My Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015 / #alltheChristmasmovies Week

Here's the last post of #alltheChristmasmovies Week. Thank you for talking movies with me, sharing your favorites, letting me know your tbw list, and getting into the holiday spirit! :) I am also posting KC & I's Favorites Christmas Movies today!

Today I'm sharing My 2015 Christmas Movie Bucketlist, we'll see how I do! :) These are all movies I have never seen! :)

Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015:

Meet Me in St. Louis

Another classic, this musical features Judy Garland & the classic song "Have Yourself A Merry Litte Christmas". The costumes alone are fabulous enough to make me want to see it. :)

Elf

This is another one that people just can't believe I haven't seen. The truth is, I was never a huge Will Farrell fan. I liked him in Superstar (basically just because it's one of my favorite movies EVER), and blades of glory... (not sure why), and then Stranger than Fiction (not his typical character type) ... so I've just skipped out on most other Will Farrell Movies. However, for the sake of the season I'm willing to give this one a try. :)

I'll Be Home for Christmas

JTT and Mrs. Justin Timberlake? A '90's dream. I remember really wanting to see this when it came out, but I never got to watch it. I hope to find it (somehow...) this year and change that. :)

White Christmas

Another from the classics list, I still can't believe I haven't seen this one. Rosemary Clooney is great, and I have never seen her in a movie! For the song "Sisters" alone... I need to see this one. :)

Holiday Inn

Another classic, we got this DVD a few years back but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. It looks really cute, but I think it also contains some really really not PC parts... nothing to be done about it so many years later... but I'm not sure if it will become a favorite or not.

Four Christmases

I wanted to see this since it came out years ago, but have never had the chance. I love the idea of the movie; a couple who takes vacations every Christmas to avoid stressful family situations gets caught in their lie and must participate in 4 family Christmases in one year. I love Reese Witherspoon, and I think this looks pretty funny. Not a big fan of Vince Vaughn... so we'll see!

Christmas in Connecticut

The plot alone on this one makes me want to see it! It's even got an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. A recovering war hero reads the newspaper column "Diary of a Housewife," and must meet the woman behind it. AND her husband and family that she writes so much about. Turns out, it's all fake. She's single! In order to keep up the illusion she sets up house on a farm in Connecticut, hiring actors to be her family. - this sounds delightful you guys.

Miracle on 34th Street

Another one that's just crazy that I haven't seen it. I hope this year I get a chance! :)

Home Alone - CHECK!

You guys freaked out over this one! But I have NOW SEEN IT! It's so so so so good, I can't wait to add it to my list that I watch every year! :)

Bad Santa

Still a little on the fence about whether or not I would like this one.. but it's definitely not going to be like the others. I'm all about variety... I'll keep you guys posted...

Other Xmas Movie Posts: 10 Classic Christmas Movies, 10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movie Picks, KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies.

Have you seen any of these? What do you think of them?

Any that I've TOTALLY forgotten in these posts?

XO,

Alexandra

KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies / #alltheChristmasmovies Week

#alltheChristmasmovies week keeps on going with KC & I's favorites! Also being posted today, our Christmas Movie Bucket List... you won't believe some of the ones I haven't seen... !

Here is a list of our three favorites each. Funny 2/3 are the same.... :)

Mine:

The Santa Clause

So classic. This '90's kid loves The Santa Clause. Papa Giggo!

Love Actually

The classic, non-traditional pick. It's not too funny or too serious. A really great movie. Poor Karl. : /

The Holiday

Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black. Plus adorable British children and cute old men. What's there not to love?!

KC's:

The Holiday

KC loves this one. He cracks up, especially at this part with Jack Black. Sometimes we scroodle-do songs. Yes, really.

Scrooged

I mentioned Scrooged before, but this is a KC classic. He loves Bill Murray movies in general... which I have barely seen any of. This one is still one of his favorite Christmas movies. I'm trying really hard to like it. ;)

Love Actually

We have an annual Love Actually & Hotschnappslate night. It's awesome. I think KC appreciates the British humor in this one. It's hard not to. :)

Other Xmas Movie Posts: 10 Classic Christmas Movies, 10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movie Picks, Our Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015.

