Do you also feel warm and fuzzy inside whenever the holidays arrive? Everyone does. But it's not simply due to the occasion itself, but because of all those little details and activities that make Christmas, well, Christmas.
To some, it can be fun family traditions like playing board games on game nights, and to others, maybe sitting down on a couch covered in piles of blankets, sipping hot cocoa, and watching a family-friendly holiday movie.
For us, it's the latter. Snuggling with the family while a Christmas movie plays might seem mundane for a holiday tradition. But, this is when our family feels closest, and the moment we bond most.
If you want that same heartwarming experience, we're here to help out the best we can. You handle the chocolate and blankets, and we'll take care of the Christmas movies!
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Classic Family-friendly Christmas Movies
The 20th century was an excellent source of heart-warming holiday family movies. We listed the 5 best from all those Christmas flicks and listed them down below:
1. Home Alone
Why we chose it:
Home alone is a staple choice when it comes to classic Christmas movies for kids. The story follows a young troublemaker named Kevin McCallister that's left (you guessed it) home alone after his family accidentally flew to Paris without him for Christmas.
Being the self-centered kid he is, he loved their absence. But, this also meant he was unprotected and unsafe from outside harm. That said, the conflict begins as he takes up the mantle of independence and fends his home against 2 burglars!
Moral lesson:
The central theme of this Christmas movie for kids is resourcefulness, independence, and respect for parents.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Why we chose it:
The Grinch has always been a Christmas hater, but he plotted to ruin the season for everyone this time around. So the Grinch, along with his hapless dog, Max, marched into Whoville to steal all Yuletide decorations and presents in hopes of taking their joys away along with it.
Although this vengeful plot seemed to have met its folly when the Grinch met a young named Cindy Lou, she does her best to befriend Grinch and make him see the beauty of the occasion he once dreaded. A beautiful story of revenge, forgiveness, and understanding the true meaning of Christmas.
Moral lesson:
Christmas is not about material things. The joyous occasion is about forgiveness. It's about giving love and receiving it with an open heart.
3. Elf
Why we chose it:
The story of this Christmas family movie follows the life of Buddy, who is a human raised to adulthood with Santa's elves. But, as Buddy grew bigger (literally), he couldn't shake up the feeling of not fitting in (duh) with the small people.
The adventure begins as Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, searching for his dad — a cynical businessman who, unfortunately, is on Santa's naughty list. So naturally, this creates an interesting dilemma and foundation for the whole chaotic conflict of this holiday family movie!
Moral lesson:
Buddy the elf showed exemplary commitment to doing what's needed, setting an excellent example for kids. At the same time, the theme focuses on choosing the things that matter most over selfish pursuits.
4. It's a Wonderful Life
Why we chose it:
We often overlook the good things that happen to our lives when a cascade of negativities takes place. Unfortunately, this is what happened to George Bailey in this Christmas family movie. But through the help of a particular entity, he learned that the spark of good he did over the years helped make his town a better place to live in.
The beauty of a moment is that we never know how much the ripples of our action reach. But if we only knew, we'd stop and think for a second before doing something we'd regret forever. This classic Christmas movie is a must-watch for kids, but we highly advise that you stick with them.
Moral lesson:
Every action we make has its corresponding impact. It's a gentle reminder for everyone to do good, be good, and help whenever we can.
5. Miracle on 34th Street
Why we chose it:
Miracle on 34th Street is one of the oldest staple Christmas family movies released last 1947. But everyone who saw the film indeed loved the holiday movie.
It follows the life of a certain Kris Kindle who became a hit in Manhattan as a Santa impersonator. Although, the problem arises when he starts claiming to be the actual Santa Claus. In response, the court ordered to determine his mental health, and more importantly, the authenticity of his character.
Moral lesson:
We must never take away childhood wonder from children. Instead, let them develop trust and stand up for what they believe in.
