Well, it looks like it’s that time of the year again. The time for snow, hot chocolate, peppermint flavored everything, but most importantly, Christmas movies. But that begs the question, what exactly makes a Christmas movie? From Diehard to The Grinch, this topic is widely debated. Many will argue that it is “the magic of Christmas” that sets them apart, or just the fact that it takes place during the holiday season, but I beg to differ. I believe that a Christmas movie can only come into fruition if it meets a specific set of criteria.

First, and this may come as a no brainer, but it must be set during the holidays. This may be on Christmas or the days leading up to it, this is very crucial to set up the general environment that all Christmas movies must have. This allows for a sense of general whimsy and fills the viewer with “the holiday spirit”. Everyone knows what it is like to turn on the T.V with family or friends, watch the snow fall, to feel the warmth of your mug filled to the brim with eggnog. It truly is a magical feeling, which is why it is vital for these movies to capture that feeling in its setting. However, it is just as important to cover the next and final part of the equation that makes up all true Christmas movies, which is its theme.

Every Christmas movie must follow some kind of special theme. I believe these are only found in true Christmas movies, they need to follow a theme of one of the following, family, togetherness, community, friendship, faith or belief. These all reflect what I believe is the spirit of Christmas, on a day where millions of people all over the world get together with their families and spend time together, it is crucial that the movies they watch reflect that. 

Enjoy the holidays with your friends and family, and turn on a true Christmas movie, like home alone or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, those are my recommendations at least. But merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!