For most, Christmas is a time of joy, where families and friends ̶a̶r̶e̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶c̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶g̶e̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ come together to celebrate, see who spent more on presents, and who over-cooked the turkey the most. Countless traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, one common tradition is the decorating of the Christmas tree. Families gather to adorn the tree with shimmering lights and an array of ornaments, each telling a unique story or holding sentimental value. At least, that’s what every Hallmark Christmas film ever has taught me. Another cherished tradition is the sharing of gifts. Elaborately wrapped surprises are exchanged, bringing smiles and excitement to both young and old, as Santa sits back and takes all the credit for it and you secretly cry about the fact that wooden train sets are no longer an acceptable gift. Total strangers knocking at your door and singing at you with the ultimate goal of having their palms crossed with silver before they disappear to vocally assault the next unsuspecting family that doesn’t own a Ring Doorbell. Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas ‘ blasting out of the radio/TV/phone/watch/smart fridge… whatever. No Christmas is complete without these wonderful traditions. I like it nice and quiet, with a lovely Christmas dinner and some films.

Christmas film traditions have become a cherished and time-honoured part of the holiday season for countless families around the world and certainly is one of my favourite things to do on Christmas Day. The streets are empty, the weather is cold, and the snow casts its glorious light 0.2mm frosting over my shed roof. It’s quite the vision. Stuffed to the brim with beef (turkey sucks), pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and all the trimmings and regretting every one of the last five forkfuls of dinner I forced my body to eat, I slump to the couch, ready to settle in for some satisfying, yearly viewing.

With a flick of a switch, the familiar opening credits of timeless classics such as White Christmas (1954), the creature chaos of Gremlins (1984) or the tinsel town terrorism of Die Hard 2 (1990… just saying) viewers to a realm where hope and redemption reign supreme. Meanwhile, newer favourites like the endearing Elf or the fun adventures of Santa in the Kurt Russell lead The Christmas Chronicles (2018) inject a fresh burst of magic and laughter into the Christmas festivities.

These cinematic treasures, watched and re-watched year after year, elicit an exquisite sense of nostalgia and ignite a joyful spark that permeates the very essence of the season. The crackling fire dances in sync with the flickering images on the screen, casting a soft, golden glow that mirrors the warmth shared among loved ones. Cups of steaming hot cocoa, adorned with swirls of whipped cream and scattered marshmallows, find their place in eager hands, complemented by bowls of buttery popcorn that delight both young and old… or maybe you’re just sitting there, downing your seventh can of beer or pouring yet another glass of Advocaat. Maybe eyeballing a bag of salted peanuts, whilst sitting there bloated with your trousers unbuttoned, sighing every two minutes and holding your stomach regretfully, burping and releasing the sprouts back into the world via methane and other gasses, desperately trying to stop yourself from slipping into an after-dinner coma. Whichever one seems more realistic to you.

However you enjoy it, there’s nothing quite like settling down after all the chores are done, and the day has started to slow down. There are many great films out there that mean a lot of different things to each person. That’s what I love about it; it’s all subjective. These films take you on a rollercoaster of different emotions, but the only thing that matters is that you enjoy them and enjoy watching them with your friends and family. These are great traditions and moments to share.

Here are six films that I watch and enjoy every Christmas day. Oh, and before you say it, David Copperfield isn’t a Christmas film, I know. To be fair, I never said they were (although, the rest are).

1. David Copperfield (1935)

David Copperfield is a timeless classic brought to life in this 1935 film adaptation, which I put forward as the greatest adaptation out there. Directed by George Cukor, this cinematic masterpiece beautifully captures the essence of Charles Dickens' epic novel, weaving together a tapestry of unforgettable characters and wonderful, if not amusingly exaggerated performances. The film takes us on a journey through David Copperfield's life, from his humble beginnings as a young orphan to his transformation into a respected gentleman. It is a story of resilience and determination, of love and loss, and of the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

What sets this adaptation apart is the fantastic cast and their ability to breathe life into the characters. Freddie Bartholomew delivers a sweet and emotional performance beyond his years as the younger version of the titular character, infusing him with depth and vulnerability that is wonderful to watch. Frank Lawton is equally as enjoyable as the young adult David. Jesse Ralph is perfectly cast as the kind and caring Nurse Peggotty, complementing David’s journey with her consistent motherly support. It is no surprise that Barkis was willing. Some of the more stand-out characters include Aunt Betsey, played superbly by Edna May Oliver. She’s brash, no-nonsense and tough, whilst also displaying a loving and protective side. Her companion Mr. Dick, played by Lennox Pawle, is the quintessential excentric. There is a child-like wonder to his character, that offers some light relief to what is ultimately a tale of overcoming struggles. W.C. Fields is cast in the role of Mr. Micawber, Fields was a fan of David Copperfield and wanted the part so much that he agreed not to ad-lib and put aside his hatred of working with children to get the role. Not sure what to think of that, to be honest. I just hope he was a pleasure to work with and not a total dick to Freddie Bartholomew. I guess we’ll never know.

