By: Natasha Archary

Christmas has come to hold different meanings for South Africans who celebrate the day with their own traditions and must-haves. Typically this time of the year is when most “Christmas-sy” movies come out or trend on streaming sites.
Which makes sense because more people are on leave and get to spend time bingewatching movies that have some of the Christmas magic.
Classic Christmas movies are a good way to bond as a family because they spread festive cheer and stay with you long after.
Here’s a Christmas watchlist that transcends age:
The Home Alone series

The franchise that launched Macaulay Culkin’s career, is a series of movies about a little boy who is left behind during the family’s Christmas vacations. When burglars try to break into his house, he has to find inventive ways to keep them out. It’s 90’s comedy at its best.
The Grinch and How the Grinch stole Christmas

Dr Seuss’s beloved classic gets an animated spin with the 2018 adaption that is suitable for all ages. The live-action version from 2000, sees Jim Carrey as the cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas.
The Nutcracker

The popular ballet classic tale had several failed movie attempts, including the 2018 Disney version which didn’t do too well at the box office.
The 1993 feature however, starring Macaulay Culkin is charming theatre full of wonderful holiday tradition. There’s also the 2009 Nutcracker in 3D that should be given a go.
Scrooge

The kids may go on about how old you are after you hit play on the 1970 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 story, A Christmas Carol.
Mean-spirited and stingy, Ebenezer Scrooge learns the terrible fate that awaits him if he continues his miserly ways. Filled with joyous songs, this delightful tale has enriched the lives of young and old alike for generations.
Santa Claus

One of the most popular Santa Claus “origin” stories ever told. Set in the 14th century, this 1985 feature is about a man named Claus (David Huddleston), who delivers toys in his small village to children, and fulfils his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), in the North Pole.
In the present day, Santa Claus has become overwhelmed by his workload, and the disgruntled Patch flees the workshop to New York City.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Closer to the source material than 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is for people who like their Chocolate visually appealing and dark.
Harry Potter

The enchanting world of Harry Potter and his magical friends has been a favourite for young and old audiences for years. Expanding through the book’s universe, the movies offer a bingeworthy series of 7 nailbiting chapters, as Harry finds his powers and confronts “You-know-who”.
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