Film Favourites | A Cosy Christmas Eve

In my family, the run up to Christmas, and especially Christmas Eve, is a time full of cosy movie nights, snuggled up warm on the sofa under duvets and blankets. Over the years we've accumulated quite a number of trusty festive favourites!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

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Perhaps the most "Christmassy" of all the Harry Potter films? Despite the fact I'm a very lucky girl with an 8-disc box set -that gets frequent use all year around- there's normally a Harry Potter marathon spaced out over a few days around Christmas time and for some reason I always feel like films are more exciting to watch when they're on TV so I normally watch them there. The Philosopher's Stone has become such a classic film over the last decade and there's so many beautiful snowy Christmas scenes that make it especially nice, I think, to watch around Christmas time.

In case you'd also like to tune in, I checked and this year the last 3 Harry Potter films will be shown on ITV1:

The Half Blood Prince: Saturday 20th December, 7pm

The Dealthly Hallows Part 1: Saturday 27th December, 7pm

The Deathly Hallows Part 2: Tuesday 30th December, 8pm

Favourite moment: When Harry receives his first ever Christmas presents- a knitted jumper from Mrs Weasley and the Invisibility Cloak!

The Holiday (2006)

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English newspaper editor, Iris and Amanda, an LA-based workaholic who produces trailers for Hollywood films, both resolve to escape from their respective romantic ruts by swapping homes over the Christmas period.   

Again, over the last few years, 'The Holiday' has also become a Christmas classic. I think the appeal is much to do with the fact that, despite their own personal problems, the two girls appear to otherwise have the most idyllic lifestyles. Plus, who wouldn't want Jude Law just casually showing up at your door and promptly falling in love with you. This film is basically the epitome of every girl's dream, whether that is to live in a quaint English cottage or live the Hollywood high life.

Favourite moment: 'that' scene with the blanket tent- my heart melts every time!

Meet Me in St Louis (1944)

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In the months leading up to the 1904 World Fair, three sisters in St Louis, Missouri try to come to terms with their father's plans to move the family away to New York City.

I come from a family that is pretty obsessed with musicals, especially my little sister who I think is Grade 6 in music theatre now - proud sister!- so a musical is normally also on the cards during Christmastime. 

'Meet Me in St Louis' has been one of my favourites for a long time because it's so sweet and light-hearted and also has some really genuinely funny moments as well. Can you believe how beautiful Judy Garland was? She's an absolute vision of perfection!

Favourite moment: When Esther's getting her flirt on with John after the family Christmas party and he tells her she smells like his granny. Fab.

Love Actually (2003)

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Ten different stories exploring the complexities of love become intertwined as Christmas approaches.

'Love Actually' is by far one of my favourite films of all time. The concept is fantastic and gives such a fascinating and beautiful insight into the intricacies of different romantic relationships. I've said it before but I just love films about people and their stories and I think there's something in here that everyone can relate to at some stage in their lives which is what makes it so special.

Favourite moment: Sam running through the airport to say goodbye to Joanna.

Little Women (1994)

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Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, this film follows the lives of the Marsh family growing up in Concord, Massachusetts during the American Civil War.

This has been one of my favourite films ever since I was very little. My mum actually named me after Beth's character because Little Women was one of her favourite books growing up and Beth was her favourite character.

 I remember this was on TV on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago (after the Made In Chelsea Christmas season finale when Gabriella made her dramatic exit) and I guess those Christmas feels got the better of me because I cried the whole way through.

Favourite moment: I have so many! But probably either when Beth gets her piano for Christmas or else when Jo gets her story published for the first time.

What are some of your favourite Christmas films?