Spending time at home can be exhausting, and a winter break away from responsibility and stress can leave students restless and bored. For a surefire way to spend time with the family without arguing or tiring yourself, try watching one of these holiday classics.
1.Die Hard (1988) The original Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve, and there’s no better way to appreciate your family than watching Bruce Willis do a bunch of intense spy stuff to save his. This was the centerpiece of Christmas Day in my family last year, and I would definitely recommend it.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) This might be more for the smaller children, but it’s also nice to have in the background during holiday festivities, like baking cookies or casually singing carols. The true meaning of Christmas will become clear to you, and it’ll make you feel really good about the tree your family decorates.
3. A Rugrats Chanukah (1996) Even if your don’t celebrate Christmas, there’s a holiday special for you. This Rugrats special follows the Rugrats as they figure out what Hanukkah is and eat some potato pancakes. It is sure to put you in the holiday mood.
4. Unaccompanied Minors (2006) It may only have 30 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, but this masterpiece will satisfy your inner child. Watch a bunch of pre-teens create chaos at an airport on Christmas Eve, and even learn a little bit about the true meaning of Christmas.
5. Merry Christmas, Drake and Josh (2008) Watch the lovable duo create a holiday miracle for a young girl and her family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be in a giving spirit for the rest of the day.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) I was forced to watch the original black and white version every year during the holidays, and now I can’t make it through December without it. This movie will have you laughing, crying and celebrating like never before.
7. Home Alone (1990) This classic cinematic masterpiece scratches a childhood itch you forget about until the holidays. There’s nothing like watching Macaulay Culkin destroy the lives of two thieves in the most clever way possible for an 8-year-old. Curl up with your younger siblings (or borrow someone else's) and have a nice, wholesome day watching this movie and the two sequels.
8. Love Actually (2003) One of my all time favorites, this movie is good year around. If you enjoy love and wholesome holiday joy, you’re sure to enjoy this gem.
9. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) Watch two parents try to celebrate Christmas without their college-aged daughter, and feel really good about yourself for going home for the holidays. This hilarious holiday film will leave you feeling at peace and at home.
10. The Polar Express (2004) I don’t know why we all watched this in pajamas while drinking hot cocoa in elementary school, but I do know this classic evokes the same child like joy it did when I really was a child. This one is best enjoyed in holiday pajamas while drinking decadent hot chocolate.
11. Gremlins (1984) Another movie people forget took place during the holidays, this one will remind you of childhood and make you wish you had a gremlin of your own (because you would never feed it after midnight.)
Hopefully your holiday season is full of joy and holiday flicks, and make sure to keep these suggestions in handy on Christmas day when you’re with your family.
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