Every December movies like “Elf” or “Home Alone” hit the streaming charts, no matter how old they tend to be. Viewers know exactly what happens, and yet, they seem to still always rewatch them. What makes these movies so magnetic? 

Mr. Fred Eiras, Sacred Heart Preparatory Technical Director of Performing Arts, says that a Christmas movie, “always has happy endings… they give you that warm fuzzy feeling, like drinking a cup of coco.” The viewer feels satisfied and wrapped in a cozy predictability that makes the holidays feel complete. Eiras’ movies that make the holiday season feel fulfilled are  “Christmas With the Cranks” and “Elf”.

Another reason that Christmas Movies are so magnetic is the nostalgia that they carry. Mr. Jeffery Adams, Arts Co-Department Head & Drama Teacher, said, “When you think about Christmas, you think about traditions, you think about family.” 

Christmas movies hold the type of nostalgia that clings onto people. Viewers want to relive these memories with their families, or revisit who they were, which makes Christmas movies all the more appealing, no matter the viewer’s age. Movies that allow Mr. Adams to revisit core memories are “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas,” and “The Grinch.”

Part of what makes the holiday movies so magnetic is tradition; families return to them year after year. Catherine Thomas ‘28 said “Every single year since I have been born we’ve watched Elf.” 

Sadie Hubbard ‘26 said “We like to watch [“Love Actually”] every year, at least once or multiple times.” Christmas movies have this magnetic pull to them because of the traditions and memories they spark. All in all, holiday movies have such a pull towards viewers because of the nostalgia, traditions, and comforting emotions they display.