10 Best Christmas Movies: From Miracles to the Grinch to Snowmen

Many of us who celebrated Christmas as a child remember our favorite Christmas TV shows and movies. Fond memories of sitting in front of the TV as a family eating popcorn (or throwing it) while watching the Christmas special of the night. Here are what I consider to be the best Christmas shows of all time:

A Charlie Brown Christmas- Charlie Brown becomes depressed as Christmas approaches and searches to find the true meaning of Christmas among the glitter and glamour of commercialism. Length-1/2 hour. You can listen to the soundtrack at Raphsody or watch video clips at YouTube.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer- As you can imagine, there are many shows with this title. However, only one is truly great! This is the classic Rankin-Bass 1964 version featuring Rudolph and his misfit friends starring Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman (narrator). You will want to find out what becomes of the Obominable Snowman and Hermy, the elf who wants to be a dentist. Be careful when shopping for this show- there are lots that look like the original but have modern music or are edited. As far as I know, there is still not a DVD version that is unedited and completely original. Watch the trailer from the 1960's on YouTube.

Frosty the Snowman- The original Rankin-Bass 1969 version beats all the imitators! Frosty comes to life and learns he will melt if he doesn't find a way North.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Rankin-Bass does it again with this 1960's animation.

It's a Wonderful Life- You have to watch this in the original black and white! This is a wonderful, touching movie about a man who becomes so despondent over finances he wishes to take his own life. A new angel by the name of Clarence is sent to help him. Watch a clip from the show on YouTube.

Miracle on 34^th Street- This is a classic if I ever saw one. Watch a little girl and her mother find faith again, and see what happens to all those letters to Santa! The original trailer can be seen on YouTube.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas- The animated version of this Dr. Suess classic is the best I've seen. Christmas would not be complete without the Grinch tying reindeer antlers on a little dog and sneaking down to Whoville to steal Christmas trees, food for the feast, and holiday decorations from the poor unsuspecting Whos.

A Christmas Carol- I really enjoy 2 versions of this film. The animated version "Mickey's Christmas Carol" is perfect! The non-animated version I like best is the 1999 film starring Patrick Stewart as Ebeneezer. (Though perhaps I am biased there, as I am an avid Trekkie!).

Elf- The hilarious 2003 film starring Will Farrell tells the tale of an adopted elf who goes on a quest to find his father. As it turns out, his father is not too pleased to find he has a son who is one of Santa's elves!

The Santa Clause- Tim Allen learns the hard way what happens when Santa dies. As a father of a young boy and estranged from his wife, the new Santa comes to terms with his new beard and rapidly expanding midriff while trying to convince his ex-wife that he is not psychotic.

I found a website where you can view several of the shows mentioned here as well as many other Christmas favorites online- for free! Visit The Christmas Spot and enjoy your favorites!