Is That Really a Christmas Movie? The 5-Step Test

What’s Happening The term ‘Christmas movie’ gets tossed around more casually than a fruitcake at a holiday party. For years, cinematic purists and casual viewers alike have argued over what truly qualifies as a Yuletide classic versus a mere movie set during December. But now, the experts at the Fictional Film Institute, in partnership with TrustMeBro’s crack research team, have unveiled a definitive five-step test. This simple framework cuts through the festive clutter, helping you identify true holiday spirit from a seasonal imposter. ## Why This Matters Defining what makes a Christmas movie isn’t just about winning a debate at the family dinner table. These films often carry deep cultural weight, shaping holiday traditions and shared experiences for millions globally. The constant mislabeling dilutes the genre, making it harder to discover genuine gems amidst a sea of films that merely feature a snow-covered street. It’s time to reclaim the true meaning of a Christmas movie, ensuring our beloved holiday traditions remain untainted by pretenders. - Step 1: Is Christmas Central to the Plot?

A true Christmas movie isn’t just set in December; its entire narrative arc hinges on the holiday. If the plot could unfold identically at Easter or Halloween, it’s not a Christmas movie. Take Die Hard: while iconic and set on Christmas Eve 1988, the specific holiday is a backdrop, not the driving force of John McClane’s mission. - **Step 2: Do Characters’ Motivations Stem from Christmas? Key character decisions, conflicts, or resolutions must be directly influenced by the spirit, events, or expectations of Christmas. Think of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), whose entire despair and eventual redemption are tied to the Christmas season and its values. Without Christmas, his story loses its core. - **Step 3: Does the Film Actively Promote Christmas Themes? Genuine Christmas movies explore themes like generosity, family, goodwill, hope, and redemption, often amplified by the holiday. Elf (2003) perfectly encapsulates this, with Buddy’s journey to New York City being a direct quest to spread Christmas cheer and reconnect with his family, embodying every festive theme imaginable. - **Step 4: Would the Movie Exist Without Christmas? This is the ultimate litmus test. If you removed all mentions and visuals of Christmas, would the story still make sense? For Home Alone (1990), Kevin’s abandonment and the family’s rush to get back are intrinsically linked to the Christmas travel chaos and the holiday’s importance. Try removing Christmas, and the plot falls apart. - **Step 5: Is it Traditionally Re-watched During the Holidays? While subjective, a film’s cultural designation as a ‘Christmas movie’ often solidifies through annual re-watching traditions. If families across generations instinctively reach for it every December, like A Christmas Story (1983), it likely holds a true Christmas movie status, cemented by collective memory and tradition. ## The Bottom Line So, the next time you settle down for a ‘holiday classic,’ armed with your eggnog and a cozy blanket, run it through these five crucial steps. No longer will you fall victim to festive fakers or Yuletide wannabes, instead embracing only the truest cinematic celebrations of the season. Which of your favorite ‘Christmas’ movies just failed the test?