The holiday season seems to be rushing by this year. It’s hard to imagine truly being in the spirit without enjoying some Christmas classics, and with little time to spare, Kaleidoscope greats Brian and Gianna have hand-picked the top twelve must-watch films to squeeze in during the remainder of this holiday season. Grab the festive cookies, throw on the footie-pajamas, and place those college rejection letters into the warm fireplace as you sit back and enjoy the twelve finest Christmas films!

12) Scrooged

“God Bless us, everyone”

This comedy classic shows a cynical TV producer haunted on Christmas eve by three spirits bearing lessons for him.

Also, Bill Murray.

11) Miracle on 34th Street

“I believe…I believe…It’s silly, but I believe”

Travel back to when our great grandparents were in diapers, and a true Christmas classic was born. Do you ever get so caught up in playing a part that it takes you to court? As Santa Clause? Chris Cringle in a department store on 34th street sure does. But hey, In the Christmas spirit, anything is possible if you just believe. <3  

10) It’s a Wonderful Life

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

If you’ve never even heard of this one-we can’t really blame you. Nevertheless, this undeniable gem warms the heart as we watch the main character guided after death by his Christmas guardian angel- watching to see how many people he’s touched in his life. Though not the standard holiday go-to, there’s a reason it’s one of the most acclaimed films of all time!

9) A Charlie Brown Christmas

“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

An absolute Christmas standard, this beloved holiday special sees the Peanuts gang at their best as we are reminded of the true meaning of the holidays, past all the commercialism and drama.

8) Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas

“Hate, Hate, Hate, Hate, Hate, Hate, Double Hate, LOATHE ENTIRELY”

If we had to pick a Christmas film that relates best to pessimistic and passive-aggressive teenagers, it would have to be the Grinch. Cutting himself off from social interaction (besides his dog) and eating absolute garbage… yep sounds like me! The Grinch just needs some holiday cheer to prove that somewhere deep inside of his green furry body, he has a heart filled with happiness and love.

7) A Christmas Carol

“Ba-Humbug”

Whether it is the 1938 adaptation starring Reginald Owen or the Disney Cartoon(our personal favorite) this Charles Dickens classic reminds us that we don’t want to end up like a grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge and to be thankful for every over-spirited christmas carol and family tradition out there.

6) The Santa Clause

“It means you put on the suit, you’re the big guy”

Who woulda thought that their dad, Scott Calvin, would accidentally kill Santa Claus and then have to take his place? Certainly not Charlie! Starring Tim Allen, viewers are taken to the North Pole and back, where Scott has to learn how to be Santa and convince others as well.

5) Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer

“His beak blinks like a blinkin blinker”

“I wish he would have come to me first. I know just how he felt. I bet they called him names and wouldn’t let him play in any New Year games.”

You all know how the song goes… and let’s face it we’ve all claimed we heard reindeer on the roof and seen the flash of Rudolph’s red nose guiding santa to our house. This 1964 classic will for sure give you the childhood feels this holiday.

4) A Christmas Story

“[narrating] Only one thing in the world could’ve dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.”

Hmmm. Let’s just say, there’s a reason why TV channel TBS literally plays this film for the entirety of Christmas Day. One of the leading in holiday classics.

3) The Polar Express

“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

All aboard the Polar express! Still waiting for this magical train to pull down my street and a hot chocolate cart to roll through the aisles on the LIRR…if only.

2) Home Alone

“Merry Christmas ya filthy animal!”

The iconic picture of a young Macaulay Culkin as Kevin Mccallister with his palms pressed to his face always means Christmas is coming. He only did what any 8 year old would have done when the are left home alone and have to deal with burglars, right?

1) Elf

“SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!”

There is never a bad time to watch your favorite 6 foot tall elf (Will Ferrell) pick gum off of the streets of New York City, sing “Baby it’s Cold Outside” in the shower, eat spaghetti with syrup, and transform Macy’s into Santa’s workshop. After all, the best way to spread christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!