The pandemic may be impact many of our family traditions this holiday season, but perhaps we might be able to offer some classic holiday flicks for them to watch. There are so many different movies that qualify for “tis the season,” but there are a handful of films that still have the ability to resonate, whether finding ways to your heart with wonderful storytelling or simply making you laugh by seeing the bad guys have a big fall.

Let’s take a look at some of the movies available on a variety of streaming services, so you and your family can relax and sink into some loveable holiday cheer.

Home Alone & Home Alone 2 (a.k.a. It Happened Twice?)

They are the greatest screams in cinema, and they’re not even remotely close to the horror genre. Home Alone (1) and 2, featuring Macaulay Culkin, are the films that keep giving. There are plenty of painful falls, paint can-smashed faces, and amazingly hilarious screams, and when you put it all together, it’s the exact type of holly jolly fun we need in our lives.

If anything, both films emphasize the notion that kids might enjoy being alone, but at the end of the day, there’s the realization of what family truly means: appreciating the goodness of being with those we love. In these most tumultuous times, we all deserve a fantastic laugh or two.

Both movies, along with Home Alone 3, are available on Disney+.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Have you ever believed in doing something that was right and good? What if that dream turned upside down and you felt the unfathomable pressure of failure? This movie provides an important message that our lives do matter, as our main character eventually questions his life on the edge of a bridge.

The classic holiday film featuring James Stewart and Donna Reed depict the struggles of a small-town family, while also emphasizing that sometimes we don’t always see the “wonderful life” we might already have. This movie generates many feelings amongst its characters, including falling in love, anger, hopelessness, and an overwhelming sense of fighting the good fight against a despicable bigwig in town. It’s a Wonderful Life also highlights the belief of providing a public service for people who need it, leaving you with a profound sense of good feelings by the time the film ends.

This movie, in original black and white or color, is currently available for free on Amazon Prime for its members.

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) is a classic tale where the whole family gets to watch Kris Kringle lay the smackdown on an infuriating nuisance. Despite highlighting that we’re all flawed, this movie highlights the one thing we all might search for around the holiday season (this year especially): something to believe in.

This film about the real Santa Claus is one that will even let the adults find hope and remember that maybe it’s not so bad to believe in something – even if it’s ole Saint Nick. Who knows, maybe it’s worth watching just to find that special feeling where we all believed in Santa Claus? I know I still do.

Miracle on 34th Street is available on Disney+.

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special

Some families might enjoy rewatching any of the Star Wars franchise during the holiday season, but a new special is available for kids to enjoy. This new animated addition to the Force is less than an hour in duration, so it’s a quick play for parents who might want to introduce their kids to a galaxy far, far away for the first time.

LEGO is a wonderful, kid-friendly option when it comes to animated films, which means it’s a great way to feature some of Star Wars’ favorite characters.

The Holiday Special is available on Disney+.

The Grinch and How the Grinch Stole Christmas

If you’re looking for a few different takes on the original classic, then you and your kids will enjoy the live-action and animated versions of the best holiday character – the Grinch. Trying to steal Christmas has never seemed as enjoyable when watching a green, furry character with a budding dog as a sidekick.

The Grinch and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are perfect for ridiculous amounts of laughter for families to sit back and enjoy together. Kids get to watch and get a sense of always believing in others and the power of giving. Despite being the grinchiest of Grinches, even our worst days can be turned around.

Both movies are currently available on Netflix.

DreamWorks Holiday Classics

This 2011 holiday gem is a recent addition to our viewing schedule with our kids. They laughed steadily through the various stories, which included the lovable characters from Madagascar, Shrek, and the How to Train Your Dragon family.

This short film includes four stories, and it’s a perfect nightcap for parents to enjoy with their kids, but be warned that they might immediately ask for more or to play it again.

The DreamWorks Holiday Classics is currently available on Netflix.

All of the Christmas Caroling

If you love the classic story of A Christmas Carol, Disney has several options for you and the kids to enjoy. Each one presents its own kind of charm, while presenting the everlasting message of it never being too late to change and helping others in times of great need.

A Christmas Carol features Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, and Colin Firth. The Muppet Christmas Carol features favorites like Kermit, Miss Piggy, and, of course, Michael Caine. Mickey’s Christmas Carol was a personal favorite when I was a kid, where kids can enjoy all of the beloved Disney characters as they get entangled within the tales of Christmas past, present, and future.

All three films are available on Disney+.

What are your favorite holiday movies to dive into? What did I miss? Let me know in the comments below, or head over to Facebook or Twitter to share your thoughts over there. As always, don’t forget to like this post and share with all of your geeky friends.

Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.