Stressful finals aren’t the only things approaching: Winter break is just only days away. Just think: soon we will get two glorifying weeks without having to worry about school. And with the extremely cold weather, it is the perfect time to snuggle under a blanket next to a warm fire watching some of the hundreds of holiday movies there are to offer.
Over the past week, MECA students were polled on their favorite holiday movies, from the classics to even some recent ones. With 25 options to choose from, MECA students tended to steer towards the ultimate classics; there was even a tie for fifth place!
5: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
One of the most famous Christmas classics, How the Grinch Stole Christmas was the first take on the famous children’s book by Dr. Seuss. Living on a mountain above Whoville, it’s easy to say that the Grinch does not enjoy Christmas. Joined by his dog Max, they “steal” Christmas from the Whos.
“It reminds me of when I was younger and I would have my Christmas Eve at my grandparent’s house,” described Sophia Alonzo, a junior here at MECA. “We would be making tamales and having menudo and we would be watching this as the clock struck midnight to open our gifts.”
5: A Charlie Brown Christmas
One of the classic holiday specials with Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang. Once it’s time for the holiday season Charlie Brown is frustrated with the overwhelming commercialism of Christmas. In a talk with his “psychiatrist”, Lucy, he joins the annual Christmas pageant, which proves to be a daunting task.
4: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, home to many terrifying creatures that wait every 365 days to celebrate Halloween. Well, after so many years of just looking forward to Halloween, Jack is tired and looks for something different in his life. So when he stumbles upon Christmas, it is an opportunity he can’t turn down! With the help of his friends, he makes Christmas into a new terrifying holiday.
3: Elf
A classic holiday comedy for the whole family! Buddy (Will Ferrell) was taken to the North Pole as a baby after crawling into Santa’s gift sack and was raised by one of Santa’s elves. When he’s grown up, he sets off on a journey to New York City to reunite with his biological father, a scummy business man, after learning of his human-heritage. With his new found family, Buddy will teach his new home true Christmas spirit, while also causing some festive mayhem in the process!
“It’s so fun and funny; I like how he is in a different world and just has to figure out life,” said freshman Gianna Gonzalez. “And I think it’s so funny seeing everyone’s reaction to his excitement and his happiness about Christmas.”
2: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey brings the Grinch to life in this 2000 live action remake of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His comedic timing, expressions, and overall acting makes the movie just that much better. The added storyline for how he grew up also adds sympathy for him, and it gives us insight into why he is so devious.
1: Home Alone
Have you ever wished to be home alone with absolutely no rules? To stay up as late as you want, eat dessert for dinner, or eat your favorite takeout for every meal? Well, for 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, this dream came true when his family accidentally left him when rushing to the airport. However, being home alone isn’t all fun and games, or maybe it is when you are trying to defend your house from two burglars!
These are the perfect 6 movies to watch whilst enjoying your winter break. Don’t forget to bake your favorite cookies and make some hot cocoa cause these are movies that will definitely get you in the spirit for the holidays!
