By Allie Nigro, Online Editor-in-Chief and Daisy Morales, Features Editor

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

The fire was crackling, as quiet as a mouse

Hot cocoa was brewing, as all the kids cheer

Ready to watch a movie before Santa was near

Between “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Polar Express,” we all have memories of sitting down on the couch watching Christmas movies. Through the years we have watched classics over and over, while discovering new favorites that will soon become tradition.   

To start, in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” premiered on American television. The Christmas special featured Charlie Brown as he embarked on the search for the real meaning of Christmas.  

Viewers loved it, as it went on to win an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, and was added to the National Recording Registry under the Library of Congress. It was a simple yet fascinating story of Christmas. 

Now, more than 50 years later, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues to be a classic staple in almost every American household. Every year, children have a good laugh while watching this entertaining Christmas film and adults travel down memory lane. 

As young adults, we love watching a good cartoon once in a while, and what better cartoon than a classic featuring Snoopy and Charlie Brown. 

In 1990, “Home Alone” was released and became the second-highest grossing film of the year. The original movie tells the story of Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy left home alone while the rest of his family heads to the airport for Christmas vacation to Paris.

The bratty 8-year-old is ecstatic to have no parents around, though his excitement turns into an unseen mission when he comes to realize two con-men are planning to rob his home.

The movie became a huge success, and led to six sequels of the original film. Though each tells a unique version of the original plot, none of them will beat the classic.     

Growing up, almost everyone our age has memories of “The Polar Express.” On the last day of school before Christmas break, elementary school teachers would throw Christmas parties with hot cocoa and marshmallows, mimicking the iconic train scene. 

Released in 2004, “The Polar Express” was adapted from the 1985 book (with the same name) written by Chris Van Allsburg. The film follows the story of a young skeptical boy who travels aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole where he discovers that Christmas is for all who believe. 

Every single year, watching “The Polar Express” brings back memories and reminds everyone to keep believing in the magic of the Christmas season. 

We’ve all heard the line, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,” but did you know that this acclaimed classic debuted in 1966? It’s a movie that has not only captivated our generation but past generations as well. 

It is based on the 1957 book written by Dr. Seuss. Three films have been made from this book. The original film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was released in 1966, the live-action adaptation (under the same name) in 2000, and the animated version, “The Grinch” in 2018. 

The plot follows the Grinch, a solitary who is determined to ruin Christmas for the entire town of Whoville. With the help of his loyal dog, Max, he comes up with a malevolent plan to hush the Who’s festivities. 

While many argue that the live-action film is rather creepy, others argue that it charms its audience. Each movie has been received with both praise and hate but whatever the case may be, each film brings a unique perspective. 

Though there’s nothing like the Christmas classics, something different isn’t always a bad thing, and new Christmas films are often overlooked. 

On November 11, “Spirited,” a 2022 Christmas-themed musical comedy film was released. The movie is based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and features actors like Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.

Though the movie is a fairly new release, critics find the movie to either be extremely loved or ruthlessly hated, and there seems to be no in between. 

Whether you watch “The Polar Express” every year, or look forward to new Christmas releases, there’s nothing better than watching a movie during the Christmas season. As stated in “The Polar Express,” “Seeing is believing.” 

Senior Allie Nigro can be reached at [email protected]. 

Senior Daisy Morales can be reached at [email protected].