My Top 5 Christmas Films

A couple of weeks ago I posted a list of my favourite Christmas songs; now it's time to do the same for my five favourite Christmas films. So here we go.

Home Alone (1990)

This wasn't just one of my favourite Christmas films as a kid - it was one of my favourite films to watch any time of year. I was literally obsessed with it, and I rented it every week. Yes, you read that right. Every single week. I single-handedly wore out the tape... oops. The man in the video rental shop wasn't too impressed. Anyway, I eventually got my own VHS copy, but now the only time I actually watch the film is at Christmas. I watched it last Christmas Eve and I will watch it again this year. What's not to love? Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is left behind while his family go to Paris for the festive season, and he is forced to defend his house against two totally inept burglars in the form of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Hilarious antics ensue. Classic.

Elf (2003)

Probably the funniest Christmas film I've ever seen. My abiding memory of seeing this in the cinema the day after Christmas in 2003 was of everyone howling with laughter (and returning home to find that my dog had eaten an entire cherry cake, but that's another story). Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a super-tall human who has spent his life being raised by elves in the North Pole, having been given up for adoption as a baby. After being told of his true identity, he makes the journey to New York City to find his father (James Caan). Along the way, he introduces his new family to the joys of spaghetti with syrup, assaults a department store Santa for being a fake and finds love (aww). Can he fit into the human world?

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

 

Incredibly, this classic was not a succcess when it was released in 1992, but has since been re-evaluated and is actually considered one of the best adaptations of Dickens. Michael Caine considers his role as Scrooge to be one of his most memorable, and it certainly is as far as I'm concerned, as for years I associated him with the character. And let's face it, who doesn't love the Muppets? A lovely and moving film (the sight of Michael Caine crying does strange things to my heart) with great songs. I remember the first time I saw it as a kid. I had just warmed to the loveable, bearded Ghost of Christmas Present, and then along came the scary-as-hell Ghost of Christmas Future, which caused me to hide behind the chair.

The Santa Clause (1994)

Another one which was on seemingly every Christmas Eve. Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, a man who unwittingly knocks Santa off his roof, resulting in him having to step in as the replacement. At first he struggles to adjust to his new role, but with the help of his son Charlie, he soon gets into the swing of things. The problem is trying to convince everyone else, including his ex-wife, that he's not crazy, as Charlie is telling everyone that his dad really is Santa. Still one of my favourites, unlike the sequels, which are rubbish.

The Grinch (2000)

Based on the much-loved Dr. Seuss tale, I was obsessed with this for a while after it came out. To be honest, I can take or leave Jim Carrey, depending on the role he's playing. But he did a great job as the Grinch (brilliant make-up too). Also look out for sweet little Taylor Momsen, a far cry from The Pretty Reckless.

My Top 5 Christmas Songs

As we have now entered the month of December, it's officially acceptable to start talking about Christmas! I'm now in full-on festive mood, so I thought it was time to compile a list of both my five favourite Christmas songs, and my five favourite Christmas films. First of all, here are the songs that made the cut.

Paul McCartney & Wings - Wonderful Christmastime (1979)

It could just be because I absolutely worship Paul McCartney, but I have always loved this song. It's been my favourite Christmas tune since I was a little girl, and it always puts me in a really happy mood. It has taken on a whole new significance for me since I saw Paul perform it live at the O2 in Dublin on 20 December 2009. As if it wasn't enough seeing the man himself - a dream I never imagined would come true in a million years - witnessing him perform this for the first time in years, five days before Christmas, surrounded by people in Santa hats, was a special moment that I'll never forget.

Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody (1973)

Another one that I've always loved. Slade are a great band, and this is one of the best Christmas songs of all time. It's just a feel-good, singalong song that I personally will never tire of hearing. As soon as I hear this one, it's Christmas as far as I'm concerned. For some people, that moment comes when they see the famous Coca-Cola advert on television. This is mine.

The Pretenders - 2000 Miles (1983)

Can you see a pattern emerging? I'm really going for the rock artists here! Chrissie Hynde is one of my favourite female singers, and the guitar in this song is just beautiful. This is another of those Christmas songs that was always played in our house, thanks to the compilation albums we had that it appeared on. This song was actually written for guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, who had died the previous year, but it has been interpreted by many people as being about two people who are apart over the festive season.

Greg Lake - I Believe in Father Christmas (1975)

This is the song I'd play while tucked up on the sofa in my new Christmas pyjamas with a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows. Interestingly, this is Greg Lake's only solo hit single, away from ELP. The lovely little piece of music in between the verses is taken from Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite. This wasn't originally intended as a Christmas song, despite its title, but it has become a festive favourite for many people. The above promotional video is also very interesting, featuring scenes from the Vietnam War.

Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song (1946)

Or, as many people call it, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. Written in 1944 by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells, it has been recorded many times by loads of different artists, but by far the best version is the original by Nat King Cole, from 1946 (though he recorded a few different versions of it). It's such a beautiful song, a timeless classic, with lovely lyrics and instrumentation.

In my next post, I'll be listing my favourite Christmas films, so stay tuned for that.