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Holiday Movie Countdown!

The Holiday Season is upon us! Which means it is time for movies depicting the most wonderful time of the year. Here are my top 8 Holiday movies to ring in the end of the year!

8.) Mickey Mouse’s A Christmas Carole: This movie is fun for the whole family. It features some of the most famous characters of all time (Mickey and Friends) playing some of the most famous characters of all time (Scrooge and the Gang). This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of generosity during the season. Says Loyola student Carla Rogner “It’s funny to see the characters I know and love in a new setting.” 7.) It’s a Wonderful Life: A movie that gave birth to some wonderful catch phrases, including “Every time a bell rings an angel gets it’s wings!” The story of being grateful for what you have because you don’t know how much you mean to the world around you is a great reminder this year and every year. Says Loyola student Adam Roberts “The struggle in this movie makes you appreciate the ending even more.”

6.) How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The story about a grump in Who-Ville learning the importance of Christmas. His heart grows three sizes, as will yours watching this sweet movie. For something more warmhearted check out the original animated version, and for a more funny experience, go for the Jim Carrey version! Olivia McCluren of Loyola Chicago says “I think it is one of the funnier Christmas movies.”

5.) Frosty the Snowman: This classic Christmas story tells the tale of a Snowman come to life! The shortest on the list this one is the most appropriate for even the youngest of children. Plus it features a song that will be stuck in your head the rest of the night! (so be warned)

4.) A Christmas Story: The only film on this list that has a channel devote a whole day to repeated viewings. A Christmas Story tells the story of an American family as the struggle through the Holiday season. This film has a lot of heart and a lot of laughs. This is one that is enjoyable for the whole family, adults can appreciate more on repeat viewings and kids will have fun with the wacky characters.

3.) Polar Express: This film had the potential to be number one if it weren’t for the animation style. "Polar Express" tells the fantastical story of a boy discovering a Christmas train that takes him on a magical journey. The animation resides within the “Uncanny Valley” which refers to figures who look just human enough to be realistic but not relasitc enough to not be creepy. Certain points of this film are a little terrifying which keeps it from topping this list.

2.) Elf: The quintessential fish out of water story with a Holiday Twist. The movie follows “Buddy.” An elf as who leaves the North Pole to search for his father in the unforgiving Manhattan. "Elf" is a hilarious holiday classic that features one of the best casting decisions of all time. Will Ferrell SHINES as Buddy, with his childlike wonder and confusion at the world around him in contrast to his large stature. Every second he is on screen is a treat to watch.

1.) Home Alone: The number one spot has to go to "Home Alone". The reason being that "Home Alone" is a movie that is about Christmas but does not rely on Holiday cheer for one to enjoy it. It is a story that, even without the Holiday elements would hold up. It follows Kevin McCallister. After he is left home alone with his whole family on vacation he has no choice but to defend his home from burglars. This may sound dark but this film has considerable heart and is a great choice this holiday season.

Happy Watching!


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