Lost with Luis {Holiday Edition}: The 5 Christmas movies I watch every year
It’s been a crazy year, and while many of us hoped that Covid-19 would be a distant memory by now, it isn’t. Now, more than ever, we are spending more time at home. The holidays will be a little bit different this year and for that reason, I got started early because, why not? I’ve been binge watching Christmas movies for a few weeks now and I have been LOVING it! Here are 5 Christmas movies I watch every. single. year.
Home Alone
I mean, this movie doesn't really need an intro and to me it just never gets old. I can't let a Christmas season go by without visiting the McAllister family in this classic movie about a kid who is forgotten over the holidays. The theme song ("Somewhere in My Memory") is also one of my all time favourite Christmas songs. I saw this movie live in concert with an orchestra playing along to it and it was absolute magic. It's on one of my top activities to do in Toronto (prior to Covid-19) so make sure to add it to your list for next year! In the meantime, add it to your movie list this year!
The Santa Clause
Growing up, nothing seemed cooler than watching your own dad become Santa Claus. This movie stars Tim Allen and his journey becoming Santa after he accidentally kills the old Santa Claus. The world they create is magic and this movie always gives me such nostalgia. One of my favourite lines is when Judy the Elf describes the perfect hot chocolate: "Not too hot. Extra chocolate. Shaken, not stirred". Classic! Fun fact: the movie was actually filmed in the Toronto and The Greater Toronto Area.
The Family Stone
If you're in the mood for a real 'slice of life' type Christmas movie, this is it. This movie is a real, heartfelt movie led by a powerful cast that includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney and Luke Wilson. It shows all the good and the bad of family holiday gatherings, a large part which is centred around SJP's character whom the family really dislike. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and it will definitely get you in the Christmas mood.
The Holiday
Starring an amazing cast of Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black, The Holiday will give you all the feels. The movie follows the two leads: Winslet and Diaz, who trade homes with each other to escape their complicated lives. I'm especially a sucker for the UK exchange location which is home to the most perfect, cozy stone cottage. Fun fact: The cottage was actually a set that was built for the movie. Nothing - and I mean NOTHING - gets the tears going like watching Jude Law's character cry at one point in the movie.
Elf
Ok real talk: I am normally not a huge fan of Will Ferrell movies. Nothing personal, they’re just not my type of humour. With that said, this movie is incredible because of him. The movie follows the journey of Buddy the Elf (played by Ferrel) and his search for his biological father when he discovers that he is not in fact an elf. The movie also stars Zooey Deschanel who sings a great version of 'Baby It's Cold Outside'. It’s a real ‘feel good’ movie and perfect for families.
This year's bonus recommendation:
Holidate (Netflix Original)
I know that I said 5 movies but I had to add this one as a bonus release from this year. Although it was just released in the end of October 2020, I think it deserves to be on here. It's the first Christmas movie that I have seen in a very long time that checks off all of the marks for becoming one of those movies you revisit year after year. Emma Roberts (niece of Julia Roberts) really took a page out of her aunt's book in the sense that she channels that perfect ROM-COM charm that her aunt did so well back in the day. The movie follows Jackson and Sloane, two strangers that have had enough of being single during the holidays, so they agree to be each other's plus-ones for all of the major holidays. It’s definitely worth watching!
