Ten Motivational Christmas Movies

Christmas time is a time of celebration and joy for many. However, Christmas and the holiday season can be rough on those who are having troubles. Maybe you just lost your job or are going through tough times with your family. There are many things that can bring a person or family down during the holidays. These ten movies are meant to inspire, to uplift, and to generally make you feel better and that there is hope during the Christmas season. Watch these motivational movies at Christmas time or any time of the year!

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946). It's a Wonderful Life is one of the earliest Christmas motivational movies. It's about a man who was about to commit suicide on Christmas eve. A guardian angel steps in. James Stewart plays the suicidal man, George Bailey. It is inspiring to see all the good things George has done in his life to help others, although he is now at the point of hopelessness. Can the guardian angel help him find his motivation for life again?

2. Christmas Do-Over (2006). Christmas Do-Over is a movie in the style of Groundhog Day. Kevin (played by Jay Mohr) has to repeat Christmas day again and again until he gets things right. He has to become aware of how he has become like the Grinch or Scrooge, and how he has lost sight of things. Daphne Zuniga costars in the movie as Jill.

3. A Christmas Story (2007). Many of you already know this classic Christmas film, A Christmas Story. It's the tale of Ralphie, who just wants a BB gun for Christmas. His family ends up having to eat Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant, because the dog eats the Christmas meal. But the point is, that just having your family with you at Christmas is more important than anything else. How inspiring!

4. A Christmas Memory (1997). What would you do if you realized your parents didn't want you? This is exactly what happens to Buddy, played by Eric Lloyd. His parents take him to stay with some old relatives, and there his journey begins. He has to find out that any family can be a good thing, even if it's not your real parents. He becomes good friends with Patty Duke's character, the older lady. It's very uplifting to find the good in what originally seemed to be an unpleasant situation.

5. The 12 Dogs of Christmas (2005). A young girl lives in a small town where no one is allowed to own dogs. Well, she doesn't really care about the town's traditions. She wants to show them that there is a reason for Christmas, and she does this by having the dogs in a Christmas show. This will truly inspire and warm you heart at Christmas time.

6. Annabelle's Wish (1997). Annabelle is a calf. She is born on Christmas eve. In the small town where she lives, animals can speak, but only on Christmas. Annabelle somehow loses her ability to speak, and it gets transferred to a child named Billy. Because of her gift, Santa actually turns her into a reindeer so she can fly with him over Christmas. The motivational theme of this movie is giving a gift to someone else, with no expectation of anything in return. That's the true Christmas spirit.

7. Christmas at Maxwell's (2006). Imagine your wife having cancer and you think this may be your last Christmas together. What would you do? It's hard enough to envision a life without her, but on top of this, you've got two children who have to face this tough reality. The husband decides to take the family to their summer home, so they can have a great last Christmas together. This motivational Christmas movie is about finding the joy and happiness of the holiday season despite facing unbearable circumstances.

8. A Christmas Tale (2008). To me, this movie is about family and keeping a family together. It's not easy to be a family, especially when times are tough. Arguments ensue, ill feelings can develop, and things can be downright bad. That's when you have to realize the importance of family. This is what makes this film such a motivational Christmas themed movie.

9. Tenth Avenue Angel (1948). I find this movie to be especially motivational. A young girl decides to try and help some others who are not doing well. Things keep backfiring for her, yet she chooses not to give up. She refuses to believe that things can't go well. In the end, her efforts are rewarded. This movie is inspirational in showing that sometimes hope goes a long way in achieving positive things.

10. We're No Angels (1955). If you're looking for a truly classic motivational Christmas movie, look no further. Humphrey Bogart stars in this film, so you're already on the right track! Aside from being motivational, the movie is also a comedy. Three guys in jail break out of prison on Devil's Island. It's right before Christmas. They come upon a town and a family with a store. They plan to steal from the family, but something else happens: they end up caring when they find out the family is actually having problems. It's surprising what the Christmas spirit can do!

What are your favorite motivational Christmas themed movies?