It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season! One of my favorite activities during this time of year is watching holiday movies. I have lots of films I enjoy watching year after year, and so does our staff. Check out these staff movie favorites and see if any of them might be your favorite too!
It’s A Wonderful Life is a top-pick for Debbie B., Youth Services Associate
I could watch it anytime of the year. I love the messages of hope, self-sacrifice and doing the right thing, along with the lesson that “no man is an island” and the fact that one life affects so many around us. It’s actually a good mental health anti-suicide message – but I just love so many things about it.
Elf is a top-pick for Cindy, YS Collection Development Librarian
Cindy says “I just love Elf!” Buddy the Elf is raised in the North Pole and then travels to New York City to find his father. It’s a classic that will keep you laughing all season long!
A Muppet Family Christmas is a top-pick for Andrea Callan, Reference Librarian
One of my favorite Christmas specials is “A Muppet Family Christmas.” It’s about spending time with family and friends during the holidays. I enjoy it every year because it has fun music and a silly storyline featuring some of my favorites from Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street, and the Muppets.
The Muppets Christmas Carol is a top-pick for Emily, PR Specialist and Jill Frasher, YS Manager
According to Emily, the best Christmas movie of all time is Jim Henson’s A Muppet Christmas Carol. It has it all – wit, humor, heart. The movie is a masterpiece, musical numbers and all. Also it stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and if we’re all being honest, you can never go wrong with Michael Caine. Jill likes the movie because it’s a fun spin on a classic tale, and Michael Caine plays it so straight in the best way. It’s got songs, humor, and The Muppets–what’s not to love?!
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a top-pick for Cara, Early Literacy Librarian
This lesser-known Muppet movie, a heartwarming retelling of The Gift of the Magi, has become a cult classic. I love the amazing tiny sets for the Muppets and the catchy and humorous soundtrack!
The Wishing Tree (Hallmark) is a top-pick for Bobbie, Circulation Assistant.
The plot of this movie isn’t too different from other Hallmark Movies, but something about this one drew me in. Maybe it’s because the characters in it found their true love of Christmas, or maybe I love the actors, or all of the above. Needless to say, it’s a great movie.
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a top-pick for Linda, Interlibrary Loan Assistant
My very favorite Christmas video is one most people will not know. Growing up, my mother, now passed, and I always looked forward to watching Amahl and the Night Visitors at Christmas time.
Miracle on 34th Street (among many) is a top-pick for Jennifer, Public Relations and Marketing Director
I can remember watching the Thanksgiving parade every year just waiting to get a glimpse of Santa arriving. In fact, I still do this! And Natalie Wood had the best seat in the house in Miracle on 34th Street. When a department store Santa claims to be the real Santa, you can’t help but Believe. The absolute BEST scene is when a Dutch orphan brought to the US comes to see Santa even though she doesn’t speak English. Santa begins speaking to her in Dutch, and chills run head to toe through me every single time! Everything about this movie puts you in an old fashioned, traditional Christmas spirit. Although the remake is very good, I highly recommend the original with Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood filmed following WWII. “I believe. I believe.”
The Family Stone is a top-pick for Debbie D., Administrative Assistant
The Family Stone is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies. It’s a great family story that makes me laugh and cry every time.
While You Were Sleeping is a top-pick for Joy, Tech Services Specialist
While You Were Sleeping is a romantic comedy that is a wonderful, light-hearted movie taking place around Christmas time.
Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather is a top-pick for Kevin, Reference Librarian
My family has had a long standing tradition of watching the BBC adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather every year while wrapping gifts.
Little Women is a top-pick for Karen, Public Service Associate/Page Manager
I like to watch Little Women during the Christmas Season.
Die Hard is a top-pick for Joe, Circulation Assistant
Some may argue that Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, but I disagree! There’s nothing better than an adrenaline filled action thriller that takes place during the most wonderful time of the year.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a top-pick for Melissa Fulton, Branch Manager
I watch this every year and it makes me laugh every time. It’s great to be able to share it with my kids.
There are so many fun holiday movies to see, many of which are available in our collection. Find your old (or new) favorite at the Library today! Don’t see your favorite? Submit this form for purchase consideration.