This holiday season kids may spend some extra time watching television holiday specials and movies. But don’t fret because according to a recent study by Massey University School of Educational Studies watching preferred movies helps children learn.
Experts say that parents no longer have to worry about their children spending a lot of time at home since by watching their favorite movies they exercise their minds.
Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that children watch no more than one to two hours of "quality" media, including movies, TV and videos, each day.
So, light up the holiday season with some great movies for the family to watch. Also, consider putting some logs on the fire, passing out the cookies and hot cocoa to enjoy these holiday classics. Create a wonderful holiday experience that your family will treasure forever by sharing some valuable family time together.
Also, tell us your favorite Christmas movie! Here are some movie recommendations for this holiday season.
Jack Frost (1998) PG. 101 minutes. A wonderful story about second chances. A dad, Michael Keaton, is reincarnated as a snowman and attempts to make things right with his young son.
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977) TV. 24 minutes. This story told is told by Santa’s donkey Speiltoe who tells the tale of his ancestor Nestor. Nestor is blessed with long-ears which seem to get him into trouble. On Nestor’s journey he meets a cherub named Tilly and discovers the life lesson of enjoying the journey not the destination.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004) PG. 99 minutes. Since their daughter isn’t coming home for the holidays, her parents (the Kranks) decide to skip Christmas. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are at their finest in this hilarious holiday tale.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) PG. 130 minutes. This black and white classic never won an Oscar but its story warms the heart every holiday season. After a business setback, George Bailey makes a wish that he never existed. His child-like guardian angel, Clarence shows Bailey what life would be like if he was never born. Grab the Kleenex for this family classic.
Elf (2004) PG. 97 minutes. You will never look at Will Ferrell the same after you see him in green tights. This is the story of an adopted elf named Buddy who is sent to earth to find meet his real father.
A Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) TV. 51 minutes. Even Santa Claus suffers from job burnout. This wonderful animated tale is narrated by Mrs. Claus (Shirley Booth) who tells the tale of Santa deciding to take a temporary hiatus.
Also, here are some other movies to consider this holiday season. We have broken them down by their movie viewing rating.
Made for TV-G
• Rudolph, the Red Nosed-Reindeer (1967) 47 minutes.
Made for TV-M (Mature Audience)
• Auntie Mame (1958) 143 minutes.
Rated G
• Scrooge with Albert Finney (1970) 113 minutes.
Rated PG
• A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey (2009)98 minutes.
• A Christmas Story (1983) 94 minutes.
• Home Alone (1990) 103 minutes.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 76 minutes.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995) 103 minutes.
• White Christmas (1954) 120 minutes.
Rated PG-13
• The Family Man (2000) 125 minutes.
• Scrooged (1988) 101 minutes.
Rated R
• Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) 97 minutes.
• Love Actually (2003) 135 minutes.
• The Ref (1994) 93 minutes.
Sources:
http://healing.about.com/od/winter/a/christmasangel_3.htm
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/04/26/children-watch-r-rated-movies-likely-drink-alcohol/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426072115.htm
http://www.infoniac.com/science/watching-favorite-movies-helps-kids-train-mind.html