*Updated as of November 25, 2018 - if you're on Facebook, like the page, and you will see when there are updates.
This is what I call an act of love…
Abominable Christmas - Two little Abominables trying to escape an evil scientist meet a young girl and spend Christmas with her family.
All American Christmas Carol
- Reviews are NOT very positive - apparently this is a bit of a twisted
take on the classic "A Christmas Carol" "Scrooge" story, with Taryn
Manning (of OITNB fame these days) playing the Scrooge character, and
being given the opportunity to turn her life around with the help of
three ghosts (one of whom is played by Meatloaf).
Angels in the Snow
- a grumpy family on a Christmas vacation take in a stranded family.
There is apparently a big twist at the end, don't read the reviews if
you don't want spoilers.
Bad Santa
- Willie and Marcus are the absolute worst Santa and Elf, because of
the fact that they are awful people, and are criminals. This is a
really dark movie, but it does have some serious sweetness at its core.
This is NOT a movie for the whole family, unless your whole family is
comprised of adults.
Bad Santa 2
- They're back! The worst possible Santa and Elf duo return, with the
help of Kathy Bates as Willie's mom. I haven't seen this, but the
original was pretty spectacular.
Bob's Broken Sleigh
- this is a newer movie (2015) - It appears that the premise is that a
little elf (Bob) is trying to upgrade Santa's sleigh - something goes
wrong - there is a crash (will Christmas be canceled!?!?) - and he needs
help to get back up in the air.
Bojack Horseman Christmas Special - This animated special isn't for the kids, it also probably isn't for you unless you're into the show.
Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas, The
- I haven't seen this - but the pictures showing up do look true to the
original illustrations in the Cat in the Hat, and other Seussian hits.
It appears to be a cartoon - which is a big positive for me - as Mike
Myer's terrifying turn as the Cat in the Hat ruined live action for me
in the genre.
Christmas Candle, The
- Susan Boyle is in this historic holiday flick about a new minister
coming to town and messing with some good old fashioned Christmas
traditions.
Christmas Cracker
- This is a documentary about people who are obsessed with Christmas. I'm
king of disappointed that they didn't try to interview me, but I'll get
over it.
Christmas Crush
- One question: what kind of school does their reunion at Christmas
time? Seriously, I've only seen this in movies, in the real world aren't
they always in the summer? This is a cute little flick, I've seen it,
and it's about a woman getting to reunite with her high school crush at
her reunion (at Christmas).
Christmas in the Smokies
- Made for TV holiday magic, I tell you! A woman trying to save her
family's farm; an ex who is a famous musician? What more could you want?
Oh yeah - it takes place at Christmas time!!
Christmas on Salvation Street - a widowed minister and his family move to the inner city, which will take some adjustment.
Christmas Prince, A
- This one comes out November 17, 2017, so you'll have to wait a few
days (unless that date has already gone past, then you're all set).
It's a made for Netflix special about a journalist and a Prince, and
CHRISTMAS.
Christmas Project, The
- When I saw the first screen capture, I thought it was a movie from
the 1980s, but it was made in 2016 - some reviewers say it channels "A
Christmas Story," and apparently is about four boys who have to make
gifts for their bullies?
Christmas Ranch -
This one's got all the big hits - naughty teen has to spend the
holidays with Grandma on a ranch of all places, connects with a horse,
tries to save the aforementioned ranch, learns an important lesson, and
has a super merry Christmas. I'm guessing - but I'm pretty sure I'm
right.
Christmas Star, A -
It turns out that if you're born under the Christmas Star, you have
magical powers. In reading the description, I wasn't really convinced I
wanted to watch it. Then I checked out reviews, and noticed Kylie
Minogue and Pierce Brosnan in it - needless to say, I've added this to
my wish list.
Christmas Town -
I've never seen this relatively new made-for-tv looking gem. A single
mother visits her father, whose town is "Totally Consumed with
Christmas" - my kind of place!
Curious George, a Very Monkey Christmas -
I do love those cute little Curious George cartoons, along with the Man
in the Yellow Hat, it appears the two of them are having a hard time
deciding what to give each other for the holiday!
Dear Santa
- I'm a sucker for Amy Acker, and this is a really cute made for TV
Christmas movie about a woman who finds a little girl's letter to Santa,
and ends up getting involved.
