9 of the Best Holiday Movies to Watch as a Family

The holidays are calling, and you have some time on your hands. So as you think of ways to pass the time, have fun and make memories with the family, why not add some movie time to the list? There are so many incredible movies for everyone to enjoy. Here is a roundup of my all-time favorites.

1. Home Alone

If you are a '90s baby like me, you might understand the obsession with this one. The Christmas classic follows an 8-year-old's (Culkin) experience with hoodlums when he is accidentally left home alone during the holidays. He finds ways to survive while giving the hijinks a taste of their medicine. It would be great to experience this one with your older kids or a partner to relive old times.

2. The Snowman

Raymond Briggs's picture book The Snowman inspired this British animated film. It is the story of a snowman that comes to life that has a poetic symphony and nostalgic visuals, which should keep your kids glued to the screen for a while.

3. Olaf's Frozen Adventure

If your kids love Frozen, they certainly will enjoy Olaf's Frozen Adventure. The short film keeps the Christmas snowman theme going while introducing characters from Frozen in a new light. As Olaf and Sven focus on saving Christmas for Anna and Elsa, the film generally appreciates different people's ways of enjoying the festive season.

4. Rugrats Chanukah Special

Another throwback for millennial parents. The older we get, the more we enjoy this one, myself included. Through the eyes of the Rugrat babies, watch the Jewish Chanukah unfold. In the movie, they learn about the eight-day festival as their grandfather tackles a rival. Sounds like a perfect fit for everyone.

5. 8 Crazy Nights

Great selection for teenagers. This movie is based on the spiritual eight days of Hanukkah, as the holidays are not just about Christmas for the Jewish community. Although the movie comes with a fair share of somewhat distasteful humor, it is overshadowed by the beautiful redemption of Davey Stone. He is an alcoholic that gets a chance to reform from a criminal record and a community service sentence over his head.

6. Dr. Seuss' The Grinch

From a wicked temper, a terrible attitude, and a mission to ruin the festivities, The Grinch transforms into a loving, warm-hearted grouch. The animated 2018 film follows this transition with a delightful update to the original. The movie is one of those that brings different generations together with striking animated visuals and a beautiful story.

7. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

It is the music for me on this one! This not-so-new Christmas movie should make its way to screens and homes this year. Prepare to go on an emotional rollercoaster when new hope is restored for an innovator and toy maker after meeting his brilliant granddaughter. The film is not only fun but very inspiring. However, you may have to leave the under-seven out on this one, as the film features some relatively spooky scenes.

8. The Santa Clause

The script might be a little dated, but the ending is heart-warming. Christmas is incomplete without Santa; a busy dad knows that better than anyone. The story accurately depicts modern-day family dynamics where the parents always think about work. The busy father is forced to take over for Santa and slow down on what he knows best — work! Consequently, he gets to spend some time with his family, which brings forth the realization of the importance of slowing things down for the ones we love.

9. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Last but certainly not least, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a fantastic choice for Christmas Eve. With all the excitement in readiness for Christmas, this holiday classic features terrific performances, great music to sing along and lots of lessons for the kids akin to adults.