The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Okay…so we still have a little while before Christmas (49 days to be exact) but that doesn’t mean you can’t start getting into the Christmas spirit, and what better way to do so than to get all cosy and nostalgic with these holiday classics? You’ve probably seen some of these during your childhood, and if you haven’t, then you should probably get caught up and watch them ASAP! ‘Tis the season!

Home Alone (1990)

I don’t even remember watching this at Christmas time…I feel like I was just watching it ALL the time as a kid! For those of you who haven’t seen this film (which would be unbelievable, by the way) it focuses on Kevin, a young boy who gets left behind when his family goes on a trip for the holidays. Besides having to deal with living alone, he also has to ward off burglars, making for several hilarious scenarios.

Love Actually (2003)

Who doesn’t love a cheesy rom-com from time to time? This early 2000’s classic is filled with all of your favourite British actors (um, Hugh Grant!) and tells several different love stories that are all somehow intertwined. You’ve got romance, humour, heartwarming moments, and London at Christmas time! What more could you want?

A Christmas Story (1983)

This hilarious movie follows Ralphie Parker through all his wild winter shenanigans such as his dysfunctional family, embarrassing school situations, run-ins with bullies, and his quest to obtain a “Red Ryder air rifle” BB gun, his dream Christmas gift. This is a classic for grown-ups and children alike.

The Polar Express (2004)

Based on the famous children’s book, this heartwarming animated feature tells the story of a young boy whisked away by a magical train which will take him, as well as many other children, to the North Pole, where the kids learn all about the power of believing.

Elf (2003)

When Buddy, a human-sized elf working in Santa’s workshop, finds out he was in fact born to human parents, he travels to New York in search of his real father. However, adapting to the human world is a bit more challenging than one would think.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Jim Carrey as the Grinch is probably one of the most important things to happen to us. Ever. This goofy comedy is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, and shows that that holiday spirit is truly within all of us.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Okay, so technically this doubles as a Hallowe’en movie, but it is the perfect treat for those of us who love some spooky ghoulish fun, but also all the holly and jolly of Christmas. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, is craving more than the usual routine in Hallowe’en Town. When he stumbles upon Christmas Town, he is in absolute awe and attempts to bring some of this new holiday spirit back to his friends at home.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Filled with awkward situations, cringe-worthy family mishaps, and plenty of laughs, this classic never gets boring. When the Griswold family gathers for the holidays, things start to get quite out of hand.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Who doesn’t adore Peanuts? Prepare for some major nostalgia as you cosy up with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and all their friends for Christmas!

The Holiday (2006)

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star in this hilarious rom-com. When two women, each with their own relationship struggles, feel the need to get away for the holiday season, they decide to swap houses for a couple of weeks.