Types of Christmas Movies - Shannon Furgeson

        There's no doubt it, Christmas is much lousier without watching Christmas-themed movies. Whether you're watching one of the many Grinch movies or The Nightmare Before Christmas (which probably should be categorized as a Halloween movie but because it has the word "Christmas" in it, I'll let it slide), you'll definitely be enjoying the holiday spirit! But I think what type of movie you watch really says a lot about you! Are you an animation fiend? Or maybe a classic family junkie? Perhaps a Hallmark lover? Maybe all of the above?  

        If you like movies like Prep & Landing, The Grinch (the one produced by illumination), Frosty the Snowman, or the Polar Express, you're definitely someone who loves animation (if it wasn't obvious already), but you've most likely got a "kid at heart" spirit! The adventure and fast pace story definitely keep you entertained! These movies include special themes (especially Christmas peace and love-oriented) that are easy to grasp while also being entertained!   

        You might have seen one or two of the Christmas specials, even though they're probably older than you! They are definitly underrated, and for being short little glimpses of Christmas, they are spectacular! From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and (my all time favorite) The Year Without a Santa Claus, there's a lot to see! These movies might be older than your parents, but they are definitly enjoyable none the less! If these movies are your favorite, you're probably someone who wants to be in the christmas spirit, but doesn't have much time to do it!  

        If you're like me, you grew up watching movies like National Lampoons Chrismas Vacation, It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and A Christmas Story! These fall into the category of what I like to call the "Dad Movies." These are some of my dad's favorite movies of all time, and for good reason! These are classic christmas family movies with hard core lessons in them. Although they might be a little comedic, they are great for the whole family!  

        And last but not least, probably the best category of them all, the "Hallmark" movies! Whether you watch these silly films on the Hallmark chanel, Lifetime, or even Netflix (they came out with some really good ones this year!), you'll be charmed! These movies always have the same "recipe," and if you've seen enough of them (like I have) you can predict the outcome and pretty much the entire plot before you get 10 minutes in! You'll most likely find words like "Christmas," "Love," "Holdiay," "Wedding," "Country," "Mistletoe" or even "Prince" (the ones where the protagonist is secretly a dashing prince that falls in love with a small town country girl are the best ones, I'm just saying)! If you like watching these films, it's easy to say you're a cheesy romatic with a big heart!  

        No matter what movie you watch or category you pick from, it's all about getting into the holiday spirit, and being able to watch festive movies with your loved ones.