Our favorite movies (for everyone!)
Every Christmas growing up, we spent the end of the Christmas day watching a movie (or two!). We’d all lie on the floor in the living room with our stockings of candy and sometimes even fall asleep. This tradition is one of my absolute favorites from growing up, and it’s something I’ve started with my little family as well.
The boys are just now getting to a point where they’ll sit and watch a movie for a little while (neither has yet to make it through a complete movie in one sitting – that’s ok!), and Miss Sassy Pants loves just spending time with us even if it’s watching a “dorky” kids’ movie she doesn’t really like.
Math Man and I will likely watch a movie after all of the kids have gone to sleep for the night; and in the past when my younger brother has been in town, he’s joined us and carried on that tradition.
So what are my favorite movies?
Here are my favorite parents-only movies:
Better off Dead – 1985
This movie is my absolute favorite. Is it the best writing, acting, or plot? Probably not. And not everyone recognizes it. But if I say, “I want my two dollars!” would you know this was the movie where it originated? Love it.
Talladega Nights – 2006
Will Ferrell ranks up there as one of my all time favorites. There are very few things he’s been in or created that I’m not absolutely head over heels for. Talladega Nights was his NASCAR movie that is now a classic. I have fond memories of watching this one with my family on a Christmas afternoon — and shocking my mother!
Jurassic World – 2015
Math Man and I just finally watched this movie here at home (we don’t get out much), and it lived up to my expectations. I would recommend it for adults and kids over 13. It has just the right amount of allusions to the original, and you can’t do too much better than Chris Pratt (funny, handsome – you’re with me).
For the whole family:
Madagascar – 2005
Who doesn’t love to dance and “move it move it?” Madagascar is our boys’ favorite movie these days, and it even keeps Miss Sassy Pants engaged. If Baby Diva finds herself in the room at the same time, she does pay attention for a moment or two. The animals and their dancing are funny. One of our family favorites.
Princess Bride – 1987
If you haven’t seen the Princess Bride, chances are you’ve been living under a rock. This is on my list of all time favorites, and it is clean enough for the family to watch. Plus, it has a great message about never giving up!
Movies/Videos for the Younger Crowd
Eggsperts
My kids love Eggsperts. It’s a show about several little creatures who practice their reading skills. The theme song is catchy, and the show is adorable. My boys can really become engulfed in an episode!
Peep and the Big Wide World
Math Man started watching this with the kids before I realized it, and it took me forever to understand Flash when he was asking for “wide woood!” But Peep and the Big Wide World teaches about all the cool and wonderful lessons we have to learn in this world! Miss Sassy Pants will even sit through this show!
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Be sure to visit my friends to learn about some of their traditions or tips for creating your own.
Make Peppermint Creme Sandwich Cookies (oh my yum!) with Baking in a Tornado.
Look at this delicious recipe for Shrimp Thermidor from Someone Else’s Genius. Adding this to my list!
And what a fun family activity! The Liebers has all the info you need for creating a family time capsule. Love!
I need to see these movies. I’m especially intrigued by Better Off Dead. Thank you for filling my down time for this month!
Good choices! Haven’t seen Eggsperts tho.
We like to watch Gremlins, Home Alone, Deck the Halls and older movies. I love watching An Affair to Remember-not really Chritmassy but…it’s a fave to cuddle up to my hubby with the glow of the Christmas lights going. ❤