Modern Christmas Movies for the Family
If the 21st century is more your family's taste, then we have splendid selections for you. These Christmas family movies are also the best in this class and you, and your children, will love watching these!
6. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Why we chose it:
Jingle Jangle is one of the best Christmas movies for kids because of its incredible sing and dance production that'll make you groove to the music. The storyline follows the life of a talented, once joyful, toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle. But, unfortunately, after a cascade of heartbreaks, he is yet to find a new hope the moment he meets his bright and young granddaughter.
It's a beautiful story of redemption and getting back on track when life throws us lemons. Although some themes may still confuse children, offer some parental guidance to walk them through the plot.
Moral lesson:
It's a great reminder that we can find strength in our family, so we should always value them and let love reign. Secondly, never let what people can't see hold you back — people rarely see a vision until it materializes.
7. The Christmas Chronicles
Why we chose it:
Most kids, well, at least mine, dreams of capturing Santa in the act of squeezing through the chimney and leaving gifts under our tree. But, naturally, no one has ever been successful at it. Nevertheless, this Christmas family movie delves into this matter, so kids will surely appreciate it!
The film focuses on siblings Kate and Teddy, who accidentally catch Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Unluckily, this startling incident caused a stir with Santa's delivery schedule, so the kids had to help him out after the awry facade. The kids, along with Santa's elves, team up to save Christmas before it's too late!
Moral lesson:
Although the movie is more of a Christmas adventure and the importance of gifts, underneath the surface, it reveals that family unity is critical and can never be understated. And how people should always believe in themselves.
8. It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas
Why we chose it:
Unlike other Muppet films, this movie can help kids get acquainted with concepts of capitalism and consumerism. The Christmas film sets on a time when the Muppet Theater is facing foreclosure. A greedy banker called Mrs. Bitterman threatens to turn the spot into a nightclub if the Muppets can't pay their dues.
After the events ensued, an existential moment took place when Kermit wished he was never born. In response, an angel revealed to him how awful life would've been without him. This encouraged the gang to reclaim what was theirs and foil Bitterman's devious plan.
Moral lesson:
In the alternate reality sequence of the film, Gonzo and Kermit sang "Everyone Matters." It is a gentle reminder to love and appreciate everyone, no matter how seemingly insignificant they think their efforts may be.
9. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Why we chose it:
A girl named Clara needs a magical, one-of-a-kind key to open a magical gift left to her after her mother's passing. However, no one knows where the coveted key lies until Clara sees a golden thread leading to it. Surprisingly, this leads her to a magical and mysterious fantasy world.
With the aid of the nutcracker, an army of mice, and the regents of three realms, Clara must secure the key from the fourth realm and bring stability to the land. Although, horror ensues when they realize a grave deception.
Moral lesson:
The story reminds people to be cautious when dealing with others. Know people thoroughly before giving them your complete trust. Another study from this holiday family movie is that we must always believe in ourselves.
10. A Boy Called Christmas
Why we chose it:
This kids' Christmas movie gives an interesting backstory to a fundamental Christmas element. The entirety of the film focuses on a book that an older woman reads to children.
In the story, an ordinary boy named Nikolas followed his father, who went to the snowy north searching for a fabled village of elves called Elvenswood.
With the help of his trusty talking mouse and a reindeer, they discovered the mystical place. But, to his surprise, his father's quest has gone sideways, and it falls onto Nikolas to correct the mistake. An exciting sequence of events takes place by the end of the Christmas film.
Moral lesson:
Believing is a core aspect that we must never strip away from children. On the contrary, it's the belief that encourages and keeps them going amidst circumstances.
Animated Holiday Family Movies
Over the years, animated Christmas movies have gained more popularity because of their visually stunning effects and mystical portrayal of Christmas. Honestly, our family enjoys animated holiday films as much as we do live-action, and we're confident you'll love this list of Christmas movies too!