Dogwalker's Christmas Tale, A
- A privileged young lady has to decide between a handsome guy and
adorable dogs and her super rich boss. What do you think she'll decide?
Dreamworks Happy Holidays from Madagascar - You get a hit of Valentine's Day and then two Christmas specials!
Dreamworks Holiday Classics -
while the word "classic" might be pushing it - only time will tell!
Four holiday tales involving your favorite (?) Dreamworks' stars - the
digital casts of Madagascar, Shrek, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Dreamworks Shrek's Swamp Stories -
time to join everyone's favorite ogre in some fun holiday theme
adventures. Not only does this have Christmas - but Halloween as well!
Fireplace for Your Home: Classic -
this has festive holiday music along with beautiful snowy scenes -
wonderful for those of us anxious for winter in the middle of July!
Get Santa - Santa gets arrested? What kind of world are we living in?? Thankfully, a father-son team is going to get him out of there!
Hector
- Reviews are pretty much unanimously positive about this
unconventional British film about a homeless man reconnecting with his
family around the holidays.
Holiday Baggage - Time to see if getting the whole family together for the holidays will rekindle relationships.
Holidays
- another collection of holiday themed horror shorts. There is just
one Christmas story on here, but, in general, if you like horror movies,
you should give this a try.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- This is not the animated classic, it's the 2000 version with a
terrifyingly green Jim Carey, and it does attempt to address the
anti-consumerism themes of the original. Also, there is incredibly
catchy music and some fantastic hair styles.
How Sarah Got Her Wings - It's Christmas and what's an angel-in-training to do? Earn those wings!
Koala Brothers Outback Christmas, The
- I'm not familiar with the Koala Brothers - but it appears it's a
British show for the littles. It is some sort of adorable claymation
and I recommend it on that alone! Seriously - who doesn't want to watch
two koalas flying an airplane and tracking down their penguin friend in
Antarctica?
Kung Fu Panda: Holiday -
Here is one of those newer "holiday" movies; it's winter, it's a
special, meaningful holiday, etc. etc. etc. In this new arrival, Po has
to deal with some wackiness, and then learn the meaning of Chris- Oops -
I mean - the meaning of "Winter Feast."
Magic Snowflake - the Sequel to Santa's Apprentice. So - watch that one, and then decide if you're up for a second dose.
Mariah Carey's Merriest Christmas
- Say what you will about MC, she sure can belt out a Christmas tune.
This is a variety show with a bunch of other celebrities, singing, and a
reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mickey Mouse -
This is a Christmas special with a number of Disney Christmas shorts (I
haven't seen this one - but I highly recommend Mickey's Once Upon a
Christmas, so I think this is probably worth checking out).
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas -
Three cute Disney cartoons: Mickey & Minnie play out one of my
favorite O. Henry stories: Gift of the Magi; Donald's three wacky
nephews play out a Christmas version of the movie Groundhog Day; and
Goofy and his son Max figure out that Santa is real. *Most disturbing
part: when all of the ducks at the table get excited about eating a
beautifully roast turkey.
Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas -
I am imagining this to be the sequel to Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas.
According to Netflix's description it's a holiday battle between
Mickey and Minnie and that mean ol' Scrooge McDuck.
Miracle on 34th Street
- This is the absolutely wonderful 1994 version of this holiday
classic. I love the original, and I really feel this remake stayed so
true to the message. It's wonderful, and you should show it to your
children to make sure it's a part of their childhoods.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir: This is the Christmas special for an
animated show about a girl who transforms herself into a superhero
(Ladybug).
Mule-Tide Christmas
- This looks like a digital flick for the youngest of the youngsters.
You've got wicked goblins, a certain jolly old elf who wears a red suit,
and his trusty mule. Sounds good (for the 5-7 crowd) to me!
Pee-wee's Playhouse: Christmas Special
- If you're ready for a trip down mid-1980s memory lane - this is the
special for you! If Pee-wee himself isn't enough to pull you in -
you've got Zsa Zsa Gabor, Frankie Avalon, Oprah, and even KD Lang to
join in the fun!
Russell Peters Christmas, A -
This 2011 movie was filmed in the style of a 1970s variety show.
Guests range from Michael Buble to Pamela Anderson. I've not seen it,
so I'm hoping someone will be able to give me a good review.
Santa Buddies - those rascally golden retriever pups are at it again - Christmas style!
