U of A's Favourite Christmas Movies

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Holiday movies: often nostalgic, relentlessly heartwarming, and for many of us, deeply entrenched in holiday traditions. Like carols in department stores and the Eggnog Latte, these films are harbingers of the holiday season - they rekindle our festive spirit.

To celebrate the final days before winter break, we've compiled some favourite holiday movies from around the U of A. While far from exhaustive, the list should at least keep your second monitor occupied though the remainder of this week (just kidding).

Did your favourite film make the list?

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"An homage to the Rankin Bass Christmas specials of my youth, this wonderful movie starring Will Ferrell is the perfect mix of heart and humour. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

- Andrew Grabia, Social Media Manager, University RelationsAndrew Grabia, Social Media Manager, University Relations

"I would have to say Elf (with a nod to A Charlie Brown Christmas for the music and the claymation Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). I never get tired of the four main elf food groups, and, like Buddy, smiling is my favorite."

- Amy Dambrowitz, Assistant Dean (Administration), Faculty of Graduate Studies & ResearchAmy Dambrowitz, Assistant Dean (Administration), Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research

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"I think it's a tie between Die Hard (natch!) and The Muppet Christmas Carol. What does that say about me? That Christmas isn't Christmas without a movie featuring an older, crotchety English* gentlemen, I guess. The songs are way catchier in 'Christmas Carol,' though."

*English/English-pretending-to-be-German

- Ahna MacLeod, Digital Communications Associate, Faculty of Science (Office of the Dean)
Ahna MacLeod, Digital Communications Associate, Faculty of Science (Office of the Dean)

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"I love the original Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas circa 1966. I grew up watching this classic every Christmas and it never grows old! Dr. Seuss is my favourite storyteller and this version brings his book to life with the dramatic over-exaggerated voices and the cinematic expressive music. His stories always rekindle my childhood belief in magic and tickle my imagination."

- Sarah Bowes, Communications Coordinator, University of Alberta International
Sarah Bowes, Communications Coordinator, University of Alberta International

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"I love it - gets me in the holiday spirit every time. Whimsical, melancholy, and full of wonder - it just wouldn't be Christmas without this classic festive delight, which helps remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas."

- Kally Basra, Executive Coordinator, Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)Kally Basra, Executive Coordinator, Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

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"My all-time favorite Christmas movie is Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas'. It's a classic movie that has been my favorite since I was a little girl. When I hear Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney sing 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas' … for me I know Christmas is just around the corner."

- Charlotte Padilla, Information Coordinator, Office of the President
Charlotte Padilla, Information Coordinator, Office of the President

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"During the Holidays, there is always a moment that one wishes to be alone, especially when family visits, and having the whole house to yourself would inspire jumping on the bed like Kevin did. I mostly like all the little traps that Kevin sets for the unsuspecting thieves…I share the same craftiness."

- Trevor Horbachewsky, Graphic Designer, Marketing and CommunicationsTrevor Horbachewsky, Graphic Designer, Marketing and Communications

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"Not meant to be taken too seriously, this cozy British comedy is a compilation of awkward, silly, and bittersweet love stories around Christmastime. The sound track is fun and the actors charming as they bumble along through the unknown. Maybe I'm just happy to have my heart-strings pulled at this time of year? Best enjoyed in pjs with a glass of wine."

- Cosette Lemelin, Educational Developer, Centre for Teaching and LearningCosette Lemelin, Educational Developer, Centre for Teaching and Learning

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"My husband and I have been watching "It's a Wonderful Life" every year for as long as we have been together (a long time.) For me, it is a point of reflection on how life's path doesn't always take you where you thought it would, but that doesn't make it the wrong path. And, I liked Clarence - a very irreverent Angel."

- Darlene Bryant, Initiatives Lead, University RelationsDarlene Bryant, Initiatives Lead, University Relations

Didn't see your favourite movie on the list? Let us know in the comments so we can rectify this blasphemy.