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The Daily Lobo asks people around UNM main campus for five recommendations on a variety of different topics.

5 and Why: 5 films to get into the Christmas spirit

The weather has reached a frigid chill, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to stay in the house, make a cup of hot chocolate and settle in with a Christmas movie of your choice. For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, University of New Mexico student Miranda Gallegos has shared their nostalgic favorites.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993, dir. Henry Selick)

For those uninitiated, this 1993 classic is currently available on Disney+. It tells the story of Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, and his quest to take over Christmas festivities.

A fan favorite of the Disney variety, Gallegos picked “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” as their number one Christmas movie, though they also enjoy it throughout the other seasonal holidays.

“That’s always been my favorite, ever since I was a kid; I always watch that. I watch it on both Christmas and Halloween, actually,” Gallegos said.

“Polar Express” (2004, dir. Robert Zemeckis)

A tale of a boy’s magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, “The Polar Express” is a must-watch any time the winter season rolls around, according to Gallegos. Just be sure to remember the hot chocolate.

The nostalgia factor really seals this movie as a favorite for Gallegos; according to them; they generally tend to go for Christmas movies that remind them of their childhood.

“Polar Express, also, is definitely a classic. I like the older (movies) more than the modern ones because the older ones have more of a Christmas-y feel than the modern ones,” Gallegos said.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000, dir. Ron Howard)

This film adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic starring Jim Carrey in the title role is a favorite with a storied history for Gallegos.

“When I was little, it used to scare me … but now it’s definitely my favorite; I think it’s more funny than anything,” Gallegos said.

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Of the three Grinch movies, Gallegos recommends the live action version over the animated ones; for them, this one is a funnier and all-around more entertaining experience. This version is currently available on HBO Max.

“Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1990, 1992, dir. Chris Columbus)

Make a double feature out of these two films revolving around Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) and the hijinks that ensue after his parents lose track of him on their way to Christmas vacation and leave him to fend for himself — twice.

“They just have a Christmas-y feel, at least to me personally. I love watching those (ones) with my family,” Gallegos said.

Both are currently available on Disney+. For Gallegos, Christmas would not be complete with these delightful classics.

We hope to have given you that last puzzle piece to complete the holiday season. Be sure to enjoy these movies with a cozy blanket and loved ones in tow.

Zara Roy is the copy chief at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at copychief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo

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