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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo (1989) – a classic movie with colorful characters that remind us that Christmas is about family; outrageous scenes of slapstick comedy that are sure to make you laugh!
A Christmas Story with Peter Billingslee, Melinda Dillon, Daren McGavin (20th year anniversary of this classic movie) a very funny holiday story of Ralphie, who pulls out all the stops to get his ultimate Christmas gift. It’s touching and hilarious and captures the fears, joys and disappointments of growing up.
Elf with Will Ferrel, Edward Asner, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart (2003) – a comedy about a young orphan who crawls into Santa’s bag and gets transported to the North Pole and is adopted by Christmas elves. Years later he discovers he’s not really an elf and returns to the human world to find his father; genuinely funny and well acted.
Home Alone with Macaulay Caulkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara (1999) – Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for their Christmas vacation. Kevin must defend his home against two bumbling burglars. Several funny sequences.
You’ve Got Mail is a romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, directed by Nora Ephron (1998) Neighborhood rivals unsuspectingly become email pen pals in this charming remake of “The Shop Around the Corner”.
The Christmas Box /Timepiece with Maureen O’Hara and Richard Thomas (1995) – a ski shop owner busy with work and unhappy about having to live in a lonely mansion with a cold, humorless widow, suffers recurring dreams and is convinced the mansion is haunted by a tragedy from the old woman’s past. Timepiece is darker and jumps ahead 16 years following the resolution of the first story.
The Nativity Story with Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac (2006) – in the midst of utter turmoil, the grueling journey of Mary and Joseph of over 100 miles on foot and on the back of a donkey is chronicled. The epic tale shows us just how miraculous the birth of Jesus was!
Christmas Child with William R. Moses, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Megan Follows (2003) based on the Christian writer Max Lucado’s book, “The Christmas Cross”. A journalist finds himself in a small town on Christmas Eve. Lonely, he encounters people, a manger, a father’s guilt, and a young girl’s faith. Worth the watch.
The Polar Express – an all digital animated film featuring the voices of Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen (2004) – based on Chris Van Alllsburg’s book by the same name, the characters include the doubter, the leader who believes in Christmas, the know-it-all, and the one for whom Christmas never seems to work out. The wonder never fades for those who believe.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - a half hour animated Christmas show on TV since 1965; Charlie Brown is depressed at Christmas and searches for the true meaning of the holiday; this movie shows off the Peanuts Gang doing what they do best.
The Christmas Shoes with Rob Lowe, Kimberly Williams-Paisley (2005) – based on the song with the same name. This movie reminds us what should be the most important in our lives and also to appreciate the good things in our lives. The Christmas Blessing is a sequel.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Henry Winkler, Brooke Burns (2008) It’s uplifting and laugh-packed and a story that will inspire us to open our hearts to the power of Christmas.
It’s a Wonderful Life with James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and superbly directed by Frank Capra (1947 Classic) George Bailey grows up in a small town with big dreams, but circumstances keep him from realizing his dreams. Frustrated by his life and fearing a scandal, he prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel arrives to show him a vision and he comes to cherish the values of friendship and achievement. This is perhaps one of the most beloved American films.
White Christmas with Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye (1954) A semi remake of “Holiday Inn”, this movie features 2 song-and-dance men who meet up with a “sister act” and all together they put on a big show to benefit a struggling ski resort. One of the highlights is the song, “White Christmas”.
Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan (1945) - a holiday film about a journalist, brilliantly portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck, who is a famous food writer. In her columns she describes herself as a hard working farm wife with children and who is an excellent cook. None of it is true. She’s an unmarried New Yorker who cannot cook. The owner of the magazine decides a heroic sailor (who “knows” her from her columns) will get to spend Christmas with her “family “ on “her” farm. Her career will be over if the truth comes out and hilarity commences as she tries to create her image!
new version
The Christmas Card a romance with Edward Asner, Brian Robinson, John Newton, Alice Evans (2006) – in the midst of war, Captain Cody Cullen is touched by a lovely card sent to him by a stranger from a small town, Faith Spelman. The card never leaves his side, giving him strength, and upon leaving the military, he sets out on a mission to find the person who sent him the card.
A Boyfriend for Christmas a romantic comedy with Kelli Williams, Patrick Hudson (2004) Holly Grant ia a lawyer who has given up on finding Mr. Right. Charles Durning plays Santa and fulfills Holly’s long forgotten wish from years ago for a boyfriend for Christmas. Santa brings her together with another lawyer who hides his true identity from her at first. This is problematic until it gets resolved.
A Christmas Visitor with Meredith Baxter, William Devane (2002) A Christmas movie that deals gently with a grieving family’s return to celebrating Christmas when a “stranger” enters their lives. This movie has drama, intrigue, excitement, tears, humor, romance, patriotism and Christmas spirit.
A Christmas Memory with Patty Duke, Piper Laurie (1997) Based on an original novel by Truman Capote, this is a heartwarming story of love and friendship; available for the first time on DVD.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey starring Aran Bell, Tom Berenger (2007) This is a story of love, redemption, and hope with outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and a brilliant score that make this compelling, funny, and very moving adaptation of the award winning children’s book with the same title.
Miracle on 34th Street with Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood (1947) 6 year old Susan has doubts about Santa Claus because her mother told her the “secret” years ago. Susan doesn’t expect to receive the things on her Christmas list. But, after meeting a special Department Store Santa, who is convinced he’s the real Santa Claus, Susan discovers she has someone and something to believe in. This story was modernized in 1994 and the new version stars Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott. It follows the original version pretty closely, but more contemporary.
 
A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott in 1984; with Patrick Stewart in 1999; digital animation with Jim Carrey, from Walt Disney Productions now in movie theaters.
Santa Claus the Movie with Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, Burgess Meredith (1985) A master toymaker discovers magical elves at the North Pole. He meets Patch, an elf who becomes mixed up with an evil toy tycoon who wants to take over Christmas.
The Santa Clause with Tim Allen, Azura Bates, Peter Boyle (1994) People Magazine dubbed this movie, “the most playfully amusing, inventive cinematic… in decades!” A blend of comedy, fantasy, and touching ,real-life issues. Santa Clause 2 and Santa Clause 3 continue the fun!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey, Christine Baranski (2000) – rousing entertainment!
Prancer with ClorisLeachman, Sam Elliot, Rebecca Harrel (1989) a wounded reindeer and a precocious 8 year-old girl form an everlasting bond in this tender, magical holiday drama about true devotion and friendship. Followed 12 years later with Prancer Returns.
 
Christmas with the Kranks with Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen
Deck the Halls with Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito
Fred Claus with Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti
I’ll Be Home for Christmas with Jonathan Taylor Thomas
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