Top 10 Christmas Movies for Kids!

Even though I'm 28, I still HAVE to watch these holiday classics every year!

10. - Mickey's Christmas Carol
Though there are many more sophisticated or "adult" versions of A Christmas Carol, I have a soft spot for this Disney re-telling. I'm particularly fond of Jiminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past. This classic can only be purchased on VHS or in a compilation DVD called "Mickey's Magical Christmas - Snowed in at the House of Mouse", though the House of Mouse version is not quite the same as the original (missing the intro).



9. - Prancer
Prancer is a beautiful story. I love Sam Elliott in the role of a concerned father. From the breathtaking scenery to the wonderfully crafted characters, this film is a heart-warming Christmas story for all ages! Prancer is easy to find on DVD at this time of year.





8. - Muppet Family Christmas
In this Jim Henson classic Kermit does his best to get the whole Muppet family together for a big Christmas celebration, but as you can imagine with such a motley crew, many things go wrong along the way. This is one of my family's favorite movies. Do yourself a favor and by the VHS version if you still have a video player. The new DVD version has been edited to remove some of the best scenes!



7. - Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas
The story of how Emmett pulls through a tough holiday season and makes it festive even during hard times may be especially inspiring this Christmas. Newly released for 2008 on DVD, I'm not sure yet if the new version wasn't adulterated by crazy editing, but I hope not! This is a must-have!





6. - Elf
This movie is funny, sweet, and (I think) the best holiday movie in a while! Buddy, I like your style with the maple syrup. Elf is available on DVD and, if you're fancy, you can find it on Blu-Ray too!






5. - The Christmas Toy
This was my favorite Christmas movie when I was a kid, but it was hard to find! With a Velveteen Rabbit-esque plot, Rugby Tiger, a stuffed tiger, is offended that his child will be getting new toys for Christmas. Consoled by a doll and a cat toy named Mew, he perseveres. This movie is a great antidote to Poltergeist nightmares from Halloween movie marathons. The DVD version of this has been changed too -- no more Kermie! I think the VHS has the full movie, so I'd opt for that if you can choose.


4. - Miracle on 34th Street
This is the definition of a Christmas classic. This movie has lasted for generations for a reason! I prefer the older, Maureen O'Hara version. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!






3. Home Alone
Famous last words: "He's only a kid Harry. We can take him." I can't imagine the holidays without the tale of how Kevin McAllister defending his home from some ill-prepared thieves.






2. - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Where would we be without the Island of Misfit Toys, and Yukon Cornelius? I always try to catch this show when it's on TV, usually on ABC Family the week after Thanksgiving, but you can also get it on DVD or VHS.






1. The Christmas Story
Poor Ralphie... all he wants is a Red Ryder BB Gun! My affection for this movie is more about the little scenes like getting your tongue stuck on icy metal, or accidentally swearing in front of your dad. Everyone from Grandma & Grandpa to your 3-year-old nephew will enjoy this film - I think everyone can identify!

Did you know that Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) appeared in Elf as an elf?