Children's Christmas Movies

One of my favorite times of year is Christmas. What goes better with the snow, bright decorations, and Christmas music than a great Christmas movie? What a wonderful time of year to spend with your family watching Christmas movies and eating popcorn. There are some great Christmas movies throughout movie history. Here is a list of the top 10.

1. Miracle on 34th Street
Written in 1947, this movie is about a man named Kris Kringle, who is hired by Macy's in New York to be in their Christmas parade after the original Santa Claus is unable to do the job. He must convince a little girl and her family that he is the real Santa Claus.

2. Frosty the Snowman
This classic movie made in 1969, was taken from the song of the same name. It is about a group of children who built a snowman and put a magic hat they found on this snowman's head. The snowman comes alive and sings and dances with the children, until he melts away in the Spring.

3. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Written in 1964, it is the story of Santa's most famous reindeer and how he and his friends save Christmas and how he then becomes the lead reindeer on Santa's sleigh.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This movie was originally made in 1966 and is a movie based on the story by Dr. seuss. It is about a grinch who lives on a hill above the town of Whoville who cannot stand anything Christmas. He tries everything he can think of to make Christmas go away until finally he takes away all their decorations and gifts. He then finds out that it is more than stuff, but the spirit of Christmas that makes Christmas what it is. It was re-made in 2000.

5. Mickey's Christmas Carol
An animated spin on the classic tale by Charles Dickens that only Disney could do. Uncle Scrooge McDuck plays the mizer Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit is played by Mickey Mouse. It is a perfect movie for kids of all ages and one that should not be missed this year as it introduces kids to one of the classics.

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This classic movie from 1965 is on tv every year right before Christmas. In this classic Peanuts story, Charlie Brown brings home the tiniest Christmas tree ever to the ridicule of his friends, but is soon reminded that that is not the true meaning of Christmas. This one will be a favorite in your home for years to come.

7. The Polar Express
One of Disney's newest Christmas films is about a young boy who doubts the magic of Christmas. He takes a journey aboard the "Polar Express" train and finds out that when you believe in the magic, the great things never end.

8. Home Alone
This movie is about a boy, named Kevin, who gets accidently left at home for Christmas while the extended family takes a trip to Paris for the Holidays. While he is home alone, a great caper occurs when two burglers attempt to break into his home. This movie is hilariously funny as the boy"s traps keep the burglers at bay.

9. The Santa Claus
Played by funnyman Tim Allen, the Santa Claus is about a man who scares Santa Claus and accidently knocks him off his roof. He puts on the Santa suit to return it, not realizing that whoever puts on the suit becomes the next Santa Claus, due to the Santa clause. He must then finish Santa's route that night and prepare the toys and gifts for the following Christmas. This movie has enough cuteness that small children will enjoy it and enough adult humor that adults will love it as well.

10. The Christmas Story
This is a classic movie based on the book by Jean Shephard where all a little boy, named Ralphie, wants for Christmas is a Red Rider BB gun. All he hears frome everyone is "You're gonna shoot your eye out." It is thought of as a kid's American Christmas dream. (This movie is included because it is a classic and a favorite at Christmas, however, there is some language and adult themes, so parental guidance and pre-watching is suggested).