10 Great Christmas Movies

The holidays are here and it's time to enjoy some eggnog and relax with a feel good Christmas movie! I've put together a list of my favorite Christmas movies, you know, the ones that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The type of movies that make you want to care about people and the environment and donate a whole lot of money to a charitable cause. That's the type of Christmas movies I enjoy and I hope you do too, and no, Die Hard will not be on the list! Being a seasoned movie watcher for 35 years I think I can pick some pretty good films. They are cataloged from 1 to 10, with 1 being my favorite and 10, my least favorite. This collection is subjective, but will hopefully help you choose a film you'll enjoy during the holidays. So, let's begin with the roll call!

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed) - Of course, this is my favorite! Hopelessness, tragedy, theft, thoughts of suicide and an angel, what a great Christmas movie! What else could you ask for? Seriously, it really teaches you how to value life even if it doesn't go according to plan.
2. A Christmas Story (1983, starring Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, and Melinda Dillon) - When I first discovered this movie as an adolescent I watched it religiously every year. That was when they played it on television over and over again. I haven't watched the last few years but I will always remember it. It's a heartwarming, emotional and hilarious film about a boy who really wants a "Red Ryder BB gun" for Christmas.
3. Elf (2003, starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel) - At first I didn't love this movie, but it has grown on me, and now I really enjoy it. I don't know how Will Ferrell coped with wearing yellow tights but he really pulled it off (no pun intended). It's a very sweet and funny film and I adore all the characters in the story. I especially love listening to Buddy and Jovie sing "Baby, It's Cold Outside". Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel have amazing voices. I also love Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch the hoity toity children's author.
4. The Santa Clause (1994, starring Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson) - This movie always cracks me up with Tim Allen playing the sarcastic and disgruntled father who becomes Santa after he finds the "Santa Clause" card on an unconscious man in a Santa suit.
5. Jingle All The Way (1996, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman, Sinbad and Rita Wilson) - I don't care much for Arnold, but this is a funny movie. Sinbad is comical as the toy obsessed postal worker and the late and amusing Phil Hartman is superb as the womanizing neighbor.
6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947, starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, and John Payne) - This movie really makes you want to believe in Santa and is very life affirming. I love the ending when the little girl "Susan" picks out their house and finds Santa's cane inside.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, starring the voice talents of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara) - This is a wonderful film by Tim Burton and twists the traditional Christmas story into a spine tingling, artistic, musical and adventurous stop motion animated film.
8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid) - This classic comedy reminds us all to not take the holidays and all the wonderful hysteria that comes with it too seriously.
9. A Christmas Carol (1999, starring Patrick Stewart) - I know this story has been done a million times on theater and film but, I saw this version when it first came out and really enjoyed Patrick Stewart's performance. He gives the character great depth and emotion. A good movie worth perusal.
10. The Polar Express (2004, starring the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, and Michael Jeter) - My favorite aspect about this movie is the fun adventure and the fantastic train ride. When the train goes through the roller coaster part you really feel like you are riding along with the characters. It's a fun and heartwarming movie.