I actually have a few Christmas traditions, but since I have already discussed a tradition of viewing the He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special already, I thought it would be nice to also address the Christmas movies that I always make sure to watch at least once during the season. (Though I must say, I tend to watch them throughout the year anyway, but more so during the Christmas time.) Maybe these movies will be on your list too!

Gremlins

I’ve already discussed my love for the kooky sequel, but the original Gremlins (1984) is one of the most perfect movies to watch during the Christmas season. I remember being very young and being mesmerized by this movie. Gizmo was adorable and even though this film was marketed towards the younger set, I felt like it was something I was not supposed to be watching. The movie freaked me out! That whole scene in the kitchen gives me chills to this day.

For those not in the know, Gremlins has a rather simple plot that is full of fun and mayhem. Billy Peltzer receives a gift from his dad for Christmas, and unlike an action figure or game, this gift requires some truly special care. When the rules are broken, creatures known as the Gremlins run loose and terrorize a small town. All during Christmas time!

The special effects are still impressive and many nods to a multitude of pop culture references are perfect for the dorky soul. Hello: Gizmo and the Barbie Dream Vette. ‘Nuff said.

Batman Returns

While one could enjoy Batman Returns whenever one wished, I particularly enjoy it during Christmas time. It is my favorite Batman movie for a variety of reasons. Those reasons don’t mean much compared to my ultimate reason for loving this movie and that is Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman. I remember watching the trailer on TV and I was thrilled to see the movie in theaters. I would pretend to do back flips and say ‘meow’ a lot afterwards. It was 1992 and I didn’t know any better.

The sequel to the first Tim Burton film, Batman Returns brought in new villains and a delicious adventure for the caped crusader. When I think of Christmas, I can’t help but think of Gotham City and the winter wonderland of madness courtesy of the Penguin and Catwoman. Not to mention, all the gadgetry with the Batmobile! This is just a classic movie that has an ending that still drives me crazy to this very day.

Edward Scissorhands

Another Tim Burton classic, Edward Scissorhands makes the list because every now and then I enjoy bawling during a movie. Seriously, from the opening credits to the very end, I cry and cry, and cry some more. This modern day fable is simply sublime.  

Before Johnny Depp took on every odd ball movie character tossed his way, his Edward Scissorhands was truly something magical. This movie is special to me and in 1990 I knew I was experiencing something that would always be with me. Edward’s venturing out into a world that is unfamiliar and new is exciting, but the tragic love story between Edward and Winona Ryder’s Kim is gut wrenching. Who knew dancing under snow could be so sad and beautiful? Also, it was Vincent Price’s final role and his scene in every part of the movie is all the more special. It’s not odd that I enjoy watching sad movies, is it?

Mixed Nuts

Though I can handle a good sob fest, I do love the chance to laugh. 1994’s Mixed Nuts was an underrated comedy featuring Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Rita Wilson, and a variety of other familiar faces as they go through a very wild Christmas Eve. I remember watching this movie on cable around the holidays in the 90’s and it was one that eventually found its way into my rotation of Christmas films. The staff members of a suicide hot line end up coming across a cast of beyond quirky characters including, but not limited to, a serial killer. It sounds like pure and utter madness, but with the late great Madeline Kahn providing some killer laughs, this movie is an enjoyable Christmas tale.

Black Christmas

Horror movies are not just relegated for Halloween. There are plenty of scary movies that celebrate the other holidays in the year, but the original Black Christmas from 1974 often reminds me why I’m glad I never joined a sorority.

The film takes place during the holiday season as a sorority house deals with a holiday crank caller that turns into a nightmare as people start missing one by one. The movie is a stylized thriller that still manages to freak me out. I first heard about it from Fangoria magazine in high school, and I knew I had to watch it. While the movie feels long for a horror film, it is certainly worth giving a try and is a nice twist to the typical Christmas fare that I enjoy watching. The original Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) is in it too!

These are just a few of my favorite movies to enjoy during Christmas. I understand that I could have also discussed another favorite, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but I felt that would have been pretty obvious. That movie is pure perfection and just full of wonderful memories of celebrating Christmas.

What say you, oh dear readers? Are there any movies that help get you into the Christmas spirit? Please share and I hope you are all doing well.