Mumsnet Talk

I am thinking of showing a film for my family (children in particular) on Christmas Eve (not a revolutionary idea I know!) as a harmless, anticipation building and lovely evening's activity for everyone.

I was thinking of Polar Express as I keep hearing and reading about others mentioning that film as a bit of a Christmas tradition (I haven't seen it but did read the plot on wiki!)

Anyway, my question is, is this an appropriate film for my children (aged just 2 and 3.4 but granted 2yo won't really pay attention for the whole thing anyway!) to get them all excited but not raise any weirdness about Father Christmas' existence?! Do you know what I mean? Basically, my babies are too young to even have a thought in their heads about FC not being real so should I show a film that's a "keep the magic and believe" type storyline or would that whole thing go over their heads anyway?

Any thoughts - or suggestions for a.n.other films that you think are lovely Christmas-y family classics?

Thanks for your help!

I and my Dcs 4 and 5 didnt like the film at all. It is magical but a bit scary in places. TBH I didnt really get it. Prob too old for your little ones.
I'm interested to see other suggestions cos we do the same as you and have film times, tho not on Christmas eve!

We went to see Arthur Christmas last year at the cinema and it was very good, would be lovely on Xmas eve.

Agree re Arthur Christmas.

Or Nativity (we're hoping to see Nativity 2 as a family at cinema on Christmas Eve).

for the little ones - muppet christmas carol

for the adults - national lampoons christmas vacation

What about:
Santa Buddies
Elf
Robbie the Reindeer (??)
The Santa Clause

Thanks for responses so far - a friend of mine here (I live abroad hence ideas for Christmas Eve that'll get us all Chrismassy as I live somewhere both hot and not a Christian country) suggested it too. Might check out Arthur Christmas.....

I thought a family film before bed and bath etc might be nice (and yes, I am stealing a pyjamas and film idea from Mumsnet as some sort of Christmas tradition!) Bear in mind my children go to bed pretty early so there is still a whole evening left for adults to get drunk in the Christmas spirits Or at least do their wrapping!!

Thanks so far - any other suggestions gratefully received

Oooo - more suggestions! Thanks everyone - isn't Mumsnet fab?

my kids are older now, we have gone through the Home Alone years etc. We are having Planes, Trains and automobiles

We have done National Lampoons and Christmas with the cranks (that was not as funny as I remember it being!)

My kids will be watching Merry Madagascar this year....

last year my children then aged 4 and nearly 2 sat and watched the whole of The snowman, I think it was the music that held their attention .

For their ages I would say you can't beat The Snowman.

Another vote for The Snowman.

Started doing this with the dc about 5 years ago and it has become a family tradition - even though they are much older now, they still love it.

Good idea about The Snowman. There's also a Father Christmas written by the same guy. Is it Raymond Briggs?

Yes I don't think you could beat The Snowman for that age group.

It was our Christmas Eve film when the DDs were young.

Home Alone
Scrooge - with Albert Finney
Jingle All The Way - crappy Arnie film, my dds love it
Twice Upon a Christmas - Disney animated

The Snowman would be perfect for the age group.

I have ordered Arthur Christmas as I live abroad too and missed it last year.

My DS is 7 now, but he did enjoy the Snowman, and all the Disney Mickey mouse and Scrooge McDuck films.

Also "Buddies" Disney films - Snowbuddies, Santabuddies etc...

I totally agree with National Lampoons Christmas Vacation for adults and older Dc. I love that film, I watch it every time its on!
My DS love the Home Alone films, in fact they think McCauly Kulkins name is actually 'home alone'.

This is a fab thread for ideas. Cheers!

How on Earth could I have forgotten about The Snowman?!?!
Lovely idea and yes I remember he has written a Father Christmas one too....I think I might be sold on those ones!
Now just to find a DVD copy that can be discovered with the new PJs in the Christmas Eve "hamper"!!!

Thanks everyone - I am glad some ideas have been shared here for others too

Merry Christmas all!

I've got my dc the Mickey Mouse Christmas dvds the past couple of years and they have really enjoyed them. This year I have ordered a Winnie The Pooh Christmas dvd for Christmas Eve and though they are now 4 and 6 I'm pretty sure they'll enjoy it.

Ooooo - Winnie the Pooh. My DS (the 3yo) has just watched a WtP and liked it so that is also an idea - thank-you

Will Nativity 2 still be at the cinema on Christmas Eve ?
It's released a whole month before, seems a tad early

I'm taking the DC tomorrow while DH is that the gym. I'll report back

I hope so - Arthur Christmas certainly was last year .... and it was out for ages too.

If not I'll have to think of a different plan

I always like The Grinch that Stole Christmas myself (the original animated version, not Jim Carrey...)

I also didn't get the polar express and dds aged 5&7 hated it!

Snowman, Arthur Xmas, muppets Xmas carol etc for that age

I love miracle on 34th street, elf, barbie a perfect Xmas, home alone, snow dogs