December 6 – The Santa Clause
The best Christmas movie featuring Tim Allen and the best movie on this list with a lame pun for a title, The Santa Clause is filled with the good old-fashioned holiday spirit. So much so in fact, that they felt the need to make not one, but two sequels (okay we don’t have to go there).
How terrible would it be if you actually did cause Santa to fall to his death on Christmas Eve? If nothing else, this should be watched for the cautionary tale it provides. It’s not the best of the best in terms of Christmas movies, but it’s still a worthy watch, has plenty of good Christmas values, and is a perfect choice to start the first full weekend of December.
December 7 – Gremlins
With one week of December complete, some of you may be feeling a little bombarded by all the Christmas cheer that’s surrounding you. I get it, so much happiness can get old after a while. You may be looking for a movie that can offset a bit of that, without breaking completely away from holiday-fare. Well look no further, Gremlins has got you covered.
I understand that it isn’t really a Christmas movie, rather more of a movie that takes place at Christmas, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth watching this season. It’s horror, it’s comedy, and it’s Christmas, all wrapped up into one cute little bundle that you definitely don’t want to get wet.
I’m actually quite the fan of Christmas horror, but Gremlins is the only one from that sub-genre that should be on everyone’s Christmas calendar. If you’re looking for more of the same, feel free to check out our countdown of the best Christmas scares.
December 8 – The Little Drummer Boy
Really, where would Christmas be today without Rankin-Bass? I’m eternally grateful for all the amazing specials they churned out, and while it isn’t the most popular of the bunch, The Little Drummer Boy is still one that you shouldn’t miss out on this Christmas season.
Somehow in The Bible‘s Christmas story, the tale of the little boy who went along and played his drum for Jesus has become one of the most memorable bits. This special tells that boy’s story, as he and his animal companions meet up with the three wise men and head to Bethlehem to pay tribute to the son of God.
December 9 – Merry Christmas Mr. Bean
Maybe by this point in the second week of the season, you’re ready for something that isn’t quite so traditional, and isn’t quite so cheerful. Well, if that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with Merry Christmas Mr. Bean. Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean is always good for a laugh, but his Christmas special may be the top of the (60 foot tall) tree.
Yeah, Mr. Bean’s Christmas isn’t the merriest holiday, but it’s certainly one of the funniest. Who else could play with a nativity set and dinosaur action figures for more than ten seconds of a special and actually have it work? Plus, every year I look forward to my Christmas socks because of this special.
December 10 – Die Hard
The total number of days you’re supposed to celebrate Christmas festivities has been bumped into the double digits as of now, and I get it, you may be a little sick of all the sleigh rides. Personally, I never get sick of jingle bells and eggnog, but I know it isn’t for everyone. Maybe at this point you want something a little less “Ho, Ho, Ho” and something a little more “Yippee Ki-Yay.”
To be clear, I don’t necessarily classify Die Hard as a Christmas movie. Yes, it takes place at Christmas, but it’s the sort of story that would work well set at any time of the year, unlike most things on this list. That being said, it’s definitely made better by the Christmas setting, and appeals to both the holiday enthusiasts and those who aren’t wide-eyed with wonder about the season.