Children's Christmas Films + Shows That We Secretly Love!

Do you know those moments of pure joy when you watch a movie and feel like your carefree, childish self again? Yeah, that's my favourite kind of feeling! As annoying as children's movies and programs can sometimes be, I can't help but have my own list of personal favourites 😅 I bet I'm not the only parent who has these Christmasy kids' must watchs' "that we secretly love!" The movies and programs that we insist on watching even if the kids aren't that bothered. I don't know what it is but trust me; I'm not proud of it. I usually just blame it on the catchy music, the wholesome warmth of nostalgia, and the fact that they distract me from my overflowing mental to-do list.

Here are some of my Christmasy guilty pleasures:

Elf, 2003 🧝🏻

SAAANNNTTAAAA!!!! If you haven't seen this movie, then where have you been! Every year it's on top of my list and a classic to get me into the festive spirit. It's pretty much a holiday tradition in my family, with or without the kids! It's silly, light-hearted, annoying, and just the perfect mix of singalong tunes. The movie is based on an orphan baby boy named Buddly who sneaks into Santa's sack of presents and is then raised by elves! He eventually realises that he's human and goes off to find his father in the big old concrete jungle AKA New York. P.s. this movie has one of the best snowball fights I've ever seen!

Hey Duggee - Christmas Episode and Song 🎄

I am yet to meet a child who doesn't love Duggee, and it feels like he and the squirrels are a part of the family now! This program is always on TV and, to be honest, I don't mind it. As funny as it might seem, this gem of a program is more for me than my little one 😂 I'm obsessed! I've pretty much watched all of the episodes and can recite some if I have to. The Christmasy Duggee is ideal for all family members, however big or small; it has a special place in my heart for the festive season. It's loud, musical, funny and totally bonkers. So lookout for the catchy Christmas song called Hey Duggee – Jingle Bells and an episode for the festive season called Hey Duggee – The Christmas Badge.

The polar express, 2004 🚂

All aboard! This magical Christmasy train where "a doubting young boy (who) takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, (and) embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe". Ahhh, I can't help but want a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows as I read that sentence. This movie has so many hidden meanings; it teaches you and your family that:

• Seeing isn't always believing; the magic is from within.

• All you need is to believe in yourself, and then anything can be possible.

• Hot chocolate makes everything better!

• You need to learn to step out of your comfort zone to get to where you want to be, don't be afraid to take the first step.

• Friends can come in all different shapes and sizes, and that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

The Santa Clause Movies - 1994, 2002, 2006 🎅🏼

I cannot and will not pick one, and you can't make me do it! If you want to watch these movies you have to watch all of them and in order from the first one release to the last. If you can't tell already, I'm a huge fan and obviously very passionate about the Santa clause movies; why wouldn't I be? They make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, it's a bit of a flashback to all the memories of watching them every year growing up. A divorced businessman who accidentally kills Santa Clause and now needs to fit himself into his boots whilst juggling dadhood duties. It's truly magical; you've got to see it to believe it. My best lesson learned from this movie is that sometimes we need to let go of the plan we've created in our heads and just go with the moment to truly enjoy the ride.

Shrek The Halls 💚

Merry Christmas, Shrek!!! This movie is a whole new take on the holidays - a perfect depiction of how hard Christmas can be for families; it's absolute chaos! from the in-laws to the kids, the food, and everything in between. Shrek The Halls walk us through the "no so perfect Christmas" and shows us the amount of pressure we put onto ourselves to have everything perfect, that sometimes we forget to enjoy the process. I still remember the quote from Donkey "Christmas ain't Christmas 'till somebody cries" 😂 "A smelly Christmas to all, and to all a gross night!".

Dr. Seuss - The Grinch, 2018 🚫

It's not your typical Christmas movie, but it'll bring a tear to your eye towards the end! The latest animated version of a not so Christmasy grumpy treasure; voiced over by Benedict Cumberbatch. Last Christmas, I probably watched it 3 or 4 times; yup, that's just how we roll when you have a toddler with his favourites. I've seen the other Grinch movies, but this one most definitely takes the cake because it's fantastic from the graphics, the script, the jokes and EVERYTHING! If you haven't seen it, please go and add it to your list. The best part is that Grinch isn't portrayed as a horrible, mean, evil and vile character but actually as someone who needs love and didn't have any growing up 💔

That's all I've got for now. But we'd love to know what movies and programs you'd recommend for Christmas. So, please send them our way on the Instagram and Facebook page.

Lots of Christmas cheer,

Himanshi