Which are your all time favorites?

XO,

Alexandra

10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies / #alltheChristmasmovies Week

It's #alltheChristmasmovies week here at Simply Alexandra. (it seemed like the thing to do...)! I've got at least four Christmas Movie posts planned to help you get into the holiday spirit. From my personal favorites to non-traditional picks... here we go!

Today I am featuring those off beat Christmas movies, or ones that take place during the holidays. They still get you feeling festive... but they aren't the obvious picks! :)

10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies

The Holiday

This is the happiest, feel good-iest, most adorable holiday romcom. Just watch it. :)

Synopsis: Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) are tired of their lives. Amanda is a workaholic who just ended a bad long term relationship, and Iris is a writer who is in a toxic unrequited relationship with her ex. The two women are desperate for a change and exchange homes for the holiday season through a website. Amanda ends up in the English countryside, where there are "no men" until she runs into Iris's brother Graham (Jude Law). Iris ends up in L.A. she has the time of her life in Amanda's fancy home, and a blast meeting Amanda's friends and neighbors. Most notably Arthur, Amanda's elderly neighbor, an authentic old Hollywood director, and Miles (Jack Black), a composer who worked with Amanda's boyfriend. Life changing stuff y'all.

Love Actually

You've probably seen this one by now... but it's another favorite. It's movie made up of multiple plots that slightly intersect. It's the inspiration behind "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve", but MUCH better.... :) While this is a romcom... it's definitely got some drama. And is much more realistic than The Holiday. It's not all happy endings, but it's a really good movie. :)

Synopsis: Various love stories during the holidays. All taking place (mostly) in London. From the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) and his secretary, to the single guy flying to Milwaukee to meet "girls gone wild" ladies, the little boy in love with a school mate to a writer on holiday (Colin Firth) ... there are a lot of laughs and a few tears. Every story is different, each one making the movie a great one to watch.

Bridget Jones's Diary

I had not seen this until last year, but it is heart warming, hilarious, and relateable. We've all had a Bridget Jones type day.

Synopsis: Bridget Jones is 32 years old, and her life is a mess. She wants to make big changes in the new year, so she decides to keep a journal and document changing her life. This movie spans a year, and includes two Christmases, so I think it works for this post! It's really hilariously delightful. I recommend checking it out! Rated R.

While You Were Sleeping

This is one I tend to forget about, but really really love. It's sweet and you can't go wrong with my girl Sandy B.

Synopsis: Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a train toll operator and is secretly in love with a regular passenger. When he falls onto the tracks one day she saves his life. She follows him to the hospital, where he is in a coma, and his family assumes she is his girlfriend. They take her in for the holidays, and complications arise as she falls for his brother.

The Family Stone

This is my mom's favorite Christmas movie. I kind of love it too, it's a little bit sad, but I love those movies that have big family gatherings in them. :)

Synopsis: When Sibyl's (Diane Keaton) oldest son announces he is bringing a woman home for Christmas she is worried. When her son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) arrives with his girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) the whole family is instantly against her, and they don't try to hide it. Sibling shenanigans occur until she is forced to her breaking point. One family member is nice though, Everett's brother Ben (Luke Wilson). When Meredith's adventurous younger sister (Claire Danes) comes to join them, everything is turned upside down. There are also tons of well known actors in this one! This is one where you will laugh, cry, and wish you had a lot of siblings. :)

Little Women

I grew up watching this one. I love the story, it's so sweet an timeless. Though this movie spans years and therefore many seasons, I always want to watch it at Christmastime.

Synopsis: While her husband is away at war Marmie (Susan Sarandon) is left to raise her four daughters Meg, Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst) and manage her home on her own. The story tells the tale of girls growing up together. They play, fight, grow up, etc. It's very relateable despite the setting. Let's not forget Laurie (Christian Bale), who steals the heart of at least one of the sisters. In the end it's a heartwarming story.

