ELF

After Buddy is wrongly assumed to be a department store Christmas elf, he ends up pretending to not only work there, but even sleeping in the shop. Here he has committed the relatively serious crimes of trespassing, fraud and potentially burglary. During his fake employment, he peeps over the top of a toilet cubicle. Despite being innocently done, in the real world, he could be up against the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Later in the film, Buddy soon finds himself up against who he perceives to be a fake Santa and pulls off his beard. This ends up with the store being smashed up. Add assault and criminal damage to the rap sheet.

When Buddy’s Dad leaves work to try and find him, his boss threatens to sack him when it might have been more appropriate to commence disciplinary procedures against him. Had Buddy’s Dad been employed for over 2 years, he could have had a claim for unfair dismissal as no process was followed.

HOME ALONE 

Perhaps the most apparent crime-riddled festive film is Home Alone. For the parents, there could be a case for child abandonment and neglect – even if this was not intentional. 

Clearly, burglary is an issue for Harry and Marv. Even though their attempts failed, they’re both guilty of attempted burglary. Adding to this, contrary to Section 90 of the Police Act 1996, they also impersonate a police officer when scouting out the McCallister home. 
We can’t forget the pizza delivery man. Each time he knocks down garden ornaments he’s committing criminal damage.

As for Kevin, he shoplifts a toothbrush, shoots fireworks underage and uses an air gun to assault the burglars. This makes him guilty of possession of a firearm. However, Kevin may rely on a householder defence. Section 76(5A) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 allows householders to use disproportionate force when defending themselves against intruders into the home.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Early on in the film, the Grinch breaks into the Whoville post office. He rearranges the post and even adds blackmail letters. This alone sees him guilty of blackmail, burglary and theft.

It may come as a surprise but shaving off someone’s hair against their will can be deemed as assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Thus, when the Grinch does this to the mayor, that’s another law he has broken. He goes on to steal alcohol committing theft, set fire to the town’s Christmas tree committing arson, steal, crash, and explode a car committing dangerous driving, arson and theft. 
This is all before he breaks into homes and steals Christmas presents. I think it is safe to say that the Grinch would be facing some serious time behind bars.

Disclaimer: None of the above is legal advice upon which you should rely. With that aside, I think we can all agree, the only real crime in this article would be if you haven’t seen the films above!