I am a total sucker for a good holiday movie. Ever since I was a kid, I always saved them for the stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. ONLY. I never broke that rule because I wanted them to remain a special tradition. I actually couldn't wait until I was mom, so I could share them with my kids in the hope that they would get that same warm, happy feeling while watching.
Now that I am a mom, I would say the boys enjoy most of the holiday movies. However, we did have to DRAG them to a special screening of one at the local movie theater last weekend. I won't spoil the surprise, but let's just say this movie doesn't excite them in the way it did even just a few years ago :(
I'm assuming we would all probably have similar lists for this category, but I will still share my top 10 with you anyway ;) First, let's set the scene.
- Put on your comfy clothes (my Old Navy flannel pajamas at the moment)
- Light a fire in the fireplace (or click the button on your gas insert in our case)
- Pour a glass of red wine or a warm a cup of tea with honey...
- Snuggle in with the kids and pups, and press play!
Here we go... Annie's Holiday movie top ten list:
10. Mickey's Christmas Carol. I kind of forgot about this one until we visited Skaneateles, NY a couple weeks ago. The entire town indulges in a Charles Dickens themed Christmas in December. It's truly... adorable. Of course the day we went all three kids were exhausted from a late bedtime the night before and were total misers. Naturally, I told the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and followed it up with this adorable animated classic later that week. #winningatmotherhood
9. The Holiday. Okay, this movie is actually not that great. The acting makes me a cringe a little. BUT I am a sucker for any movie set in England, and the Cotswolds no less! I'm in. Plus this was back when Jude Law was super hot.
8. Elf. Will Farrell, NYC, lots of laughing. Enough said. #smilingismyfavorite
7. Love Actually. See #9 about movies set in England, and this one is in London. Swoon. Also, there are so many amazing actors in this one, it had to be a homerun. #ihateunclejamie #thatsalotoflegsdavid
6. A Christmas Story. I know this is another cliche movie that I am supposed to love, but I really do! We always watched it on Christmas day (when it was on repeat on TBS all day!) And maybe I just love Ralphie and Randy, and all the little boy drama.
5. The Grinch (the original animated one!!!) I loved reading this book as a little girl, and I think I wanted to be Cindy Lou Who.
4. Christmas Vacation. This movie came out when I was in middle school, and I am pretty sure I paid to see it at the theater three times. And seriously, is there a holiday movie that's more quotable?!? #iknowartandthanksfornoticing #hallelujahholyshitwheresthetylenol #merrychristmasshitterwasfull
3. Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. And yes I am 100% serious. This is the one we took the boys to for a "special family night out" last weekend. Holy crow, not the best night. They 100% didn't appreciate it. But I have a feeling, it's going to be a special, nostalgic movie for them when they are in their 40s ;) #1977orbust
2. The Sound of Music. I think I may have decided Kevin was "the one" when I found out about his love of this movie. I always liked it, but he LOVED it and taught me to love it too. Then it became the new holiday tradition when we got married, and I absolutely adore this movie, the actors, the music and the setting. And guess what? So do ALL the kids. #Salzburgherewecome #thevontrappfamilysingers
1. It's a Wonderful Life (I bet you already knew I would pick this one). It brings all the feels. I have watched this movie on Christmas Eve since the earliest years I can recall. From my grandparents spending the night and watching it before Santa arrived, to all the years I've watched it with Kev, and now introducing it to my three boys. I love everything about this movie. The message, the era, and love story, and of course... George Bailey. Oh! We also named our first dog Zuzu Petals after the little girl in the film. Yep, we love this movie! #georgebaileyillloveyoutillthedayidie #hotdog
Our first Christmas together, circa 1999. Merry, merry Christmas everyone! 