Mean Girls

I haven't seen this in years... but it was a favorite when it came out. While not really a Christmas movie, who can forget this scene... ?

You know this one... :)

Bad Santa

I have never seen this. It always looked kinda silly... but it's on a lot of lists... so I guess I should watch it at some point. Plus, Lauren Graham. Duh. (not quite Lorelai... haha)

Synopsis: Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner pose as Santa and an Elf every year to pull off a Christmas con. Willie is depressed and turning to alcohol, Willie thinks it's too late for him. His behanvior tips off mall security (Bernie Mac). When Willie is befriended by a kid, he realizes maybe it isn't too late for him after all. - We'll see you guys...

Edward Scissorhands

This is not a Christmas movie... but part of it does take place during Christmas. It was one of my all-time favorite movies in high school. :) If you haven't seen this before, it's a little strange, but a really good movie. Johnny Depp knocks it out of the park as usual. :)

Synopsis: When an inventor creates an animated man, but dies before completing him, Edward (Johnny Depp) is left with scissors for hands. Discovered by an Avon lady he is brought home to live with her. While there he falls in love with her daughter (Winona Ryder). Conflict ensues, as it is hard to be accepted when you have scissors for hands. It's all about acceptance and being different. We can all relate to that right?

Dan in Real Life

I love this movie, and while I usually watch it in the fall, some friends have said that they like to watch it at Christmastime. I love that idea, such a great big family movie, but a little less sad than The Family Stone. :) If you haven't seen it I highly recommend.

Synopsis: Dan is an advice columnist for a newspaper as well as a single dad. He is raising his three girls as best he can, but he's not happy. When the four of them take a trip to visit the whole family, Dan finds what he has been missing. This movie is a little sad, hopeful, honest, and really pretty funny. I love it!

There you have it! 10 non-traditional holiday movies to get you in the spirit.

Other Xmas Movie Posts: 10 Classic Christmas Movies, KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies, our Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015.

Have you seen any of these?

Are your favorites as well?

XO,

Alexandra

10 Classic Christmas Movies / #alltheChristmasmovies Week

It's #alltheChristmasmovies week here at Simply Alexandra. (it seemed like the thing to do...)! I've got at least four Christmas Movie posts planned to help you get into the holiday spirit. From my personal favorites to non-traditional picks... here we go!

Today we are starting with the classics.

10 Classic Christmas Movies

Home Alone

I just saw this for the first time over the weekend! Adorable. We saw the early show so there were a TON of kids there. They were having the BEST time. I love it.

Synopsis: A busy family Christmas (complete with a trip to Paris... realistic, no?) leaves the youngest son of the family Kevin, feeling pretty left out and misunderstood. He says he doesn't want to see his family ever again. He wakes up and he's, you guessed it, home alone. See what they did there? He has the time of his life, and later learns a lot. But a bulk of the fun happens when two burglars try to break into his house.

A Christmas Story

"you'll shoot your eye out!" BY FAR the most watched Christmas Movie of my childhood. My dad loves this one!

Synopsis: All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun, but it doesn't seem like he is going to get it. This Christmas is far from perfect, and hilarity ensues. Ruined meals, school bullies, mouths being washed out with soap... the full 9 yards. Let's not forget about the leg lamp. "frageeelay".

It's a Wonderful Life

Such a classic. I saw this one for the first time last Christmas.

Synopsis: After a hard few years George Bailey wishes he had never been born. An angel comes to earth to show him just what would happen if that was the case. This one is really quite long, and it has such a range of emotions. But it will get you thinking about the good things in life. :)

Christmas Vacation

This is one of the most watched movies of KC's childhood. A classic in my inlaw's household. I'm starting to get used to it. ;) 

Synopsis: Clark Griswold wants to have the perfect family Christmas. Taking the kids out to the forest to get a tree, singing carols on the way, a perfectly decorated house, the classic family meal, and all of the relatives over to celebrate. On top of that, he plans to use his Christmas bonus on the pool he has already purchased. Nothing goes as planned, and then MORE relatives show up in an RV.

