Christmas is the time of year for family and festivities. It’s when company comes and stays for a few days… maybe a week. When you’ve eaten everything in the house and played every board or card game you know, it’s time to turn on a Christmas movie.

Which ones are your favorites? Do you turn on the classics or go for the quirky?

Of course there are the standards for kids, like Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch who Stole Christmas and Charlie Brown’s Christmas are fantastic for the whole family.

For some Christmas is the time for The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz or Gone with the Wind. Everybody can enjoy a timeless tale of hope and love.

But what if the kids are all grown? What if, after four days of turkey sandwiches, you’re all Christmased out? Why not try a new holiday tradition?

One family I know decided to make Jurassic Park their annual Christmas movie. They still enjoy family time together, just without the twinkling lights and mistletoe.

I know folks who take advantage of long days when the weather is too cold or inclement by watching movie marathons. Star Wars,
Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia are wonderful for these situations. Take a snow day and watch a whole season of a TV series. For some science fiction try Warehouse 13. For a little western adventure enjoy Gunsmoke or Bonanza. If you need both space travel and gun-slinging indulge in Firefly. (It may be the best TV show to ever end after only one season.)

Other less-Christmassy options are Lethal Weapon and Trading Places. Both films take place during the holidays. Both feature Christmas music and decorated trees. However, both of these films include much more violence and mature themes than Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Whatever your Christmas fancy, remember to share your time and your favorites with the ones you love. And share with me—what are the movies you watch in December?

That’s a wrap for this Toast to Cinema. Thanks for reading!