and the story is narrated by Gonzo and Rizzo the rat. It is witty, hilarious and sweet all at the same time.
SS says
Oh gosh, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies of all time! I can’t believe you don’t love it. Like seriously – so good. But I will agree it’s heavy so I don’t turn it on say to wrap presents. It’s a “let’s all sit down and watch a movie together” kind of movie. Jimmy Stewart is so dreamy – ideal man. Ha! Home Alone and Christmas Vacation would be my other top Christmas movies. SO good! Agree about Bad Santa – it’s anti-Christmas – of course, I’ve never watched it so maybe that’s not a fair assessment, but the trailer was enough to let me know I’d hate it. Very un-Christmas spirity seeming. I hate Love Actually actually. Ha. The whole porn scene stuff – gross – and not Christmasy! Oh, and total agree about Polar Express. Why does anyone watch that movie? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it the entire way through either and the animation in it is creepy. Guess I need to check out White Christmas :-). But to be fair, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has also very much stood the test of time!
Carole says
I really enjoy these posts and the controversy!! Haha So I really want to know, since it’s Andrew’s top as well…is he a Jude Law fan too?? 😝😝
Mix and Match Mama says
Probably more Kate and Cameron 😉 .
Amanda Aragon says
I cannot believe no one is talking about The Santa Clause or Miracle on 34th St (I like the 1990’s version. They are absolutely Christmas staples for me.
Brooklyn says
I don’t really have a Bottom 5, but Top 5:
5: Christmas with the Kranks
4: The Christmas Chronicles
3: Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
2: The Santa Clause
1: White Christmas
Allison says
Have you seen Ghosts of Girlfriends Past? I know you said you don’t like the ghost ones, but I just love this one! And the cast! Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Lacey Chabert, Emma Stone, Michael Douglas, Breckin Meyer…. I love it! Not little kid friendly! If you haven’t tried it, you should! It’s not a “top five”, but it’s a very Christmas-y movie! Maybe a top 20 lol!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not seen that!!
Melissa says
I am surprised nobody mentioned the film Holiday Inn. It was the original film that the song white Christmas was in with Bing Crosby. It is my husband’s favorite. As for mine, I love Christmas in Connecticut.
Marti says
I just watched Love Actually last night. Love Hugh Grant. Hate the adult movie scenes.
I agree with disliking the Polar Express. It is just TOO long. Cut some of the train scene and I’d like it a lot better.
I love It’s A Wonderful Life. It just has a simple, explicit Christmas message about what is truly important in life.
Sascha says
I’ll add my favorite “set during Christmas-time” rom-com, Serendipity. The movie takes place in NYC, starts in the winter with fantastic cast & cute storyline – John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven, Bridget Moynahan, Eugene Levy & John Corbett. The soundtrack is wonderful too!
Carole says
This one is soooo good!
Bev byerly says
Hello!
I have a question about the supplement you take. Do you just use that and not take any other vitamins? I am thinking of ordering some.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do take other supplements, but Nutrafol is the only daily vitamin I take and it has eliminated me having to take several others independently (as it includes most of my ‘basics’ for everyday).
Deena says
My top 5: 1. Love Actually (the only one we watch yearly) 2. White Christmas 3. The Holiday 4. The Christmas Chronicles (love both) 5. Miracle on 34th Street (prefer the old one)
Bottom 5: 1. Die Hard (it’s not a Christmas movie) 2. A Christmas Story (I’ve tried more than once and can’t get into it) 3. Ditto the Family Stone 4. Bad Santa 5 Christmas with the Kranks
The only Hallmark romance movies I’ll watch are the Christmas ones this time of the year but most are forgettable. I like Polar Express and wish we’d had it when our kids were young. I used to watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year and cry but couldn’t do it anymore after several watches.
Amanda says
OMG this is crazy but I actually agree with your top five AND bottom five this time! Haha.
Although I might have tried to squeeze Elf somewhere in my top five too. And I’d forgotten about The Family Man…maybe my fave Nic Cage movie!
Alissa says
I am dying LOL’ing at Andrew’s #1 on his worst Christmas movie list because this is 100% my hubs. I mean I feel like they could be best friends with how much he feels this way 🤣🤣 and oh I SO agree with you on your #2 and #1 for favorites! I’d probably swap them just for the memories of watching White Christmas growing up alone but really just SO good!!! 🎄🎅🏼
Renee says
I LOVE Daddy’s Home 2!! The whole thermostat bit is hilarious! I laugh through that every time!
Mix and Match Mama says
RIGHT?! Isn’t that exactly how it is though? Andrew is so chill unless you touch the thermostat in our house and then, he acts like I’ve committed the highest level of Shull family treason.
Cassandra says
Christmas with the Kranks! What’s the thoughts on that one??
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
Nicole says
Shay, I’ve been putting off watching The Family Stone because I didn’t think I really liked it (saw it years ago), but I finally watched it again today because of you and OMG I cried so much! 😂 It was really good but I didn’t expect to cry so much!