So, its less than a week until Christmas, and I've started my yearly tradition of watching all my favourite Christmassey films. I'm sure you've all got your favourite ones, and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you. Not all of my choices are traditional; however, they are a tradition for me nonetheless.
Here are my top 10 Christmas films....
1. HOME ALONE
This film instantly takes me back to being a small kid. I never ever get bored of this film. With a lovely Christmas message. I can't wait to watch this with my own kids!
2. LOVE ACTUALLY
You can't get much more Christmassey than this film! I think its one of those films which I think gets better with each yearly watch. Beautiful! And full of my favourite actors!
3. THE HOLIDAY
Another lovely feel-good movie, such a cute story, with good-humour, and a lovely Christmassey feel to it - especially as some of it is set in Surrey, where I grew up!
4. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
If you haven't ever seen this classic, then you must! Especially as its now been re-released in full colour. The archetypal Christmas film - with the ultimate festive message of family & appreciating all the marvellous things you have in your life.
5. BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Although not particularly 'Christmassey' a good weepy love-story just has to be watched at Christmas time. I love the vintage charm, the beautiful Queen's English, and the exquisite fashion in this film. Stunning and timeless.
6. LITTLE WOMEN
This is a true girlie film - with an all star cast (Susan Sarandon, Clare Danes, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst) this is a lovely feel-good Sunday-afternoon type film. No big story lines, or stunts, just a lovely little story about lovely Little Women. :-)
7. THE PREACHER'S WIFE
Okay, so this film might not be that popular, and is definitely a cringe-worthy Christmas movie, but I can't help loving it. Whitney is stunning, and sings like an angel, Denzel Washington is very young and very yummy - and thrown into the mix is Lionel Ritchie attempting to act...whats not to love?
8. DIE HARD
So its a 'boy movie' and 'action' film - full of death and violence.....yes, all true. But there is something fundamentally Christmassey about this film for me. Maybe I watched it as a kid at xmas? Maybe I always remember the giant cuddly toy bear Bruce Willis buys for his kid for xmas...whatever it is, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of Bruce!
9. STEPMOM
Another tear jerker! Nothing like a good weepy at Christmas to make you feel lucky for what you have. This film is Chris Columbus (the director) at his best! Very funny, heart warming, heart-wrenching, and gives you that tingly feeling when you watch. Julia Roberts is stunning and very very funny - Susan Sarandon strong, hard and very brave.
10. HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHERS STONE
I can't get through Christmas without watching this. I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan, as is our whole family - My aunt was the Head of Make Up for all of the films, so we have a big link with all of the films in our family. The first one has a special place in my heart as me and my twin sister were actually extras in the film - so it brings back a lot of memories for me.
So far I've watched: It's A Wonderful Life, Little Women, The Preacher's Wife, and Home Alone.
I still need to watch..... Harry Potter, Love Actually, The Holiday, Brief Encounter, Stepmom and Die Hard. I'd better get watching!! Some might have to wait until between Christmas and New Year to be watched.
So...what are your top Christmas films? Do you share any of mine? Have I missed something awesome? I'd love to hear from you.
And Merry Christmas!
Lucy
xxxx