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Although there are countless Christmas movies that are appropriate for family viewing, the best ones are those that everyone in the family can enjoy for different reasons. One such movie is "A Charlie Brown Christmas." For the older generation, this movie will bring back memories of a simpler time when the holiday season was about more than shopping. When watching the Peanuts, I feel like I am sharing a part of my own childhood with my kids. When I hear my children giggling at Snoopy's antics, I know they are having as much fun watching him as I did when I was a wee one. For the same nostalgic reasons I enjoy sharing old animated classics like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with my kids.

Another excellent choice for the family to share is the movie "Elf," starring Will Ferrell as the adopted elf Buddy who leaves the North Pole to find his real father in New York City. This movie is silly enough for the little ones to enjoy while at the same time injecting adult humor in a way that is not crass or corrupting for the children. The main character's enthusiasm for Christmas and all its trappings is infectious. Viewers cannot help feeling a little more excited about the holiday season themselves when they see Buddy's glee at all things Christmas. Also, Bob Newhart is a great straight man to Ferrell's manic character, playing Buddy's adoptive elf father.

"Miracle on 34th Street" is another Christmas film that is great for the whole family. Although there have been remakes, the original 1947 black and white version is the best. Not only did that version have the quintessential Santa, but who could ever top Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara in the key female roles? And speaking of classic characters, another can't miss family film for the holidays is "It's a Wonderful Life." Jimmy Stewart's desperate performance as a man at the end of his rope is one that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. The hopeful message of the film, and the lesson about what is really important in life is one that is not lost even on young children.

So the next time the weather outside is frightful, light the fire, make some cocoa, and enjoy one of these holiday movies with the kids.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Doherty.
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