Top 10 Great Christmas Movies

While Christmas time can be stressful with shopping, wrapping, baking, and preparing for guests or family visits, there is always one thing I really look forward too: Christmas movies! There are tons of Christmas movies out there, but who doesn't have their favorites? And just recently, I was introduced to a Christmas movies that is now number one on my list of favorites.

10. A Christmas Story

This movie was introduced to me quite a few years ago at a friend's house. I had actually never heard it before, and honestly, the first time I watched it I thought it was a little odd. Nevertheless, I have grown to love it. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun, but everyone tells him "you'll shoot your eye out!" It is a hilarious movie - from the leg lamp to Ralphie's friend getting his tongue stuck on a metal pole. It is a great movie to watch every year. It is a classic, and a good tradition to start watching every year, if you do not already.

9. Miracle on 34th Street

This movie has been remade a couple times, but it's a great movie - a classic. Who doesn't love a miracle at Christmas time? It's about a little girl who does not believe in Santa Claus. One day she see someone playing Santa at a department store, his name is Kris Kringle. Mr. Kringle tells her he is the real Santa. Another great classic Christmas movie.

8. The Santa Clause

A cool movie that tells you what happens when something happens to Santa Claus. Scott Calvin is sometimes too busy for his kid and does not have much Christmas spirit, but when something happens to Santa and Scott takes over, he eventually comes around. Not only does Scott's Christmas spirit change, many others do too. Full of humor and Christmas spirit - great to watch with the whole family.

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas

I have to admit, I am a fan of the Charlie Brown movies. They are classics. In this one, Charlie Brown is out to find out what the true meaning of Christmas is - which is always great for younger kids to learn, but it is still a great movie for all ages.

6. Elf

Will Ferrell plays a man raised by elves, who decides to leave the North Pole and find his real father, and tries to bring back the Christmas cheer and bringing back the belief in Santa Claus. It is a fun and hilarious Christmas movie for all. I do not think anyone could have played the role as well as Will Ferrell.

5. Love Actually

This movie is not exactly about Christmas, but it is about relationship and it surrounds Christmas time. For me, Christmas is a great time to spend time with those you love whether it's friends, family or a significant other. I believe that the holidays are a great time to bring everyone together and cherish the relationships you have with others - that is why I love this movie. Many will say it is a chick flick, but it is a great movie - good to watch at Christmas time too.

4. Home Alone & Home Alone 2

I love both of these movies. They are creative and hilarious. Even though, Kevin McAllister is a troublemaker, he always ends up saving the day, and still keeps the spirit of Christmas going. While he is a young kid and like all kids wants toys and things for Christmas, he understands the true meaning of Christmas and makes sure to keep that in mind on his journeys. They are great movies to watch with the whole family.

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss? Who doesn't love the Grinch? I have actually never seen the remake that was done in 2000, but I have heard it is really good. But I really enjoy the cartoon version. It is another movie that is all about the true spirit of Christmas that everyone enjoys, and not about presents and gifts. A classic. I enjoy watching it every year when it comes on TV.

2. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

There is nothing like good ol' claymation. I love this movie. It has been my all time favorite Christmas movie since I was a kid. It is definitely a classic. Who doesn't love the story of Rudolph? It is great for people of all ages. It lets you know it's okay to be different. I still absolutely adore this movie, even though I have a new favorite this year.

1. Joyeux Noel

My new favorite. I love movies, but it is not often that I continually rave about a particular movie, and I have been raving about this one since I saw it. It won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for the Best Foreign Film in 2005. Even though it is a foreign film, I recommend it to everyone. It takes place during WWI, and the fraternizing of troops on Christmas Eve/Christmas during the first year of war. It is such an amazing movie. I have decided that next year it will make a great Christmas present for all of my family members (since it is a little late this year). I just cannot get over how great this movie is. It is not really a movie I would sit down and watch with kids though, they probably would not really understand it - but it is fantastic.

Happy movie watching and Happy Holidays