The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, share beloved traditions, and watch heartwarming movies. What are some of your favorite moments to cherish during this exciting time of year?
At Sandhill Cove, we celebrate the winter holidays in the warm weather, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling like Jack Frost is nipping at our noses or that Kriss Kringle is visiting from the North Pole. Check out our list of resident-favorite Christmas movies below, and get in the holiday spirit right along with us!
9 feel-good Christmas movies for older adults
Choosing the best Christmas movies for seniors often involves considering stories that tug at the heartstrings, nostalgia, and themes that resonate with a more mature audience. Explore nine Christmas movies that seniors love!
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
This classic film tells the story of George Bailey, played by James Stewart, a man who receives a visit from an angel on Christmas Eve. It’s a moving, heartwarming tale about the impact one person can have on the lives of others.
2. White Christmas (1954)
Genre: Musical/Romance
Featuring the music of Irving Berlin, this musical follows two World War II veterans who team up with a sister act to save their former general’s Columbia Inn in Vermont. It’s filled with festive songs and memorable dance numbers.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
A heartwarming story about a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. The film explores themes of belief and the true spirit of Christmas.
4. A Christmas Carol (1984)
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
There are numerous adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, but the 1984 version starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge is a particularly well-regarded and faithful adaptation of this classic Christmas story.
5. Holiday Inn (1942)
Genre: Musical/Comedy
Another Irving Berlin musical, this film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire depicts entertainers who run an inn that is only open on holidays. The film includes the debut of the song “White Christmas.”
6. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Fantasy
Cary Grant stars as an angel who helps a bishop and his wife rediscover the meaning of Christmas. It’s a charming and heartwarming film.
7. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Genre: Comedy/Romance
This romantic comedy tells the story of a food writer who has to host a war hero for Christmas, even though she can’t cook and isn’t actually married. It’s a delightful and humorous holiday film.
8. The Polar Express (2004)
Genre: Animation/Adventure
Based on the children’s book, this animated film follows a young boy who embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole. It’s visually stunning and has a timeless message.
9. Love Actually (2003)
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance
A modern classic that weaves together multiple love stories in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s heartwarming and features an ensemble cast.
These films offer a mix of heartwarming stories, nostalgia, and festive cheer, making them enjoyable choices for a holiday movie marathon among your peers or the older adults in your life. And – there’s no rule that these have to be watched exclusively during the holiday season. We love turning to them during times when we need a happy, gratitude-inducing pick-me-up!
Feel the warmth of community at Sandhill Cove.
’Tis the season to enjoy time with loved ones and friends, which is easy to do at Sandhill Cove. With robust activities and events all season long, there’s always something to do and a reason to celebrate. If planning for retirement is part of your plans for the new year, give us a call to learn more about life at our resort-style community.