Posted on Monday, December 16, 2024

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Holiday movies offer family fun! Why not spread seasonal cheer by indulging in classic holiday movies with the grands?  

A meaningful experience

Watching movies together has many benefits with bonding topping the list. Walk down memory lane by choosing iconic holiday films to share with your grandchildren. Not only will you be introducing them to some of the best classics from your childhood, but you will also spread the spirit of the season. Let the holiday movies begin!

But first, some quick suggestions for successful entertainment:

• Choose movies that are meaningful.
• Get parental approval on movie choices/content.
• Enjoy group time or one-to-one time with each grandchild.
• Select movies that are age appropriate for kids.
• Create a comfortable environment for movie watching.
• Start movies for young ones in the afternoon to honor regular bedtime.
• Consider wearing matching pajamas or holiday sweaters to kick up the fun!
• Offer snack/beverage options approved by parents.   
• Converse over subject matters and movie themes.
• Laugh together over silly things!
• Use tough topics as teaching opportunities.

*Note that the age recommendations below are strictly based on the author’s opinion. Parents and grandparents should discuss which films are best suited for each child and choose accordingly.

Movie recommendations:

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas: (25 minutes run-time) This animated TV special was initially released in 1965, and it is well worth seeing today. The show is based on Charles M. Schulz’ Peanuts comic strip. The program follows the character Charlie Brown who is disheartened during the Christmas season. He gets involved directing a Christmas play and recognizes that Christmas does not need to be ruined by commercialism. Discover valuable lessons through Charlie Brown’s quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
2. Miracle on 34^th Street: (1 hour 36 minutes run-time) This 1947 holiday classic stars famed actors Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn. In this drama film, a department store Santa Claus claims to be the real Santa. Uncover the spirit of what it means to be a true believer. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
3. It’s a Wonderful life: (2 hours 10 minutes run-time) This 1947 motion picture starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore is a perennial favorite of many people. The classic film, produced and directed by Frank Capra, features the story of George Bailey who rescues his guardian angel and journeys to learn his value on earth. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: (51-minutes run-time) In this classic 1964 stop motion animated TV show, a misfit reindeer with an incandescent nose guides Santa’s sleigh through a bad storm on Christmas Eve. No matter how many times you watch it, it delivers a very inspiring message. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
5. Frosty the Snowman (22 minutes run-time) In this memorable TV Christmas special, which first aired on CBS in 1969, audiences watch a magical snowman come to life. Frosty befriends a young girl named Karen. Together they embark on a journey to the North Pole to save Frosty from melting. The film features the famous tune that matches the title.  Recommended for ages 4 and up.
6. The Snowman (26 minutes run-time) This 1982 animated film was created using hand-drawn animation and features an orchestral soundtrack to include the song “Walking on Air.” The whimsical story features a young boy who makes a snowman on Christmas Eve. The snowman comes to life and takes him on an adventure to the North Pole. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
7. The Polar Express (1 hour 40 minutes run-time) This family/adventure film starring Tom Hanks was released in theatres in 2004. It tells the tale of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. Though not as old as some of the other holiday films that made our list, it quickly rose to become a modern classic. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Evoking the holiday spirit

In Hollywood, holiday movies are a dime a dozen, with many of them being utterly inappropriate or forgetful. Fortunately, there are special ones that stick with us – like the ones above – that deliver messages of goodness, joy, and hope. Many classic holiday movies remind us of our childhoods and happy days gone by. Extend the tender feelings of the holiday season by introducing grandchildren to your favorite festive classics. Not only is it a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but you’re bound to create special memories bonding with your grandchildren.