20/12/2024

Why Do We Love Christmas Movies So Much?

Ah, Christmas movies…

Are you a Grinch or are you, like me, an enthusiastic? If you landed on this post, chances are, you love Christmas movies.

Each year, my daughter and I make a point of watching the most cringing Christmas movie.

Our favorites: Lindsay Lohan’s Christmas movies. I am not allowing this woman to retire. EVER. She’s part of our family tradition. Yes, her films are cheesy, but that’s precisely the point.

These films are like that perfectly wrapped gift you can’t wait to open—even though you already know what’s inside.

But why do we adore those films so much?

Let’s unwrap the magic together and discover the recipe for a truly great Christmas movie.

1. The Comfort of Tradition

Christmas movies are as much a part of the holidays as twinkling lights and mince pies (if you live the UK).

Think of Home Alone. Every year, millions of us watch Kevin outsmart the Wet Bandits (again) and still laugh like it’s the first time. Partly because Home Alone is brilliantly made. These films become part of our family traditions, anchoring us in nostalgia and giving us that warm, fuzzy feeling.

2. The Perfect Setting

I don’t know about you, but for me, snow-covered streets, cozy fires, and twinkling lights—Christmas movies transport us to a world where everything feels magical.

Even the smallest town becomes enchanting in a Hallmark movie!

I’m not a fan of Hallmark movies, but I secretly dream to live my life in one. It’s like stepping into a holiday card where everyone is kind, the hot chocolate is always steaming, and it’s okay to eat something that will make you gain weight.

3. The Theme of Redemption

Whether it’s Buddy the Elf helping New York believe in Santa, or Scrooge rediscovering the meaning of Christmas, these stories remind us that people can change. It’s a reminder of hope, love, and second chances. It’s just a shame that none of us can hold that feeling throughout the whole year…

4. A Dash of Humor

What’s Christmas without a little laughter?

Elf delivers iconic moments like Buddy jumping on the Christmas tree or enthusiastically yelling “Santa!” at the department store.

Or the legendary Christmas episode of Mr.Bean. Each year I watch it and each year it makes me laugh.

I can’t resist to put a link for this episode, it’s a classic:

And Gremlins? It takes the holiday chaos to the next level, like when the mischievous creatures wreak havoc while singing Christmas carols.

And I could go on and on all day, but my point is these movies remind us to embrace the imperfections of the season and therefore, our imperfections.

5. Romance… Cringe and All

Okay, to be honest, in real life, I’m very cynical when it comes to romance. So when my co-writer, Fiona Faith Ross, told me earlier this year that we would write a Christmas movie with a romance, I almost fell off my chair.

How can you write a Christmas movie without talking about love? Christmas is a romantic time. And no one knows this better than Hallmark. There’s always a snowball fight, a near-miss kiss under the mistletoe, and an epiphany that true love was there all along.

Sure, romantic Christmas comedies can be a bit cringe. The predictability, the over-the-top declarations, the cheesy montages… we’ve seen it all. But somehow, that’s also part of their charm.

Whether it’s Hugh Grant dancing through 10 Downing Street in Love Actually or two strangers snowed in together falling head over heels, these moments remind us to embrace the season’s unapologetic cheesiness.

After all, isn’t that what the holidays are about?

6. A Sprinkle of Magic

Christmas movies are about MAGIC.

After all, Christmas is about believing in things you can’t always see—whether it’s flying reindeer streaking across the night sky, the unseen hands that make miracles happen during the holidays, or the quiet magic of a stranger’s kindness at just the right moment.

These films remind us to trust in the intangible, to hold onto wonder, and to keep our hearts open to the unexpected joys that the season can bring.

7. The Happy Ending

Let’s face it: life can be stressful, and the holidays are no exception.

A Christmas movie guarantees us one thing—a happy ending.

No matter how much conflict, chaos, or Gremlin-induced mayhem, everything wraps up in a big, shiny bow.

And isn’t that what we all want during this time of year?

So, What’s the Recipe?

A good Christmas movie has:

A heartwarming story
A sprinkle of magic
Some humor and chaos
A dash of romance (even if it’s a little cringey)
A guarantee that everything will be okay in the end

It’s no wonder we keep coming back for more. These movies are the cinematic equivalent of comfort food: predictable, delightful, and satisfying every time.

So whether you’re a Hallmark superfan or a Die Hard die-hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie!), let yourself indulge in the joy of the season.

After all, Christmas movies remind us what the holidays are really about: connection, love, and a little bit of magic.