Submitted Report
For many families, a simple but enjoyable holiday tradition is to watch a Christmas movie or TV show. In 2011, “What To Do With The Kids” polled its followers and asked them to list the top Christmas or holiday movies or TV specials for the whole family. Two years later, the website asked its followers again.
The results show some surprising shifts in popularity, including some of the “classic” holiday movies.
Ron Howard’s “The Grinch” went from honorable mention to a tie for number six faster than a runaway sled pulled by a little dog while “A Christmas Story” was shot off the list (by a BB gun) all together.
Editor’s note: “A Christmas Story” is still the best holiday movie of all time. The list is wrong.
Black and white movies are now out. Many parents said once the movie started, their children complain about the lack of color. Many families said that although they enjoyed watching the old black and white movies in past years, they have very little appeal today.
The Frank Capra classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” dropped from second to third place while “Miracle on 34th Street” dropped to eighth place from 2011.
Animated features are as popular, but many families said they bought DVD or Blue Ray versions of those holiday favorites.
Most respondents said they still get the family together to watch at least one holiday movie.
Top 10 Family Christmas/Holiday Movie or Television Shows for 2013:
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966 – Animated) – (#1 in 2011)
“The Polar Express” (2004 – Animated) – (#8 in 2011)
“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946) – (#2 in 2011)
“Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” (1964 – Animated) – (#6 in 2011)
“Elf” (2004) – (Not ranked in 2011)
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965 – Animated) – (#4 in 2011)
“The Santa Clause” (1994) – (Not ranked in 2011)
“Frosty the Snowman” (1969 – Animated) – (#7 in 2011)
“The Grinch” (2000) – (Not ranked in 2011)
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) – (#5 in 2011)
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) – (#8 in 2011)
“A Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992) – (#10 in 2011)
Movies that are no longer on the list:
“A Christmas Story” (1983) – (#3 in 2011
“A Christmas Carol” (1951) – (#5 in 2011)
“White Christmas” (1954) – (#7 in 2011)
“Home Alone” (1990) – (#9 in 2011)
What To Do With The Kids® is the website that adults go to when they want to know what to do with their kids. Find ideas at www.whattodowiththekids.com.
