Top Five Classic American Movies for The Holidays

If there's one thing the past two years have taught you, it's that there are actually lots you can do indoors. Even during the holiday season where you'll normally go out to shop, eat out, and visit family and friends, the power of the internet has made it easier for you to just stay at home. And while the world seems to be getting back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic, it's still safer to celebrate Christmas at home. But what should you do this year? Watch a classic movie. There's nothing like an old vintage film to really get you feeling the holiday spirit. Here are a few good ones!

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' is one of the most popular Christmas carols ever. Yet thanks to the many artists who have released their own renditions and performances over the years, the world has forgotten who popularized the song in the first place. This iconic holiday tune actually came from the 1944 film, 'Meet Me in St. Louis.' Judy Garland, who plays Esther Smith in the movie, sang it to her little sister, Tootie (played by Margaret O'Brien) when the latter got depressed about having to leave St. Louis for New York. It was a memorable scene for a truly heart-warming family movie that's perfect for the holidays. Source: Movieclips Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

If you were to ask which movie Americans would likely watch on Christmas, most would say it's the 1946 fantasy drama, 'It's A Wonderful Life.' This iconic flick stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a depressed husband and father who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve after having given up on his dreams. Before could do himself in, however, a second-class angel named Clarence Odbody appears to Bailey and shows him just how much he means to others around him. As far as heart-warming holiday flicks are concerned, this Hollywood classic takes the cake! Source: Movieclips Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

A year after 'It's a Wonderful Life' premiered, another holiday movie would also tug at people's heartstrings. The 1947 dramedy, 'Miracle On 34th Street,' is the kind of jolly, hilarious, and romantic flick that's perfect for Christmas. Set in New York City, between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, the movie tells the story of how good ol' Kris Kringle went from being a mythical figure who lived in the North Pole to working as a department store Santa Clause working at Macy's the famous retail behemoth on the titular 34th street. With a twist like this, who wouldn't laugh out loud at the screen? Source: Movieclips Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

If you grew up in the 20th century or you still reached the time when VHS was still a thing, you've probably watched the 1964 holiday TV special, 'Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.' At a time when Disney movies were dominating the cinemas, the American production company Videocraft International, Ltd. decided to release their own animated flick for TV instead, just in time for Christmas. This eye-catching stop animated special tells the story of Rudolph, Santa's most famous and lead reindeer, and how he grew up from being bullied for his red-nose to become the first-in-line when pulling Santa's sleigh. Source: Nick - The Young Historian YouTube Channel

The Sound of Music (1967)

Though it's not exactly a movie with any holiday themes, the family-oriented nature of the iconic 1967 movie musical, 'The Sound of Music,' is definitely a must-watch for this particular season. Since Christmas is all about coming together and spending time with your loved ones, wouldn't a story about a young free-spirited noviciate who becomes a governess of a noble Austrian family with seven kids and a stern dad and fills their lives with music and smiles be perfect? It's even become a tradition for TV stations to show this flick during this time of the year, so much so that the movie's memorable musical numbers almost rival Christmas carols! Source: Movieclips Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

There's truly nothing like watching a classic American movie, especially during the holiday season. Some of the most heart-warming movies that are perfect for this time of year are those that premiered a good many decades ago and stood the test of time.

One of the best things to do this Christmas is to cozy up with your loved ones as you watch any of these classic Hollywood holiday films in your luxury home!