9 Non-Christmas Festive Films To Watch With Your Family
Sometimes you just want to enjoy a cozy nearly-festive movie without Santa Claus appearing every 10 minutes.
Not everyone is an unshakeable Christmas fan so here are nine movies which aren’t traditionally known as Christmas movies but which give off the same warmth or are set during the holidays (excluding the often talked about – Die Hard):
1. Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
This is an obvious one but for valid reasons. It has the perfect criteria which fit a non-Christmas Christmassy movie. The epic soundtrack and homey atmosphere of Hogwarts is superior to any other Christmas movie. Not to mention how the Great Hall fills up with decorations during the Christmas scenes.
2. Gremlins
Or any other 80s classic! The plotline of the movie does not centre around Christmas, however, the subtle references to it technically make Gremlins a Christmas Movie.
Any classic movie from the 80s is bound to bring up a nostalgic feeling in those who grew up in the 80s and those who didn’t.
3. The Sound of Music
Everyone at some point has snuggled in with their family, and watched this masterpiece of a movie. The movie showcases themes of love and family, not to mention the references to ”brown paper packages” and ”snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes” in the song ‘My Favorite Thing’ which Maria sings to cheer the children up.
4. The Holiday
This classic holiday movie focuses more on the love and friendships created throughout rather than the Christmas aspect of it all. In fact, the title ‘The Holiday’ refers to the travel vacations the two main characters played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz take, when they swap houses. No movie is more perfect than this one.
5. Mean Girls
A popular among Millenials and Gen Zs alike, Mean Girls is a fun light-hearted movie about the hardships of high school in America. The movie had to make the list due to its iconic scene when the Plastics perform ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ for the school.
6. Coming to America
Apart from it being set during the winter time, this comedy is bound to get the whole family laughing with Eddie Murphy’s hilarious role. Although there is nothing Christmas-y about it, Coming to America is a great movie to watch when you just need a good laugh.
7. You’ve Got Mail
This one isn’t just a quintessential rom-com, but it can also be considered a Christmas movie. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more magical and unrealistic than the happy endings portrayed in a romantic comedy.
8. Anastasia
An animated movie both kids and adults love alike. Whilst again it’s not a Christmas movie, it incorporates the perfect amount of nostalgia, perfect music, and breath-taking scenes to make you feel right at home. The musical fantasy follows Anastasia as she sets off to discover her true heritage as a princess, living every girl’s dream.
9. Little Women
Any adaptation of this story will do just fine. So whether you’re watching Saoirse Ronan (2019), Winona Ryder (1994) or Elizabeth Taylor (1949) on screen, you will feel the comfort that emanates from these movies and characters. The fighting between the sisters is relatable but their love for one another is much more.
Any movie which feels like a comfort movie can pass as a Christmas Movie because that is what Christmas is all about. Who cares about family dinners, or baby Jesus? All you need is comfort food, a comfortable sofa or bed, and a comfort movie.
What movies will you be watching this Christmastime?
READ NEXT: 7 Really Last Minute Secret Santa Gift Ideas
