As a blended family of seven, we have a lot of opinions when we all sit down to watch a movie on a chilly winter night. We’ve compiled a list of our top movies to watch with the whole family that are sure to get this big family into the holiday spirit.
The 13-year-old’s pick: The Santa Clause
A quick synopsis: A regular dad watches Santa fall off the roof of his home on Christmas Eve. What happens when he puts on the suit is sure to make a believer out of anyone.
Why he likes it: “I love the movie because it makes you believe what is possible.”
Streaming on: Disney+
The 10-year-old’s pick: Free Rein: The Twelve Neighs of Christmas
A quick synopsis: Bright Fields horse stables is preparing for their Mistletoe Ball when an ornament falls from Zoe’s Christmas tree and reveals there is a hidden family secret. An unliked family member tries to ruin the ball. Will the family secret be revealed? And can they help return the Christmas spirit?
Why she likes it: “I like it because it’s not a traditional Christmas movie and it has horses.”
Streaming on: Netflix
An 8-year-old’s pick: Noelle
A quick synopsis: Santa’s daughter goes on a big journey and learns Christmas isn’t about presents and carols; Christmas is about family.
Why she likes it: “I like this movie because Noelle learns what Christmas is all about.”
Streaming on: Disney+
Two more 8-year-olds’ (not the twins!) pick: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version)
A quick synopsis: The Grinch doesn’t like Christmas or anyone who celebrates it. He thinks that if he takes all of their holiday “things,” he will be able to remove the Christmas Spirit from their lives, as well. But does it work? Or do the villagers understand the real meaning of the holiday? It isn’t about gifts or things, but about the joy of being together.
Why they like it: “I like this movie because everybody is happy at the end and they still all have each other.”
Streaming on: Prime Video (price varies based on your subscription preference), or check your local listings
The dad’s pick: Home Alone
A quick synopsis: A wealthy family goes away for Christmas and forgets a member of the family behind. Meanwhile, serial robbers have their eyes on the neighborhood. The family member left behind uses every resource at his disposal to save and salvage Christmas.
Why he likes it: “It’s all about family doing whatever it takes to spend the holidays together.”
Streaming on: Disney+
The mom’s pick: A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version)
A quick synopsis: A wealthy old businessman hates Christmas and everyone who celebrates it. He values hoarding his money, even at the expense of his own happiness. What happens when the spirit of his deceased business partner brings the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and forces him to view his life from an outsider’s perspective? Maybe he will find the true spirit of Christmas after all.
Why she likes it: “This movie is beautifully written and staged. Although it is not a musical, the theme music is masterfully woven into the script and really pulls you into the story. Listen carefully to the lyrics; the true meaning of the story can be found there.”
Streaming on: Disney+ (and various other free and subscription-based platforms)