11. Polar Express
Why we chose it:
The magic of Christmas typically fades away as kids grow older. Such was the case of Hero Boy from Polar Express. His unbelief of Santa and the spirit of Christmas changed when he rode a North Pole-bound train one quiet evening.
Their adventure, along with other kids such as Billy, Know-it-all, and Hero Girl, had a ton of ups, downs, and spins that will surely keep your kids on the edge of their seats. It's a unique film that brings a central message: the Christmas spirit lives on to those who believe in it.
Moral lesson:
Gifts are meaningless to those who don't understand the true meaning of Christmas — faith, and belief!
12. A Christmas Carol
Why we chose it:
I believe this animated holiday film is one of the best Christmas movies for the family. Although it deals with more mature themes, it tackles relatable concepts like greed, selfishness, and hate — all of which we can identify.
Disney's A Christmas Carol follows the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, an avid hater of Christmas. Berating his clerk and nephew for their Christmas beliefs, he is not particularly popular with the people. However, everything changed when three ghosts of Christmas appeared and gave him a trip down memory lane in hopes of transforming his bitter heart.
Moral lesson:
There is much to learn about Scrooge, not only the animated movie's central theme, which is redemption & compassion. But given Scrooge's attitude, we realize that learning begins when we start to listen. On top of that, we learn that bitterness is like poison to the soul. So we should let go of it before it consumes us.
13. Arthur Christmas
Why we chose it:
Arthur Christmas is a fun little Christmas animation with a bit of an eccentric plot. In this version of Santa Claus, he isn't the sleigh riding, gift-giving don, but a title for those who are worthy.
Everyone knows how the Christmas gift-giving process goes. That being, it is Santa's responsibility to deliver gifts to all children on the face of the earth. But when he missed giving one gift, it's up to Arthur, Santa's clumsy youngest child, to get it to the kid before Christmas morning comes.
Get ready for high-tech, machine-powered gift delivery services from Santa and his gang! It has a captivating plot, fun sequences, and a strong message that helped make it to the list!
Moral lesson:
Most of the characters focused more on status rather than the importance of their responsibilities. While clumsy as Arthus is, he realizes the critical responsibility of prioritizing the kids above one's ego.
14. Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
Why we chose it:
The Grinch gets an animated spin in this Christmas movie for kids. The movie's plot is similar to the live-action one mentioned above, with themes toned down to suit younger audiences. Being a Christmas-hater, Grinch and his faithful dog, Max, try to steal Whoville's Christmas cheer.
Although the storyline follows the same one released in 2000, it is lighter, more vibrant, and more suited for children.
Moral lesson:
Forgiveness is key to happiness. Stealing everyone's joy will not solve your problems.
15. Klaus
Why we chose it:
Klaus is an English-language Spanish-made animated movie that gives an exciting twist on Santa's origins. The story begins with a postmaster general's son sent to a distant island as a postman. He meets a woodman named Klaus that makes children's toys which the postman delivers. Given the perpetual war between two of the most prominent clans in the village, Klaus' toys served as bridges to unite the dispute through their children.
The animated holiday movie may not be as festive as other Christmas stories, but it delivers a compelling message. That Christmas is a season of love meant to mend severed bonds. Plus, the twists and turns keep the film interesting.
Moral lesson:
The movie depicts the natural tendency of people to scorn others, avoid taking chances, and trust people. But, this creates conflict that love, friendship, and kindness can only resolve.
In Conclusion
There are countless Christmas movies for kids that the whole family can relish this holiday season. From the timeless classics, modern flicks, and animated selections, the choices are extensive. Plus, these movies are excellent sources of lessons that children can take with them as they grow older.
Aside from holiday movies, if you're looking for ways to enjoy Christmas with an educational twist, check out our other blogs:
All these are essential for an educational, learning-filled, and STEM-themed Christmas celebration. Get your popcorn ready and have a wonderful time with your family. Enjoy a merry holiday!