Movies

These 5 Movies Remain Christmas Classics Even Though They Don’t Feature Santa

These 5 Movies Remain Christmas Classics Even Though They Don’t Feature Santa
Image credit: 20th Century Fox/Netflix, Universal Pictures, Legion-Media

It seems that ho-ho-ho is not so necessary for a Christmas success.

Every holiday has its own set of movies that almost everyone watches every year. Needless to say, Christmas movies are the most popular among viewers. There's just something so warm and cozy about curling up under a blanket, sipping a cup of hot cocoa, and watching your favorite movie while it's snowing outside.

And while Santa Claus is really the most important Christmas symbol you can imagine, it's not necessary for a movie to feature this white-bearded man to make it "Christmassy," and these are the best examples of such movies.

1. Home Alone

Perhaps the most popular Christmas story of all time is that of Kevin, an 8-year-old boy whose wish to be left alone was suddenly granted. But instead of being a blast, being left alone turns out to be a bad time for him. Though set in a snowy New York City and wrapped in the spirit of Christmas, the story does not include Santa Claus. And that only works out for the best.

2. Love Actually

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The British fairy tale also follows several individual love story arcs, with the main characters of these stories still being intertwined. Although it is a Christmas movie, Santa Claus is not part of the story. Instead, the movie focuses on the realistic ups and downs of romance, showing that different people experience love in different ways.

3. The Princess Switch

Another Christmas rom-com without Santa in the picture. The movie revolves around two identical twins who live completely different lives and switch places to pursue their dreams. The movie does an excellent job focusing on the fact that Christmas is the most magical time of year and is all about love.

4. It's a Wonderful Life

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The iconic film follows George Bailey, brilliantly portrayed by James Stewart, as a man angry at life for not being what he wanted it to be. He is so angry at everything that he even considers committing suicide. Thankfully, his guardian angel Clarence helped him realize what a wonderful life he had after all. No need for Santa Claus here, right?

5. A Bad Moms Christmas

Well, this movie is also Santa-less, but in this case it's quite understandable why. A Bad Moms Christmas is a comedy about three frustrated mothers who are not appreciated by their children, friends or relatives, and who have to deal with the burden of all the work that needs to be done around Christmas. So instead of standing in the kitchen all day preparing meals, they decided to break free and celebrate Christmas their own way.