Seven Magical Christmas Movies That Had My Kids Hooked And Let Me Drink My Cup Of Tea In Peace
by Mirone Ahmeti · BuzzFeedWith school holidays looming; cold, wet, and (let’s face it, not snowy) days with the kids home are drawing near. This means it will soon be time for a cosy Christmassy movie moment or two.
So, here are the festive movies I tried on my little ones (four and two years old), that had them mesmerised, leaving me able to actually enjoying a warm cup of tea. Heaven.
First up: A classic. I thought I’d try it out on them as an experiment to see if it would work because, to me, Mary Poppins is untouchable and can do no wrong.
But would a four year old enjoy a movie made in 1964? Well... they absolutely LOVED it. From the catchy music, the lovable one-man-band Bert, to the giggling tea parties on the ceiling; I felt so proud of Julie Andrews. You did it girl.
Where to watch: Disney+
Then I tried something I confess I usually avoid doing; putting on a NEW modern Christmas movie. Enter... That Christmas.
It was exciting enough for them to watch from beginning to end (unheard of), and visually stunning enough with excellent storytelling for me to be absolutely smitten. I even wiped a few tears away by the end. Don’t tell anyone.
Where to watch: Netflix
When I thought that couldn’t be topped, we tried out Angela’s Christmas. This one had me in a chokehold.
Adorable Irish children, strong storyline, and meticulous detail in every soot-covered brick? Yes, yes, yes. My kids did wander off at one point but that may have been in search for snacks. Rookie mistake. They’ve also released the sequel Angela’s Christmas 2 on Netflix and it’s in my back pocket for our next movie night.
Where to watch: Netflix
Along that same thread, Netflix’s Scrooge: A Christmas Carol gave us the familiar warmth we’re used to with Christmas films, with enough brightness to engage the younger minds.
NB: have your hand on the FW button for those scarier moments. (Or use them to teach important lessons, as you were).
Where to watch: Netflix
Now, I need those with kids to share their experiences of this one, but I attempted The Snowman one noisy morning and I had SILENCE the entire film.
For a movie to have zero dialogue and calming, mentally-stimulating, classical music, I was pleasantly surprised they fell in love with it. It’s been on repeat a few times since then. WIN.
Where to watch: Channel 4
Alternatively, if you're after some slightly more chaotic but oh-so festive Xmas TV content, Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas was another hit.
Where to watch: Netflix
Sadly for us '90s babies, there are a few of our favourites not yet suitable for the little ones. I mean, I can hardly subject them to Marv and Harry from Home Alone, can I?! And even Elf and Miracle on 34th Street include scenes that won’t catch a child’s imagination. Having said that, The Grinch became an immediate idol in their eyes.
It reminded me a bit of how they fell in love with the most terrifying toy T-Rex and gave zero judgement on how traumatising it might have looked. Adorable.
Where to watch: Disney+