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Parenting

23rd Dec 2018

12 of the greatest Christmas movies to enjoy on a family night in

Louise Carroll

Brought to you by Bank of Ireland

’tis the season to be jolly!

Christmas can be a bit of a stress for parents, yet, the determination to make it super special for the kids is indestructible.

It’s the little things that matter most. Yes, they’re going to love toys, books, computer and board games… but family time spent watching the most magical of Christmas classics together is just as special! Here’s your list of Yuletide greats:

1. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Rudolph only flies on Christmas Eve! Well, thank heavens Miracle on 34th Street cleared that up. It still gets us feeling tingly and right into the Christmas spirit, just like it did when we were little. And no, we’ll never get over adorable Mara Wilson.

2. Home Alone (1990/all of them!) 

YES. It will be our 240th time watching it, but who cares? It’s vital for the kids. Kevin McCallister’s Little Nero’s Pizza is going to get us craving takeout again though, to be prepared.

3. Frozen (2013)

You might sing along to Let It Go, pleading with the gods that this be the last time, but the kids are still obsessed. May as well kick back, enjoy the grub and hear them sing their little hearts out.

4. Elf (2003)

Fifteen years ago. FIFTEEN years gone by since Buddy took over the Big Apple. It turns out Santa Claus IS coming to town, but Buddy is the only one who believes. Get in the festive spirit and see Santa’s ‘Clausometer’ reach tipping point!

5. Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (2000) (2018)

We haven’t yet seen the newest Grinch remake, but we think our fave will still be the second remake. It was, and is, GAS! For your RDA of belly laughs and more – it’s a must watch!

6. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

Bah humbug! It’s the Charles Dickens classic tail with a spectacular muppet twist! And okay, it’s old-school. But the kids should know just how fantastic this classic was and IS.

7. A White Christmas (1954)

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? We are! This one won’t be for every kid, we admit. But if you’ve a little one at home who adores singing, dancing, acting and you just know they’re made for the stage – treat them to this 50s Hollywood classic.

8. Jingle All The Way (1996)

Why not show the kids exactly what parents go through to get them their much longed for toy? This dad (namely good ol’ Schwarzenegger) fights hand, tooth and nail to find precious Turbo Man! It’s Christmas madness at its finest.

9. The Santa Clause (1994)

It’s pretty spectacular to see your dad become Santa Claus, then again, the Christmas holidays can be full of surprises. The family comedy is timeless and seeing Tim Allen team up with the elves to help deliver presents all over the world is pretty magical indeed.

10. The Polar Express (2004)

If you had the chance to go to the North Pole, would you? Better yet, get there and receive the first gift from Santa Claus this Christmas. It’s an adventure that’s not to be missed.

11. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

Every 80s kid knew who the Griswolds were and we think kids today should too. A smidge of dark humour, sarcasm and superbly witty scenes are just what movie night calls for.

12. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Mary Poppins is BACK. Okay, so it’s not a Christmas movie, but our favourite nanny is hitting cinemas on December 21 — bang on time for Christmas. The Banks children are all grown up, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t do with a little help from Mary.