Heather Mangan

Gifts, lights, Santa, snow, family and food put some people into the holly jolly spirit. But for me, it’s Christmas movies. While some people start to listen to Christmas music in July, that’s when I begin watching Christmas movies.

Christmas to me is sitting by the fire, drinking hot chocolate and watching hours of movies filled with yuletide joy with my mother.

These movies tell a story about life, love and family during the most wonderful time of year. It is hard for me to pick my favorites, but with some pondering and help from my mom, I narrowed it down to these 12 merry movies.

12. Elf

How can you not get in the yuletide spirit at the sight of Will Ferell in an elf costume? Buddy Elf will go down in history as one of the classic Christmas characters like Rudloph and Frosty the Snowman.

11. & 10. Home Alone 1&2

These are classics amongst our generation. Number one was the first movie I remember seeing in the theater and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Sometimes this is really what Christmas is like when you have too much family around. This movie makes us all smile because we know our families really are normal.

8. & 7. The Santa Clause 1&2

Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus and his alter ego is Tim Allen. Even if the Tool Man didn’t play Santa Claus, this is a great film that brings out the kid in us all during the holidays.

6. A Christmas Carol

A time old classic that reminds us not to be a Scrooge but to be thankful for everything we have and to remember those who aren’t as fortunate. And my heart always melts for Tiny Tim.

5. Miracle on 34th Street

Do you believe? I sure do! This classic makes us all a believe in the man with the red suit. The original with Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood is probably the best of the available adaptations.

. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Your heart grew three sizes too when you realized Christmas isn’t just about presents. This cartoon shows us that we don’t need Christmas trees, presents or even turkey to celebrate that wonderful day.

3. A Christmas Story

Is there such a thing as a Christmas movie list without the A Christmas Story on it? I don’t think so.

I have to admit that this isn’t my favorite movie, but it’s everyone else’s favorite. And if I neglected to put it on this list, I would have many Scrooges and Grinchs after me.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown’s withering Christmas tree and Lionel’s speech about the birth of Jesus Christ remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

The boy who nobody likes can touch people of all ages in this timeless classic.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

“Every time a bell rings, an angle gets its wings.” There is just something about Jimmy Stewart running through the streets of Bedford Falls screaming “Merry Christmas” that makes us appreciate the holiday. It gives me goose bumps everytime.

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