Frosty the Snowman

Such a fun one for kiddos.

Synopsis: You guys know this one right...?

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Stop action film at it's finest.

Synopsis: again.... you guys know this one. ;)

The Grinch

My favorite of the childhood standbys. :)

No more synopses...

while there is also a live action version.... I'm not a big fan of it.

Scrooged

I'm not really on-board with this one yet... but KC loves it! ... (it's not black and white for those of you who haven't seen it. I just liked this picture...)

Ok so there are more more synopses....

Synopsis: A spin on the classic "A Christmas Carol", Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is climbing the TV executive ladder. He has driven away friends, family, the love of his life, and when he fires an employee right before Christmas. He is sent three ghosts to help him understand what he has done.

The Santa Clause

Ah, probably the best kiddo one that isn't a cartoon. I did watch this one a lot growing up too. So much that I thought that was actually how you spelled Santa Claus ... and that when it was spelled without the "E" it was just a European spelling or something.... I thought this for probably for WAY too long.... like maybe until the last few years. OY! LOL

Synopsis: Scott Calvin is a divorced dad trying to make his son's Christmas special. When Santa falls off the roof and dies, Scott must assume the role of Santa before the next Christmas begins. He thinks this is all a joke or a dream until he wakes up heavier and sporting a white beard. This one is fun for kids, and a good time, but watching it as an adult has me noticing how much more serious it is.

White Christmas

Oh my goodness, I don't know how I STILL haven't seen this one. I love Rosemary Clooney!

Synopsis: Bob and Phil (Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye!) are two singers who join a sisters Betty and Judy, (Rosemary Clooney & Vera Ellen) to preform in a Christmas show in Vermont. They meet General Waverly, Bob and Phil's WWII commander at a country inn there. He owns the inn and it is in deep financial stress. The foursome decide to put on a show to help the General get back on his feet.

There you have it, 10 of the classics! 

Other Xmas Movie Posts:  10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movie Picks, KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies, our Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015.

Have you guys seen any of these?

Do you tend to watch all old ones, all new ones, etc?

XO,

Alexandra

Fall Movie Bucket List // 2015

I looove to get seasonal. 

I like a good themed party, a seasonal menu, festive playlists, corny socks, and a list of movies to match the holiday or season. 

Here you have my Fall Movie Bucketlist. Filled with movies and shows that are witchy, spooky, magical, silly... and everything else really. I tend to gravitate toward things with a dark plot or streak, especially in tv shows, so I'm extra excited for this season's watching! :) 

I haven't seen a lot of these, but I am SO excited to! I may have checked off 3 over the weekend! (whistling emoji)

Here we go, by category!

Witch-y Movies

Hocus Pocus
Practical Magic
Teen Witch
Witches of Eastwick
Bell Book and Candle
The Witches (90's & 40's)
The Craft
I Married A Witch
The Crucible
Death Becomes Her
Stardust

Halloween-y // Spooky

Hotel Transylvania I & II
Beetlejuice

Psycho
A Young Frankenstein
The Addams Family
Rebecca
Crimson Peak
Woman in Black

Fall Type Movies // Movies That Remind Me of Fall

The Proposal
Dan in Real Life
One Fine Day
Mystic Pizza
When Harry Met Sally
St. Elmo's Fire

Non-Witchy Magic // Magician-y

The Illusionist
The Prestige
Now You See Me
Scoop
Magic In the Moonlight - though let's be real, this is a summery movie....
New York Stories

Costume-y

These

Throw in some episodes of:

Witches of East End
The Munsters
The Addams Family
Bewitched
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
The Vampire Diaries
The Originals
Supernatural

Have you seen any of these movies or shows? 

Do you gravitate toward things with a dark mood? 

What are you hoping to watch this fall?

XO,

Alexandra