As the final two weeks of school before our winter break finally comes to an end, winter break is just around the corner. After months of balancing homework, sports, clubs, and rehearsals, sports, clubs, and rehearsals, students are more than ready for the comfort of their homes and the calmness of the Christmas spirit. Whether students are bundling up for long flights to visit family or simply a cozy night on the couch, the season of Christmas wouldn’t feel the same without a classic movie.
Christmas movies have been a beloved part of American culture for nearly a century. The earliest Christmas films, like “A Christmas Carol” premiered in 1901, which helped establish the themes we still see today. As film evolved, so did Christmas cinema, when the 1990s gave us the unforgettable hits such as “Home Alone” and “The Santa Clause”, and today’s generation has added favorites like “Elf” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to the must-watch list.
At AHN, students have strong opinions about which Christmas movies deserve the title of “Best Christmas Movie of All Time.”
“I think the best Christmas movie of all time is the first ‘Home Alone‘ movie,” said Liana Fernandez (‘28).
“Home Alone” is a Christmas Classic, first released in 1990 and has become the most popular Christmas movie of all time ever since. It is a family favorite, channeling what it truly means to be with your family on the holidays, no matter what gets between family members, you never want to second guess what the holidays mean together.
Others prefer the comfort of older classics that have stood the test of time and tradition in their homes that hold memories for them.
“I think the original Jim Carrey’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ is the best Christmas movie because it keeps the Christmas spirit alive and it is such a great tradition in my home,” said Ava Spencer (‘28).
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas“ is a very popular comedy movie released in 2000 staring Jim Carey. The Grinch’s character is all about laughter and what it means to be with your family around the Christmas time, questioning how big your heart is and how full it can be. It is a family favorite that can bring those together for a laugh around the couch, spending those moments together.
Meanwhile, some students embrace the chaotic energy of more modern comedies that take the title of the most popular Christmas movie of all time.
“For my family I think ‘Elf’ is the best Christmas movie because we always watch it on Christmas Eve before we go to bed in our matching pajamas and I love it,” said Bridget Swenson (‘28).
The classic comedic movie “Elf” is based in New York City with laughs from the North Pole to Central Park, meeting new people and new family members, discovering new family to spend the holiday season with. Buddy discovers what Christmas truly means to some people and that no matter what others tell you, the magic is what you believe, seeing isn’t believing.
Teachers at Academy also join in on the holiday movie Spirit. Physical Education teacher Betsy Suskauer said, “For my family, a huge tradition is sitting down and watching the movie ‘The Holiday’, which I think is considered to be one of the best movies of all time.”
Beyond entertainment, Christmas movies play a larger role in shaping how families and communities celebrate the season. Many homes build traditions around annual movie nights, gathering around the tree in their matching pajamas with cookies to settle down with a movie. The themes of kindness continue to bring viewers of all ages together especially during a busy school year when students are eager for something comforting and familiar.
This winter break, no matter where students are headed, they’ll likely be packing their favorite Christmas movies along with their suitcases. And with every laugh, tear, and warm reminder of what the season is truly about, AHN students continue to celebrate the stories that make Christmas time unforgettable.
