12 Days of Christmas Specials

The best part of the holiday season is tradition. Many families plan activities year in and year out, which is something most people look forward to (minus the jaded teenagers). Holiday movies are a tradition that shouldn’t get tiresome because they’re enjoyable, they help enhance the holiday spirit, and most importantly they can be watched from the comfort of home. Here are 12 holiday movies I’ll be watching this year.

1. A Christmas Story Christmas
I’d say I’m a casual fan of the original. I never really watched it growing up, but I enjoy the TNT 24-hour marathon. This sequel really hit the emotional nerves that is relatable to people in their 40s (give or take). There were some difficult moments to watch (and I’m not sure I can watch this again any time soon), but the movie as a whole was cathartic. I think A Christmas Story superfans will find the sequel an adequate follow-up with plenty of nostalgia. 

2. Die Hard
Oh the endless debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Some say “yes” others say “no,” while both sides feel passionately. I say: Yes. This Bruce Willis classic is a Christmas movie because John McLaine just wants to spend the holiday with his wife and is having difficulty getting to her. It’s a well-recycled plot, but the non-stop action and witty dialogue add a fresh take to the holiday genre. Yippee-Ki-Yay, Mother-Christmas.

3. Elf
Will Farrell’s innocence, excitement, and joy for life make this movie a Christmas classic. It’s hard to be jaded watching the world through Buddy the Elf’s eyes. The movie is hilarious and sweet, and a reminder that it’s not all that difficult to get yourself off the naughty list and back on the nice list. (Plus, the fact that James Cameron clearly didn’t want to be in the movie only adds to his character.)

4. Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
This wholesome otter has a strong work ethic, a great relationship with his mother, and a knack for playing the washtub bass. Emmet wants to win a talent show so he can finally afford a nice present for his mother. Directed by Jim Henson, this 1977 release was a trial run for The Muppet Movie, which premiered two years later. It has all the heart, charm, and humor of a Jim Henson production… and The Riverbottom Nightmare Band are pretty menacing and badass.

5. Gremlins
This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and it holds strong almost 40 years later. The film checks all the Christmas movie boxes: action, violence, the reveal (close your eyes kids) that there is no Santa Claus, and an adorable mogwai that stole my heart. Gremlins won’t fill you with holiday cheer, but you’re guaranteed laughs and quality entertainment.

6. It’s A Wonderful Life
I was spending Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ house when this classic popped on the television. We didn’t catch the beginning, but my grandfather (RIP) and I watched the rest of the movie, commercials and all. We were glued to the couch, even though the table was covered in desserts (another family tradition). I was drawn in by the dialogue and Jimmy Stewart’s acting. The movie is a true peak and valley, with a reminder that the world is better off with YOU here.

7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is a near-perfect holiday special. The animation brings you right into the pages of Dr. Suess’s classic story of an underdog who finds redemption in the goodness of others. The music is memorable and timeless. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is a song that never overstays its welcome and is a true radio dial stopper. The deep voice narration of Boris Karloff is ear catching and brings the story to life. No Hollywood version could ever compare to this simple masterpiece.

8. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
I’m a sucker for Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol (my family went to the Trinity production every year growing up), and this one always stuck with me. I have fond memories of watching the special on television. Scrooge McDuck was a great miser that helped make Duck Tales such a hit (it’s okay to be singing the theme song while reading). The best way to experience this special is with the preceding shorts: the first features Goofy skiing and the second has Chip and Dale being jerks to Pluto.

9. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The first production since the death of Jim Henson ranks up there as one of my favorite Muppet movies (Muppets Take Manhattan being my favorite). The film aligns closely with the Charles Dickens classic, but has humor, Muppets, and a great soundtrack. Michael Caine makes an amazing Scrooge, but it’s Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat who steal the show as the narrator and humorous sidekick.

10. The Simpsons Christmas Special
All of the Christmas episodes are good, but this was the beginning of a historical series that continues to be my favorite. This is a wonderful story of a working-class family with realistic struggles during the holiday season. While fearing he ruined Christmas, Homer unexpectedly gives his family the best gift they could ever imagine. “He’s a loser. He’s pathetic. He’s…a Simpson.”

11. South Park Woodland Critters
While Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo may be the most famous holiday character, this is one of the best episodes the show has ever produced. The episode is narrated in sing-song rhyme and has multiple twists that keep you guessing until the last line. The woodland critters recruit Stan to help them birth their savior in the manger that he built for them. It’s a captivating 22 minutes of television.

12. Spirited
The film came out last year and I fell immediately in love. I love any variation of A Christmas Carol. I’m a sucker for musicals and Will Farrell and Ryan Reynolds are two of my favorite actors. It’s like this movie was written for me. This will take viewers on a unique journey through a story that most know by heart.