Santa's Apprentice - What DOES happen when a young orphan is picked to be Santa's successor? He becomes an apprentice of course!
Search for Santa Paws, The -
If you liked Santa Buddies, you definitely want to watch this prequel!
If your children like Santa Buddies, and you need an hour and a half to
enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, then they definitely need to watch
this!
Spirit of Christmas, The
- I've actually seen this one - I can't remember if it was on Lifetime
or the Hallmark Channel. This hardened woman goes to stay at an Inn to
sell it, but ends up meeting (and maybe falling in love!?) with a
handsome ghost from the past (an actual ghost, like "boo" not just a
ghost from her past).
Trailer Park Boys: Live at the North Pole - I think the title really says it all.
Trailer Park Boys: Xmas Special - I'm not a Trailer Park Boys fan, so I'm going to leave this to you to discover on your own.
Tree Man - a documentary about the people who cultivate the most cherished of holiday memories - Christmas Trees!
Uncle Nick
- Reviews are pretty much split - people either love or hate this dark
comedy - it's apparently very dirty and twisted, which means I'll
probably like it. This is the story of one awful brother making his
slightly less terrible sibling's holiday party a failure.
Very Murray Christmas, A
- If you love Bill Murray, and appreciate what an oddball he is - I
think you'd better put this on the agenda for running in the background
at this year's cookie baking party (which is exactly what I did last
year, and probably will do again in 2016).
White Christmas -
Quite possibly the greatest movie ever made. Fact: my sister and I can
perform the "Sisters" routine in its entirety, and sing the song
together on a regular basis. If you've never seen it - watch it! If
you've already seen it, why aren't you watching it again???
Journey to the Christmas Star -
Something about the cover of this reminds me of "the Golden Compass"
(most likely a girl riding a bear). This is a Norwegian movie, that,
from reviews, was poorly dubbed, but is a really lovely story. I plan
to catch it at some point, and will fill this out a bit more with some
facts!
Koala Brothers Outback Christmas, The - I'm not familiar with the Koala Brothers - but it appears it's a British show for the littles. It is some sort of adorable claymation and I recommend it on that alone! Seriously - who doesn't want to watch two koalas flying an airplane and tracking down their penguin friend in Antarctica?
Kung Fu Panda: Holiday -
Here is one of those newer "holiday" movies; it's winter, it's a
special, meaningful holiday, etc. etc. etc. In this new arrival, Po has
to deal with some wackiness, and then learn the meaning of Chris- Oops -
I mean - the meaning of "Winter Feast."
Last Holiday - This is not your typical Christmas movie - but it is a REALLY sweet movie that takes place at Christmas time. I would put this in the While You Were Sleeping Category of a movie that takes place at Christmas, and has a lovely message.
Legend of Frosty the Snowman, The - Word to the Wise: this is not the original Frosty movie - this is circa 2005, and reviewers say it is a pale comparison.
Love Actually
- If you love Christmas, or being a hopeless romantic, or Mariah Carey
songs, or a host of other things - you will love this modern day
Christmas classic!
Magic Snowflake - the Sequel to Santa's Apprentice. So - watch that one, and then decide if you're up for a second dose.
Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas - Well, I can't say I recommend this one - most commonly seen in the reviews are mentions of the racism and sexism. I would certainly leave this off my list this year.
Marry Me for Christmas - A lot of movies remind me that we need to get rid of the idea that people MUST get married for happiness. This movie, like that one with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, follows the theme of fake fiance. I have a hunch that they will fall in love in the end like (spoiler alert!) Holiday in Handcuffs. But there's always the chance this one will make the point that you should be happy with yourself, and don't require another person for your own satisfaction.
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mickey Mouse -
This is a Christmas special with a number of Disney Christmas shorts (I
haven't seen this one - but I highly recommend Mickey's Once Upon a
Christmas, so I think this is probably worth checking out).
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas -
Three cute Disney cartoons: Mickey & Minnie play out one of my
favorite O. Henry stories: Gift of the Magi; Donald's three wacky
nephews play out a Christmas version of the movie Groundhog Day; and
Goofy and his son Max figure out that Santa is real. *Most disturbing
part: when all of the ducks at the table get excited about eating a
beautifully roast turkey.
Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas -
I am imagining this to be the sequel to Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas.
According to Netflix's description it's a holiday battle between
Mickey and Minnie and that mean ol' Scrooge McDuck.
