The Best Christmas Movie
Written by: Kharis Ott
Though exam season looms over us all, music, lights, and festive movies joyfully usher in the holiday season. Movies, by far, are the most beloved, but what makes a Christmas movie good? In fact, which Christmas movie is the best?
When it comes to defining that holiday movie magic, the task is almost impossible. Though many love a good Christmas movie, some people outright dislike them. For example, Mr. Maynard, APES and gen bio teacher, thinks, “They all tell the exact same story. Crazy busy member of the family comes back to their small hometown and hates Christmas… and then by the end they find the true meaning of Christmas.” He’s not wrong. Looking at Hallmark or really any Netflix Christmas movie, you’ll see these tropes play out time and time again.
Contrary to his apparent hatred for the genre, Mr. Maynard loves The Polar Express, or, to him, “the only Christmas movie that matters.” He argues that the nostalgia of the film is what makes it so special. From the hot chocolate on the train ride to meeting Santa himself, the movie captures the childlike wonder associated with the holidays. Meanwhile, students like Roen Reames and Gabby Galoni, a sophomore and senior respectively, have different favorites, but similar reasoning. Reames, whose favorite holiday movie is the animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, says the movie is “happy and it’s bright! It makes you feel good inside when you watch it… it’s like you relate to it.” In a similar vein, Galoni argues A Muppet Christmas Carol is the best holiday film. “It’s a fun spin on a classic,” she says.
In my opinion, A Charlie Brown Christmas checks each box for a perfect holiday movie. It doesn’t follow a trope riddled plot and instead reframes iconic traditions, like writing letters to Santa and staging Christmas pageants. It makes you feel like a kid again, dancing around and poorly singing carols with friends. Also, the movie is heartwarming from start to finish, particularly when everyone comes together to help Charlie Brown decorate his sad, droopy tree.
Still, deeming one movie high and holy is entirely subjective, and everyone has their own favorite holiday classic. Action, comedy, or romance, the thread that ties all of these Christmas movies together is nostalgia, the secret ingredient in the recipe for a great holiday movie. In the end, the best Christmas movie is the movie that brings you the most joy. Whether you’re bundled up with the muppets and Charlie Brown, or laughing at National Lampoon and the Grinch, I hope you enjoy the magic that makes these movies meaningful. Happy Holidays, everyone!
