Years ago, we realized that our families share the same holiday tradition: watching “holiday” movies that actually are not about the holidays. Everyone knows and loves the timeless Christmas classics. Those are great to watch after Thanksgiving, but we’re talking about those films that for one reason or another are best watched around the holiday season. Here is our list. What are your viewing traditions around this time of year?
Die Hard
We’re not sure “seasons greetings” will soon be replaced by “yippee ki-yay m0+#$#@#@$!”, but this is a fantastic movie to watch during the holidays. Nakatomi plaza is decked out for the holidays and eventually the tower itself gets lit up like a Christmas tree. What could be more festive?
Trading Places
This “holiday” classic features not ready for prime time players who are definitely in their prime. Watching an indigent Dan Aykroyd try and stuff a full salmon into his Santa suit should be all you need to know to categorize this one as a Christmas classic.
Gremlins
C’mon. The whole premise of the movie is this cute little guy is given as a Christmas gift! Wonder if he’ll stay all fuzzy and nice like that.
Lethal Weapon
Our second pick from the 80’s movie genre of “cop movies set in L.A. around the holidays and lots of stuff gets shot and blown up”. The classic ending fight scene with Riggs and the (really bad guy) is in Murtaugh’s yard, which is gloriously decorated for the season. This movie is definitely a Christmas movie, no question. They practically broke into song when the fight was over.
About Last Night
This sleeper of a classic really has 6 main characters: The 4 young professionals (Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Elizabeth Perkins, & John Belushi), the city of Chicago, and The Holidays. Based on a play written by David Mamet this film hits all the right notes that give you “the feels”. The Windy City backdrop, along with different celebratory events throughout the year, mark relational milestones good and bad. This movie is more than just another “brat pack” installment… although we like all those other Brat Pack movies too!
Home Alone
This almost didn’t make the list because it sort of has just become an actual holiday tradition for most people to watch this at Christmas. The director himself said he wanted to make a “Christmas movie”. But we decided to add it because it’s so much fun.
Game of Thrones
We threw this one in there 1) because winter is coming (constantly in this show) and 2) Eric promises to finally watch it this year so Jenn and our dear friend Hannah can finally talk about it backstage. Spoilers and all!
Let us know what you’re watching this holiday season!
~ Jenn & Eric
