Top Ten Movies For Christmas ~ Episode 509 What movies make it to your top ten movies for Christmas? I wonder if our lists are similar. In this podcast, I will share my favorite movies and how I use them to teach deeper truths. As my children say, "Mom can make anything into school!" Hurry, our offer won't last. Get our Advent Calendar, with Scripture verses and suggestions for notes from Mom and Dad all 24 days leading up to Christmas. When you think of movies, you may have a particular type, mainly as Hallmark has monopolized the Christmas movie theme over the years. They have Christmas in July, Christmas countdown, and Christmas movies all day. But my list only contains two Hallmark movies, both oldies. There are different reasons we think of movies as favorites. One of them is while entertaining, they contain an element of truth. You may enjoy these podcasts: Christmas Final Touches Last Minute Christmas Gifts Characterization and acting are other important factors. As my children grew older, our movie list changed. When my first two children were little the staples were limited to It's a Wonderful Life, the Charlie Brown Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman. Only one of those movies now makes it to my top ten. Christmas Movie Personal Preference If you asked my kids, they'd add Home Alone to the list. As a mom, I can not watch that movie. All I could focus on was that they left their kid behind. I panicked with the mom frantically trying to get home and irritated with the uncle who wanted to stay and enjoy Paris! My favorite part was the great scene at the end when the mom and son are reunited, and then everyone comes home. Also, Die Hard is not a Christmas movie for all teens and young adults, contrary to making it on many top ten lists! So, what makes it to my top ten list? * It must have a heartfelt message. * The spirit of Christmas, or the true meaning of Christmas (which, as Christians, we know is Jesus Christ) permeates the film. * Family is essential, if not a central theme. * Giving of self for others. * Entertaining As I share my top ten movies for Christmas, let me first share ones that did not make the list but are family favorites: A Boyfriend for Christmas. We enjoy it for entertainment's sake, but I am not a big fan of Santa Claus as "real" in any form...I know, don't hate me. But we find it funny, so it is on our top watch list. It also has family as a central focus and good characterization. I'll Be Home For Christmas -- sappy but funny. The kids see the problems cheaters get into, and the consequences, while funny, are serious for this young man. As the movie progresses, he changes for the better, and the children can see the growth. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer -- yes, another Santa movie, but who doesn't love that the misfit toys get a home? The old movies focused on helping all those less fortunate without turning it into something ugly or politically correct. This movie shows that it can be done in a way we all embrace.   Top Ten Movies For Christmas Countdown: 10. Miracle of 34th Street  - yes, Santa is depicted as "real", but I love the idea of family here, and the spirit of Christmas, love, and joy (which comes from Christ permeates this film.) I spoke to my children about the parallel of believing and the importance of prayer. The blessing, something the child wished for,