When one thinks of Christmas, they think of the snow, hot chocolate, Santa, their favorite Christmas tunes and most importantly, the holiday movies that they have watched with family and friends during the winter season. Christmas is a magical and happy time for many, and watching holiday movies can only improve one’s Christmas spirit. People love these movies whether it be because the images of Santa, snow, Rudolph, Christmas music, or just the scenery in general. Not only do these movies put you in a happy mood, but these movies can portray helpful messages and themes to young viewers.

When it comes to children’s movies, the movie Home Alone provides scenery and a storyline that will put anyone in the Christmas spirit. The main character Kevin is left home alone by accident by his family during their christmas vacation, and Kevin has to provide for himself. Not only does this movie include a snowy scenery and images surrounding Christmas, but it conveys that family is the most important aspect of the Christmas season. TheDecider states, “The omnipresence of the holiday just heightens everything Kevin experiences alone, from having to chop down and trim his own tree to deal with the chores he definitely never has to do”.

Another family friendly holiday movie is Elf, which is well known as one of the best christmas movies. This movie depicts an elf named buddy who travels to New York City from the North Pole in order to meet his real father. “Will Ferrell has one of his best roles as a naive overgrown elf who finds out he’s actually human, and the high jinks that follow when he’s introduced to “civilization” are filled with heart, humor and childlike wonder”(USA Today). Elf displays a storyline of reality mixed in with the magical element of Christmas to create a whimsical, funny and down to earth film that conveys the themes of love , family and overall, believing in the magic of Christmas.

Lastly, the more adult type of film titled Love Actually. This movie establishes 9 love stories that are all somehow connected. It is set in England and portrays how different characters find love, whether it be through romance, friendship, or family in general, during the holiday season. “It has a plotline for every moment in your relationship, from first crush to the grave, and the story covers all the holiday season staples: the Christmas party, the school pageant, the holiday songs”(FiveThirtyEight). This movie sends the message that love ultimately can be found anywhere and it is all around. 

Whether it be because of the plot itself, or the winter themed images portrayed, everyone has that one movie they enjoy watching during the holiday season. The themes of friendship, love and family are illustrated through most holiday films. The perfect combination of a progressive storyline, with holiday scenery as well as influential themes is depicted throughout the movies Home Alone, Elf, and Love Actually.