A Charlie Brown Christmas

5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Published

11 months ago

December 22, 2023

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Christmas is all around, but for some, the holiday spirit is elusive. Here are are some films to help reignite the spirit, bring a smile and maybe even a tear or two.

From constant holiday music to the rush to find the perfect gift, some people struggle to have the heartwarming holiday spirit. The commercialism of the season can be a bit off-putting, but taking a breath, a puff, a sip and enjoy the simple things – a beautiful tree, a good Christmas cookie and hanging with those you care about. Here are 5 heartwarming holiday movies to restore your holiday spirit.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This childhood classic touches hearts for all the meanings of Christmas including kindness to others. Good ol’ Charlie Brown is still bullied, Snoopy is still cool but the holiday looms over the show. The jazz portions were created by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and have become a holiday staple. It has won awards despite some animation “snafus” (notice Snoopy suddenly appearing on Schroder’s piano) and has captured hearts and respect. And the dance scene is iconic and you can have fresh moves for New Year’s Eve.

The Bishop’s Wife

It seems every generation laments the lost meaning of Christmas. This stellar cast lead by Cary Grant give a thoughtful, fun, and old fashioned take on the spirit. The snowball fight is great and you will find yourself smiling.

Miracle on 34th Street

The honesty, insight, and love from a kid tugs at your heart and also ignites your faith in Santa Claus. The 1947 original is the one to watch. A young Natalie Wood plays it perfect with the desire to believe. And who would think a government agency could be the good guy?

Love Actually

The music alone makes it worth watching the movie. This popular film captures multiple plot-lines involved relationships and the holiday spirit. From Hugh Grant dancing to the the infamous drum scene…you will laugh and cry and find yourself enjoying a guilty pleasure. The additional unexpected lesson to this is to think hard when you date someone with whom you work.

The Holiday

Who needs Hallmark holiday movies when you have Cameron Diaz? In her review for USA Today, Claudia Puig found The Holiday “is a rare chick flick/romantic comedy which, despite its overt sentimentality and fairy-tale premise, doesn’t feel cloyingly sweet.” Fits in perfectly with eggnog, Christmas cookies and your favorite ornaments.