David Copperfield is a long book. The page count varies depending on what edition you are reading and in which format, but it is long. The film adaptation doesn’t cover the entire story, but it adapts just enough to make it an engaging and joyful watch. Nearly a century has passed since its release, and yet the 1935 adaptation of David Copperfield is still the best version you will come across. Its timeless storytelling, combined with its genuine emotional depth, ensures that it remains a significant and cherished piece of cinema history. This film serves as a reminder of the enduring power of literature and its ability to transcend time and captivate audiences for generations to come (hopefully). I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

2. Scrooge (1951)

Scrooge is the second of my Dickens’ adaptations that I just can’t get enough of. Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, this film brilliantly brings to life the iconic character of Ebenezer Scrooge, played masterfully by the incomparable Alastair Sim. Sim's portrayal of Scrooge is nothing short of exceptional, as he skillfully embodies every facet of the character's stinginess, cold-heartedness, and eventual redemption. Of all the many portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge, Sim is truly an unmatched performance to this very day. One that can only ever be imitated, but never outdone.

For its time, it is also visually captivating, with its dark and haunting visuals intensifying the overall atmosphere and making the journey even more gripping and emotionally charged. From the gloomy, cobweb-filled office of Scrooge to the haunting apparitions that guide him on his transformative journey, the visual aesthetics create a mesmerizing visual experience that captures the essence of the story.

Unquestionably, Scrooge is a must-watch for both long-standing fans of the novel and newcomers (if people still read). Its enduring appeal lies not only in its exceptional performances but also in its ability to stay true to the essence of Dickens' original work. This film stands proudly as a definitive and unforgettable interpretation of Dickens' iconic tale, forever etching its place in cinematic history. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of film to transport audiences to different worlds and lose themselves in the joy of classic Christmas cinema.

If this is your first time delving into the world of Dickens and you want to immerse yourself in a classic Christmas tale, then I cannot recommend this adaptation highly enough. It is a film that will never lose its appeal and I implore you to watch it and enjoy it for the masterpiece that it is.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life is my shame viewing. That’s not to say that it’s a guilty pleasure but to say that last year was the first time I watched this properly. So, not exactly a film that I’ve watched every year, but one that I will from now on. I don’t know why I never got around to watching this, since I am a huge fan of everything that Jimmy Stewart does. I remember I put this on one year and turned it off after about ten minutes. Maybe I wasn’t feeling it or in a weird mood, but needless to say, I was wrong.

Directed by Frank Capra, this heartwarming film has managed to capture the hearts of audiences for generations (some later thsn others, of course). It is a tale that speaks to the very depths of the human soul, touching upon themes of hope, redemption, and the power of one's actions.
At the centre of the narrative lies the tormented soul of George Bailey, brilliantly portrayed, as is with every character he plays, by James Stewart. George is a man who finds himself trapped in the confines of his small town, burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. His dreams seem to have been extinguished as one unfortunate event after another pushes him to the brink of despair.

Feeling utterly helpless, George considers taking his own life, but fate has other plans. Enter Clarence, played by Henry Travers, a guardian angel on a mission to show George the true consequences of his absence from the lives of those he loves. In an otherworldly twist of fate, George is transported into a world where he never existed, forcing him to come face to face with the profound impact he has had on the lives of his family, friends, and community. As George witnesses the struggles, triumphs, and heartaches of those around him in his own imaginary absence, he begins to realize the extraordinary power of his presence and the immense value of a life well-lived. In this alternate reality, George learns the true essence of selflessness, uncovering the beauty that lies in even the smallest acts of kindness.

It's a Wonderful Life deserves its place in cinema as one of the greatest films ever made. It is a beautiful story that is well-crafted, impactful and timeless. Don’t wait as long as I did to watch this. Sit down with the family and enjoy every moment of this remarkable classic.

