Christmas is almost here and one of the best things about it, for me, is watching holiday movies from when I was a kid and enjoying the nostalgia. Growing up, I loved a lot of movies and Christmas was always a memorable day, especially the “nothing days.” The days in between Christmas and New Year where time did not seem to happen and you’d enjoy the time, eating treats, watching movies, and living in your pyjamas.

So here is a list of my favourite Christmas movies, some you may have seen and some you not have.

Jack Frost (1998)

Michael Keaton is Jack Frost, a singer on the road and a father who cannot spent much time with his son. Jack is killed in a car accident but returns one year later as a snowman who has the final chance to put things right with his son.

In truth, I have not watched his movie in a few years because of the subject matter and how it deals with grief. It is an exceptional movie. A bit more grown up and darker for Christmas but the message of family, the holiday and coming together no matter what.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998)

Rudolph is born with a red nose and bullied throughout his younger years but when an evil Queen conjures up a storm that threatens Christmas, it is up to Rudolph to save his friend and Christmas that will make him a hero.

This is one of the first Christmas films I remember and owned in on VHS. I loved the story, the music and thought it was a fun movie. It has my favourite Christmas song, “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney that adds to my love of this family friendly movie.

The Greatest Store in the World (1999)

If you like Home Alone, then this movie is for you. Geraldine and her two daughters are living rough on the streets of London when their van blows up leaving them with a place to stay. The family decide to stay in Scottley’s, the best department store in London and must avoid the doorman. The family must save the store from thieves who want to rob the store safe of its jewels.

There are some familiar faces in this Christmas movie but it is also a fun movie that is nostalgic and a fun watch for everyone.

Annabelle’s Wish (1997)

Anabelle is a calf who dreams to fly as a reindeer but she lives on a farm with Billy, a mute boy and they have a deep friendship. They learn what it means to love and sacrifice for another while protecting each other from people trying to separate them.

This is a wholesome story about friendship, dreams, and sacrifice. It is another I really loved as a kid.

Billy Elliot (2000)

County Durham 1984, there are strikes against Margaret Thatcher and the closure of British coal mines where the Elliot patriarch and his oldest son work. 11-year-old Billy Elliot sneaks away from his boxing class to attend ballet. He becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family with the background of strikes and a poverty stricken 1984 Britain.

Although this is technically not a Christmas movie, it is one I watch religiously during the “nothing days” and fills me with memories of the early 2000s, when Christmas was still magical, family was around and being a kid. Growing up, my love for it deepened with the relevant themes of that are present in the UK today. Class divide, strikes, grief and the determination to do more than what your circumstances first offered.