Miracle on 34th Street - This is the absolutely wonderful 1994 version of this holiday classic. I love the original, and I really feel this remake stayed so true to the message. It's wonderful, and you should show it to your children to make sure it's a part of their childhoods.
Mule-Tide Christmas - This looks like a digital flick for the youngest of the youngsters. You've got wicked goblins, a certain jolly old elf who wears a red suit, and his trusty mule. Sounds good (for the 5-7 crowd) to me!
My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas -
These are the middle age ponies (from 2005 - they're updated from the
mid-1980s ponies I knew, and prior to the new ponies that have inspired
the Bronies movement). I think there could be some very valuable
nostalgia.
Pee-wee's Playhouse: Christmas Special - If you're ready for a trip down mid-1980s memory lane - this is the special for you! If Pee-wee himself isn't enough to pull you in - you've got Zsa Zsa Gabor, Frankie Avalon, Oprah, and even KD Lang to join in the fun!
Pete's Christmas -
Groundhog Day meets Christmas Day. I know Elmo already tried this whole
"Christmas is Every Day" thing - it sounds like Pete's having just as
hard a time.
Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever -
I admit that the Power Rangers have never really grown on me. I will
also admit that I sat through countless hours of them when I was a
babysitter to a family with four young sons. I might even sit through
them for 23 more minutes to see this special!
Power Rangers Super Samurai: Stuck on Christmas - here we go - some more Power Rangers (for those of you who are into that sort of thing).
Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The –
If you’ve not had the opportunity to see these incredible women perform
in person – I think you should jump at any chance you’re afforded (we
saw them for the first time last winter in Boston – they are AMAZING).
Luckily for everyone, those who have, and haven’t seen the Rockettes
perform – you can watch the show on your TV or computer – seriously –
this is awesome stuff!!
Russell Peters Christmas, A -
This 2011 movie was filmed in the style of a 1970s variety show.
Guests range from Michael Buble to Pamela Anderson. I've not seen it,
so I'm hoping someone will be able to give me a good review.
Santa Buddies - those rascally golden retriever pups are at it again - Christmas style!
Santa Claws - NOT the horror movie it sounds like - this one is about KITTENS!!!
Santa's Apprentice - What DOES happen when a young orphan is picked to be Santa's successor? He becomes an apprentice of course!
Saving Santa -
I've never seen this little digitally animated gem, but the reviews are
pretty great - it turns out, you'll find out how Santa delivers all
those presents!
Scrooged - HOORAY! It's back - this is an absolute TREASURE of a movie. Starring Bill Murray as a modern (1980s modern) scrooge, and his interesting host of ghosts. I can't recommend it enough, if only for the awesome defense of mice.
Search for Santa Paws, The -
If you liked Santa Buddies, you definitely want to watch this prequel!
If your children like Santa Buddies, and you need an hour and a half to
enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, then they definitely need to watch
this!
Secret World of Santa, The - This was a late-1990s French Television Show - there are 26 episodes that have been dubbed into English.
Small Town Santa -
If you live in a small town, and arrest an intruder claiming to be
Santa, be warned: you are about to get a full-size-sample of the
Christmas Spirit!
Traveler, The -
I'm not sure if Christmas is anything more than a setting in this very
poorly rated movie starring Val Kilmer. One of us should watch it - I'm
nominating you.
Very Minty Christmas, A - My little ponies (I think these are the original ponies - or O.P. as the kids should say) celebrate Christmas.
Very Murray Christmas, A - If you love Bill Murray, and appreciate what an oddball he is - I think you'd better put this on the agenda for running in the background at this year's cookie baking party (which is exactly what I did last year, and probably will do again in 2016).
While You Were Sleeping -
I have absolutely loved this movie since the first time I saw it. It
made me fall in love with Sandra Bullock, and made me able to tolerate
Bill Pullman. The plot is farfetched, but adorable.
White Christmas -
Quite possibly the greatest movie ever made. Fact: my sister and I can
perform the "Sisters" routine in its entirety, and sing the song
together on a regular basis. If you've never seen it - watch it! If
you've already seen it, why aren't you watching it again???
Winnie the Pooh, A Very Merry Pooh Year -
We already know Pooh's not the brightest bulb on the tree, but we want
to watch him have fun adventures during the holiday season anyway!
.