Christmas is a time of joy and debate, with countless discussions about what truly constitutes a Christmas movie. From the classic choices like "Christmas Vacation" and "The Santa Clause" to the more unconventional like "Die Hard," there seems to be no clear consensus. In this exploration, we delve deep into the factors that make a movie a Christmas movie and discover that it often comes down to personal interpretation and family traditions.

Discover the True Essence of Christmas Movies

Obvious Choices: The Clear Winners

1: When it comes to obvious Christmas movies, titles like "Christmas Vacation" and "The Santa Clause immediately come to mind. These films are filled with holiday cheer, from the colorful lights to the wrapped presents and the jolly characters. They capture the essence of Christmas in a way that is both heartwarming and entertaining. For many families, these movies have become a staple of the holiday season, creating memories that last a lifetime. 2: Take "The Santa Clause," for example. The story of Scott Calvin, who becomes Santa Claus after accidentally killing the real one, is a tale of transformation and redemption. It follows Scott as he learns the ropes of being Santa and brings joy to children around the world. The movie is filled with Christmas magic, from the North Pole to the Christmas Eve celebrations, making it a true Christmas classic.

Movies Set at or During Christmas

1: Movies set during Christmas, such as "Goodfellas" with its memorable Christmas sequence, present a unique case. While the majority of the movie may not take place at Christmas, the holiday setting adds a certain charm and atmosphere. The scene where Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) exclaims, "Karen! I got the most expensive tree they had!" is a classic moment that captures the spirit of Christmas in a gangster movie. However, not everyone considers "Goodfellas" a Christmas movie, as it doesn't fit the traditional mold. 2: On the other hand, movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" have a more central plot围绕着圣诞节展开. Set on Christmas Eve 1945, the entire story reaches its climax during the holiday. The talk of angels and the town coming together for George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) makes it a clear Christmas movie. Despite the fact that the actual Christmas "part" is only at the latter half of the film, it still manages to evoke the true meaning of Christmas.

Plots Centered Around the Holiday

1: When a movie's entire plot revolves around Christmas, it is often considered a Christmas movie. Take "Miracle on 34th Street" for instance. The story of Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn), who claims to be the real Santa Claus and works at Macy's, is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the spirit of Christmas. The movie shows how Kris helps a young girl believe in Santa and brings joy to a skeptical world. It is a perfect example of a movie whose entire plot is centered around the holiday. 2: Another example is "Frozen" and "Frozen II," which are frequently part of Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas lineup. While the movies may not have a traditional Christmas setting, the presence of snow and the wintery atmosphere gives them a Christmas vibe. For some viewers, this is enough to consider them Christmas movies. It shows that the definition of a Christmas movie is not always strict and can vary from person to person.

Personal Interpretation and Family Traditions

1: What makes a Christmas movie a Christmas movie is ultimately a matter of personal interpretation and family traditions. Some people only want classic Christmas movies like "White Christmas," while others are open to movies with at least one Christmas scene, such as "Edward Scissorhands." It depends on how one sees the holiday and the memories associated with it. 2: For example, I specifically remember seeing "Toy Story" in the movie theaters on Christmas Eve 1995. The experience of driving home, looking at the lights and dreaming about Christmas morning made it a Christmas movie for me. On the other hand, my husband always balks a little when "Toy Story" is on TV during the holiday season because he only remembers it as a regular movie. This shows that our individual experiences and emotions play a big role in defining a Christmas movie.(But Die Hard is 1000% a Christmas movie, end of story.)