The holidays are known for endearing traditions with abundant family time, fun gift exchanges, festive decorations and nearly nonstop feasting high on the list of highlights for many Americans. Another American tradition during the time of year when the weather outside gets frightful and families are looking to spend some quality time inside, is holiday movies.
Whether it is a classic Christmas tale, a long-loved holiday comedy or a new flick celebrating the season on the tinsel- and light-decked block, holiday movies and the season of joy go hand in hand. For seasonal celebrants looking to put some holiday cheer on their big screens this year, here is a selection of five of the most jolly and joyful films coming to FTC Digital TV this holiday season:
- Classic Christmas tale — “It’s a Wonderful Life:” Landing squarely at the top of numerous “all-time best Christmas movies” lists, this beloved 1946 film stars James Stewart and Donna Reed as the patriarch and matriarch of the Bailey family. The touching classic tells the tale of despondent businessman and father George, who gave up most of his life’s dreams in an effort to help others. When his situation becomes so desperate that he contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, his guardian angel appears to show him what life would be like without him, as well as how many lives he has touched. NBC airs It’s a Wonderful Life each year on Christmas Eve, and the film is available for anytime streaming on Amazon Prime.
- Beloved holiday comedy — “A Christmas Story:” Considered by many to be the funniest of all the Christmas classics, this 1983 comedy follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his quest to convince his parents (and even ol’ Saint Nick himself) that he won’t “shoot his eye out” if he is able to unwrap his most sought-after treasure on Christmas morning: an “official Red Rydercarbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.” For holiday viewers far and wide, this film is clearly worthy of a major award. TBS airs A Christmas Story during a 24-hour marathon each Christmas Eve, making it easy for viewers to find a convenient time to tune in.
- Fun family favorite — “Home Alone:” This 1990 comedy starring Macaulay Culkin wraps up the laughs as 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, accidentally left behind in his suburban Chicago home as his family jets to Paris for the holidays, devises ingenious ways to outsmart a pair of bumbling burglars intent on robbing his family’s sprawling residence. This family favorite, along with its sequel “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” makes multiple appearances during Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas,” which also serves up holiday favorites like Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Santa Clause,” “Love Actually” and more.
- All-new entertainer — “A Timeless Christmas:” The Hallmark Channel is always a prime destination for all-new seasonal originals during the holiday season and this year is definitely no different. The 2020 edition of the network’s popular Countdown to Christmas series of shows is loaded with Christmas-themed offerings, with A Timeless Christmas being an especially intriguing film among them. Starring Erin Cahill and Ryan Paevey, this tale follows time-travelling main character Charles Whitley as he ventures from 1903 to 2020 to experience a futuristic Christmas and meets a very special someone during his journey between the centuries.
- Warming holiday love story — “A Welcome Home Christmas:” Lifetime is another destination network during the holiday season as the channel’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime series of seasonal offerings brings 24/7 holiday movies to viewers’ screens all season long. One promising and patriotic film in the lineup for 2020 is A Welcome Home Christmas, which tells the romantic story of how a military vet and a longtime supporter of military causes find one another and love as a result of their charitable efforts during the holidays.
Want access to the best in home entertainment for your TV-viewing pleasure this holiday season? Check out all the plans and packages available through FTC Digital TV. To make your move to a better home-entertainment experience, visit ftc.net or contact FTC at (888) 218-5050.
