Why is that one Christmas movie so special?

Christmas films... around Christmas time it is wonderful to immerse yourself in the cheerful Christmas atmosphere before normal life starts again! You could previously read about 'The Holiday' in this blog post: 'The Holiday', discover everything about this popular Christmas film , but of course there are many more!

A real Christmas film is like a magical key to the Christmas spirit, which immediately envelops you with that warm, joyful feeling. It is like a bubble of carefreeness, coziness and a heart-warming atmosphere. The film that evokes this feeling in you is often deeply connected to your personal memories. Your own unique memories. Every family cherishes its own traditions and around Christmas, enjoying that one special Christmas film together is often a beautiful ritual.

That's why we asked on Instagram "What's your favorite Christmas movie of ALL time?" and there were very nice answers, often with even better memories.

Below - in random order - 5 must-see Christmas movie tips, complete with story, trailer and link to watch immediately.

The Wizard of Oz

Marieke's favorite Christmas movie (from Keshi studio ) is The Wizard of Oz
In short: When a neighbor tries to put Dorothy's dog Toto to sleep, she takes him and runs away. However, they are picked up by a tornado that takes them to the magical land of Oz.
Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr

Do you remember when you first saw the film (and with whom)?
At Christmas we (like half of the Netherlands) always went out for a gourmet meal. My father would fill the burners with methylated spirits, some of which always fell to the side and everything smelled of methylated spirits. And of course all the other cliché problems with the gourmet... stuck/burnt pancakes and so on. It didn't spoil the party because the best part was that my parents put the dining table, which was normally in our kitchen, in the living room near the television. Such a thick picture tube with 10 buttons, read 10 channels... That evening The Wizard of Oz would be on television. My mother had told me about it many times, so expectations were high. I think I was about seven years old and couldn't read the subtitles very quickly, so I didn't understand anything about the film. But there was one thing that impressed me and that was Dorothy's Ruby red slippers. Of course I wanted that too!

What makes this film so special for you?
"There's no place like home." -Dorothy. This film simply has a wonderful memory of Christmas evenings in my birthplace, being together with my parents and brother. I have rewatched the film many times and the nice thing is that those old memories always come back. I can smell the spirit again just thinking about the movie hahaha...

Would you like to say anything else about it?
Even though this movie seems dated, I think we can still learn a lot from it. The lion looking for courage, the tin man looking for a heart, Dorothy looking for the way home... They are all looking for a wizard who can do this for them, but in the end they already have all these qualities. to possess, but they still have to convince themselves whether they have it or whether they lack it. And that wizard doesn't actually exist. A beautiful story about how you can do more if you believe in yourself. I think it is important to keep telling these and other stories. Not only because they are beautiful but also because they touch us and give us insight into ourselves and the world around us. I grew up with movies of all shapes and sizes. Now I work in a film theater and the best thing I continue to think is that people are still (and more than ever) looking for stories and dare to be touched and amazed. What will be the Christmas movie at the movie theater where I work? ...3 guesses ;-)

Love Actually

Simone's (and Daphné's) favorite Christmas movie is Love Actually
In short: This romantic comedy tells 10 intertwined London love stories in the run-up to Christmas Eve.
Actors: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and many more!

Do you remember when you first saw the film (and with whom)?
With a friend at home.

What makes this film so special for you?
A combination of enjoying that wonderful run-up to Christmas with that intense feeling of happiness from that scene at the end at Heathrow with that beautiful song by The Beach Boys in the background. This often makes me shed a happy tear.

Would you like to say anything else about it?
This film is watched every year in December, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and the Christmas lights on the Christmas tree. How wonderful (and convenient) that the film is on Netflix!

White Christmas

Sasja's favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas
In short: Two artists work together after the war to become one of the most popular acts in show business. One winter, they join forces with two talented sisters and head to Vermont for a white Christmas.
Actors: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen

Do you remember when you first saw the film (and with whom)?
When I was about 12 (1982) at home, probably on Christmas Eve on the television. Was with my father, mother and sister.

What makes this film so special for you?
The humor, the jokes in the lyrics, the actors, songs, the dancing. And when the snow falls during the song 'I'm dreamin' of a white Christmas', they stand there in their red Christmas outfit and the doors of the barn open... instant feel good, keep hope, when you work together get there and finally get the ultimate Christmas feeling!!

Would you like to say anything else about it?
White Christmas is a real Christmas classic in 1950s musical dance style.

Eleven

Serana's favorite Christmas movie is Elf
In short: Buddy the Elf discovers that he is different from the other elves of the North Pole, so he travels to New York to find his real father and spread some Christmas cheer.
Actors: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bod Newhart

Do you remember when you first saw the film (and with whom)?
I don't know exactly the first time, but it has become a regular routine to watch Elf every year (I would prefer to watch this film all year round haha). Sometimes also nice on Boxing Day when there is a moment of rest between food and gifts! Delicious!

What makes this film so special for you?
This film really gives me the Christmas atmosphere with the funny moments, the music, the Christmas spirit, etc. As soon as this film is put on I am in Christmas mode!

Serendipity

Nathalie's favorite Christmas movie is Serendipity .
In short: The film (from 2001) is set in snowy New York. Sara and Jonathan try to find out if true love is meant to be.
Actors: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven, Molly Shannon

Do you remember when you first saw the film (and with whom)?
I saw the film for the first time with an ex-boyfriend. That was about ten years ago, but since then I watch it every year during Christmas.

What makes this film so special for you?
I also believe in fate and that everything in life happens for a reason. What's meant to be, will be...!

What a wonderful list. Thank you Marieke, Simone, Sasja, Serena and Nathalie for sharing your favorite Christmas movie and special memories. Have a very merry Christmas with your favorite! ❤️