4. Mrs. Miracle (2009)

Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas day without a Hallmark Movies viewing, which brings me to the delightful Mrs. Miracle. Mrs. Miracle is a charming film that captures the essence of everything that is traditionally great about the Christmas holidays. Based on a novel by Debbie Macomber, Mrs. Miracle tells the story of Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek), a widowed single father struggling to balance work and parenthood. After multiple nanny failures, he hires a woman named Mrs. Merkle, played by the late Doris Roberts.

Mrs. Merkle brings a touch of magic to Seth's life, sprinkling each moment with joy and wonder. As she embraces her role as a surrogate grandmother to Seth's children, she not only brings tidiness to their home but also brings a sense of warmth and love that had been missing since their mother's passing. Through her kind words and gentle guidance, Mrs. Miracle helps to steer him towards the path of acceptance, happiness and love. Mrsa. Miracle’s gentle storyline is complemented by the casting, which includes Erin Karpluk as Reba, a woman who is also trying to bury ghosts of her past and find a better future.

Mrs. Miracle is more than just an excellent romantic film. It's a reminder that miracles can happen, even in the most unexpected of circumstances. Through the magic and wonder that Mrs. Merkle brings, Seth and his family learn to embrace the joy and hope that the holiday season represents. With its heartfelt message, charming performances, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Mrs. Miracle is a feel-good movie that leaves audiences with a warm and fuzzy feeling that makes us all forget about the fact that joy-suck January is just around the corner, unless you’re dead inside and sleep on a bed of coal. It's a reminder that miracles exist, whether they come dressed as angels or in the form of unexpected love.

So, sit down, relax and enjoy the miracle.

5. Call Me Mrs. Miracle (2010)

Yep, I double down. In this follow-up to Mrs. Miracle, everyone’s favourite angel with the smudged lipstick returns in Call Me Mrs. Miracle, again based on th book by Debbie Macomber. This time, it centres around the resilient Holly Kennedy (Jewel Staite), a widowed mother who, following the tragic loss of her husband, has lost her faith in miracles. However, when she accepts a job as a Christmas store manager, little does she know that her life is about to take an unexpected turn.

Enter Mrs. Miracle, that mysterious lady who brings with her the much-needed touch of magic to help guide the characters to their inevitable fate. With her otherworldly abilities, Mrs. Miracle works her welcome charm yet again and begins to weave her magic into Holly's life, and that of her romantic destiny Jake, played by Eric Johnson. Gradually, Holly starts to experience a transformation, as the barriers she had built around her heart begin to crumble. Through a series of heartfelt moments and surprising occurrences, Mrs. Miracle subtly guides Holly and Jake on their journey of self-discovery and helps her to rekindle her belief in miracles.

I feel like this one is slightly stronger than the first. Sure, the blueprint is pretty much the same, but it does tip the scale slightly regarding the storyline. That being said, they are both incredibly enjoyable films. There are two other films, should you wish to continue to miracle journey: Mr Miracle (2014), though I found this character to be quite irritating and didn’t enjoy it at all, and A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (2021), starring Caroline Rhea as Gloria Merkel. I was dubious about this film without the charm of Doris Roberts but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I would recommend it if you are a fan of the character.

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) & Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

The final film is the timeless Miracle on 34th Street. I’ve picked two versions of this film that I love equally (there are four, but for me, these are the best) Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of Kris Kringle, a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus. The film takes viewers on an enchanting journey alongside Susan, a young girl who has unfortunately lost faith in the existence of Santa Claus, pretty much due to her mother’s scepticism.

However, everything changes when Kris Kringle takes on the role of Santa at the popular department store. Suddenly, Susan's scepticism is put to the ultimate test, and she quickly realizes that she may have underestimated the true power of Christmas magic. As Kris Kringle effortlessly spreads joy and cheer to everyone he encounters, including Susan and those around her, the film seamlessly blends humour, romance, and the joys of Christmas fantasy.

Kris Kringle is forced to fight to prove his identity and the real meaning of Christmas, which takes audiences on a wonderfully emotional rollercoaster. Will Kris be able to melt the hearts of the cynics in the courtroom? Or will the magic of the holiday season be lost forever? Pretty sure you already know the answer to that question.

Miracle on 34th Street has become a beloved Christmas classic. Its delightful performances, enchanting storyline, and touching message continue to warm hearts and remind us all of the joy that comes with the holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, and allow this heartwarming film to find the Christmas spirit within you.

Six Wonderful Films I Watch Every Christmas Day