Getting together with family during the holidays almost always includes some movie time. Several families enjoy the tradition of watching movies on Christmas Eve or even on Christmas Day. We all know the classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, but there are several Christmas movies that are sure to warm your heart and be a favorite for everyone from the grand kids to the grandparents.

1.A Christmas Story- Routinely played during Thanksgiving weekend, this American classic never loses its place in any holiday movie list. Every son and daughter can relate to that one toy that they wanted for Christmas but couldn’t get, while every mom and dad can relate to the chaos of holiday moments and making the best out of the hardest of situations. Who can’t laugh at the dogs destroying Christmas dinner or opening up an awful Christmas gift and having to pretend to love it?

2.Miracle on 34th Street- This movie spices up the spirit of the holidays by bringing a little magic and imagination to the soul. It’s perfect to watch with your grandchildren yet mature enough to enjoy with fellow adults.

3.It’s a Wonderful Life- Set in black and white, yet still relevant to the modern world, this movie shows us all what true Christmas is about and what family means.

4.Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1951)- This oldie yet goodie is a wonderful way to remind us of the preciousness of life. It reminds us that each soul is important. That each interaction has significance. That we all matter.

5.We’re No Angels (1955)- This movie takes a twist on the traditional feel-good Christmas movies by showcasing three escaped convicts who go out and literally ruin the holidays for others with their selfish ambitions, but have a change of heart after fixing up a delicious Christmas meal for their neighbors.

6.Christmas with the Kranks- A tale of empty-nesters trying to dodge the Christmas bullet by setting off on a cruise, this Christmas movie is easily relatable for boomers who are switching gears with their kids who have grown up and left home.

7.Planes, Trains, and Automobiles- Steve Martin is comical as ever in this hit movie. As he tries to make his way home for Christmas, a series of hilariously wrong events spiral out of control. We all can relate to him as he desperately tries to reach home in time for the holidays but is side swiped by one mishap after another.

8.White Christmas- This is just a beautiful movie inside and out. Every scene is wrapped in detail and evokes the spirit of the holidays.

9.Elf- This movie is one that you can easily watch with your grandchild over and over again. Buddy the Elf is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, his father is a businessman who reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. This movie is filled with humorous moments and life teaching moments, and definitely warms the heart.

10.Home Alone- This is a hilarious movie about an eight year old troublemaker that gets left home alone while his family travels for the holidays. He finds he must protect his house against a pair of cooky burglars and he definitely teaches them a thing or two.

11.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation- This one is sure to have you laughing! As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.

12.Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas- Whether you’re watching the cartoon version or the real version, this is definitely a favorite among all. In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who. Someone might end up feeling the Christmas love after all.

Movies have a way of bringing us closer together. The moments we laugh at funny situations can remind us of the importance of family, friendship, love, thankfulness, and being able to celebrate good times with each other. It’s also a time to let go of the serious moments and to relax and enjoy each other’s company. After all, some people (like the ones in the movies listed above) may have it worse than you! Enjoy the season with these heart-warming movies.

Source: https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2014/12/9-most-loved-christmas-movies-that-seniors-enjoy/