Must-see Christmas flicks

Several folks have asked for the list of Christmas movies my friend Terri sent me.  She graciously gave me permission to post it - here you go!  


Terri's Short List of Must See Christmas Movies

1. It's a Wonderful Life 

2. The Muppet Christmas Carol  The period clothing in it is exquisite. I have museum buddies that drool over the tiny little wardrobe. And you haven't lived till you've seen the little rats dance in Bob Cratchit's office.

3. Elf

4. Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas  Another Muppet offering. It's obscure now-- but it's not Christmas in our house until we've seen it.

5. Any 3 of the Rankin/Bass stop-motion Christmas movie specials - Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, etc.

6. Christmas Vacation  Maybe not for the kiddies... but oy. It's what gets Robby and I through the annual untangling of the bulbs...

7. Miracle on 34th Street, but only the original with Margaret O'Brien. Ignore the more recent ones. And avoid any colorizations... It's schmaltzy and syrupy but really sweet.

8. The claymation Story of the First Christmas narrated by Christopher Plummer gets year-round play in our house. It's hard to find but fantastic. Ours is on our TiVo from back when we had the Dead Nun Channel (or EWTN).

9. A Charlie Brown Christmas  "Lights, please."

10. White Christmas  Darn if I don't choke up when they salute the general every. single. time. 

11. Love Actually  Again, not for the kiddies... but a great little movie.

12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas  Roast beast, Cindy Lou Who, a heart that grows three sizes?

13. A Christmas Story  "You'll shoot your eye out!" "Only he didn't say 'fudge'..."

14. Because I'm Waltons-obsessed, any of the Walton Christmas specials including the one that kicked it all off, The Homecoming. 

15. Home Alone Catherine O'Hara's screaming, "KEVIN!" alone is worth it.