10 Movies that Aren't Just for the Holidays but Anytime of Year

It seems like when the holiday season rolls around everyone wants to get into the spirit of things and some of the best movies are those that are centered on the holidays. Here is a guide of 10 films that will heighten your holiday spirit for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Home for theHolidays (1995) Jodi Foster made her directorial debut in this family comedy drama. Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) is heading back home to Baltimore for the Thanksgiving Holidays down on her luck- she just lost her job, made out with her ex-boss and learns that her teenage daughter (Claire Danes) is planning on using the holidays to lose her virginity to her boyfriend. Once Claudia is back home plenty of drama and humorous things occurs as she is forced to re-evaluate her life and her very kooky family-over bearing parents, a perfectionist older sister, crazy aunt, and her beloved yet trouble making gay brother (Robert Downey Jr.) and his new boyfriend who is meeting the family for the first time.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) In this Thanksgiving classic legendary comedians Steve Martin and John Candy join comedic forces. It's Thanksgiving and Neal Page (Steve Martin) can't get home for the celebration after his flight has been canceled due to bad weather. Determined to get home, he decides to find another means of transport and runs into Del Griffith (John Candy) who agrees to help give him a ride. Hilarious adventures ensue as a simple car trip turns into one from hell.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) Thanksgiving just isn't the same without Charlie Brown and the Peanut crew. Although it isn't a movie but a television special aired every year it still has become an American Thanksgiving tradition. This childhood classic centers on the beloved protagonist Charlie Brown who sets out to make the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for his friends-Snoopy, Linus, Woodstock, Peppermint Patty and her pals. Can you ever really get to old for the Peanut gang?

The Santa Clause (1994) Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is recently divorced and co-parenting with his ex-wife to raise their 6 year old son. On Christmas Eve he gets a surprise visit from Santa himself and after a freak accident that leaves Santa dead Calvin is forced to save the day by delivering presents in the reindeer sleigh. He gets transported to the North Pole where he meets elves that tell him he is the new Santa. This movie makes you revisit your childhood when the impossible could actually be possible if you just believe enough.

Home Alone (1990) After being accidently left home alone for the Christmas Holidays by his family as they head for France, eight year old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) has to fend for himself and defend his home from burglars. This is by far my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

Elf (2003) The always funny Will Ferrel plays an adult elf who leaves the comforts of the North Pole to go on a journey to find his true father (James Caan). His journey lands him in the asphalt jungle of New York City where he learns how the world outside of the North Pole works and attempts to build a relationship with his father. Although the theme of the film is very traditional for a Christmas movie- what really counts is the people that love you and the relationships you build Elf is very funny and will make you wonder what else could be going on at the North Pole.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989) The Griswolds are planning a fun and eventful Christmas celebration but as usual nothing goes as planned and everything that can go wrong does. Unexpectedly family comes from out of town which puts a cramp in the holiday plans. Clark (Chevy Chase) manages to irritate his next door neighbors which causes some major friction and while he is waiting for his holiday bonus which he plans to use to help cover the cost of the holidays(and learns that he might not end up getting) he goes on a lavish decorating spree which only causes more chaos. Eventually with all of the stress Clark snaps. Plan to laugh out loud in this hilarious comedy that will make you cross your fingers and hope that you don't inherit any of the characters bad luck.

The Family Stone (2005) Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) accompanies her boyfriend (Dermot Mulroney) back home to meet his very close family the Stones for the Christmas Holidays. Meredith is not well received but determined not to give up in getting them to like her she calls her sister Julie (Claire Danes) to help her out. Tensions only escalate when the Stones love Julie and hate Meredith even more. By the end of the holidays family secrets are revealed, revelations emerge and nothing is quite what it once was. You will laugh and cry in this family tear jerker which is a very accurate portrayal of modern day family life.

Frosty the Snowman (1969) This 22 minute animated television special tells the story of Frosty The Snowman who is brought to life by a magical top hat causing him to sing and dance. Frosty teaches the children of the town to appreciate everything that Christmas has to offer. Unfortunately, Frosty's life span is being threatened by a villain, a scary magician who is trying to thwart the Christmas cheer.

Love Actually (2003) Love - romantic and brotherly - fuels this romantic comedy set in London about eight people and their interconnecting stories, causing them to follow their hearts as they prepare to celebrate Christmas. The central idea is that love actually is around all of us all the time. Although usually we tend to embrace this idea more during the holidays.......go figure.