12 days of Christmas; 12 days of movies

By G. Castilha

For this holiday season, us lions are planning on enjoying relaxing festivities. A festive and entertaining idea we’ve come upon is watching twelve different movies for the twelve days of Christmas. Here’s a curation of movies to watch in these days leading up to the holidays.

Day 1: Home Alone
Starting off with a classic, here’s a well loved movie from 1990’s which will most likely raise comedic relief during this holiday season. Starring young Macaulay Culkin, Home Alone portrays a mischievous 8 year old child named Kevin who’s left alone at home when his family leaves for a trip. Kevin is now willing to do anything and everything in order to protect his home from danger whilst also enjoying the freedom of having no one around…


Day 2: Miracle on 34th street (1994)
This Christmas movie tells the tale of a skeptical six-year-old whom, along with a lawyer, must prove that a certain man claiming to be Santa Claus is truthful and actually who he says he is.


Day 3: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Based on a Dr Seuss’ book, this marvellous film tells the story of the revenge-seeking Grinch, living on the edge of a town called Whoville. Planning on stopping Christmas, a sweet girl named Cindy Lou tries her best in persuading him into the magic of the holiday, instead of otherwise stealing it.


Day 4: A Christmas Carol (Scrooge) (2009)
Scrooge, a miserable old man who despises Christmas, is taken on a spiritual self-redemption journey by 3 ghosts in order to become a better and happier person.


Day 5: The Polar Express
This animation picture from 2004 is one which I grew up watching. It depicts a young boy who’s invited to travel aboard the Polar Express – a mysterious holiday train headed to the North Pole, where the boy along with other children will be able to meet Santa Claus.


Day 6: Unaccompanied Minors
What happens when five teenagers are left alone in an airport on Christmas Eve? Chaos. This movie will surely bring you laughter, joy and certainly a splash of Christmas cheer.


Day 7: The Holiday
This movie captures the lives of two different women living across the world from each other. The pair are complete opposites, but funnily enough share the commonality of being susceptible to failed romantic relationships. For the holiday season, they settle upon switching houses and are up to a dramatic turn of events. This joyous rom-com is perfect for those who love romantic comedies with a special festive twist.


Day 8: Nativity
This underrated British movie is the definition of growing up in a school in England, where most have a nativity play each year. Filled with love, laughter and music, Nativity will melt your hearts. Definitely a must watch!


Day 9: Nutcracker
Countless retellings of this story have been done, however none cease to amaze and impress. This movie tells the tale of a girl who befriends the inanimate Nutcracker, who strangely comes alive and takes her to Candyland – where a battle between the him and the Mouse King takes place.


Day 10: The Santa Clause (1994)
On a typical Christmas day, an ordinary man named Scott accidently causes Santa Claus to fall off his home’s roof. This leads to a series of events where this Scott and his son must finish Santa’s work for him. Amidst toy deliveries, visiting the North Pole, and other Santa affairs, Scott learns that he has to take charge on this holiday job.


Day 11: The Nightmare before Christmas
A Tim Burton movie, A nightmare before Christmas tells the tale of Jack Skellington, Halloween town’s King who stumbles upon the Christmas holiday, which mesmerises him. His enchantment leads to an eccentric turn of events.


Day 12: Elf
Finishing off the twelve days of Christmas with this classic, Elf, tells the story of a man raised as an elf who visits Manhattan in a quest to discover his real father. In a city missing holiday cheer, he’s able to spread his festivities and happiness all around.


Hope you enjoy these movie recommendations and watch them leading up to the holidays. Don’t forget the glass of milk and plate of cookies for S