If that title is any indication, I think I'm hilariously punny hah.  Honestly "deck the halls with boughs of holly," was the first thing that popped into my head while I was trying to mashup the word Hollywood with the lyrics hah. But anyway, we’re embarking on that time of year where holiday films become most, if not all, of my personality. There are SO MANY films that just instantly brighten my spirit and make my heart full.

As I sat down to write this entry, I decided I could break this topic down into several posts, really. So for now, I’ll just gush about my top five “Old Hollywood,” holiday films. There are a lot more than these five below, but these ones hold a special place in my heart and are on my “must watch,” list every single year. 

#5 The Bishop’s Wife: A new fave that I just discovered last year. Cary Grant plays a swooney angel who helps guide a Bishop on a spiritual journey as he struggles to get funding to build a cathedral. Some misunderstandings unfold as Cary Grant’s character rather inconveniently begins to develop feelings for The Bishop’s Wife. But in the end, all is well.  

Sidenote: Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu in It’s A Wonderful Life, is also in this one.

#4 Miracle on 34th Street: A practical little girl comes to believe in Santa Claus. Her single mother finds love in their next door neighbor. And the spirit of Christmas is restored at large by a successful trial proving it. This one has something in it for everyone who celebrates this time of year.

#3 White Christmas: This is a family favorite. Bing Crosby reminds me of my late Pop Pop. I am a sucker for musicals. So it’s really no surprise that this one ranks as number three on my list. If you like musicals and dancing (it can lead to romancing, fo sho), then this is one you’ll want to check out.

#2 The Shop Around the Corner: Oh my god, this one friends. This one is HILARIOUS. Jimmy Stewart works in a shop in Budapest and there’s such a classic case of “mistaken identity while dating,” that goes on in this one. The shop worker hijinks are also comedy gold. Plus, I might just have an unhealthy obsession with Jimmy Stewart.

#1 It’s A Wonderful Life: I cannot even put into proper words how much I love this film. This movie makes me want to be a better person and tell my people just how much they mean to me. I watch this one anytime I’m feeling REALLY down. And again, maybe because it’s Jimmy Stewart, but it always bolsters my spirits. 

I’m hoping to add a couple of new Old Hollywood films to the rotation this year (Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Affair, and Holiday Inn have caught my eye). But if anyone has any others they’d recommend, give them a shout out below!

 Courtney