Top Five Christmas Movies

My top five Christmas movies to watch this year and why they are worth watching. Each shows a characteristic that should emanate off of us all this Christmas season. These movies are introduced in the same fashion as they were introduced to me, starting with the first Christmas movie I ever remember seeing.

It's A Wonderful Life - an all-time classic. A great story about the significance of human life and its impact on family, community, and culture.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version) - everyone knows a grinch; someone who puts a wet blanket on holiday festivities - well, the Grinch takes that role to heart (his tiny little heart) and tries to steal Christmas! It's a fun and entertaining fable that shows the power of giving and forgiving during the holiday season.

Home Alone - this scenario is every mom's nightmare, and every little boy's dream (as long as it pans out the same way). This movie is probably my all-time favorite because of its over-the-top craziness and for its great adventure story. I remember I wanted to be home alone and ward of would-be burglars with crazy schemes. This movies always puts in me an adventurous spirit which is always great when there is family around during the holidays.

A Christmas Story - an 80's classic, this movies is a story about another little boy who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but all the adults in his life tell him the same thing. "Ralphie, you will shoot your eye out." Filled with more crazy adventures from the snow ball bullies, to the double dog dare with a frozen flag pole, to the seductive leg lamp, it's a comedy that will have you laughing throughout. And no matter how you holiday season goes, when watching this movie you can always think to yourself: at least the dogs didn't eat Christmas dinner, nor did my child pull a Ralphie!

Elf - a modern classic, Will Ferrel plays Buddy the Elf, who grows up in the North Pole. His adventures take him to NYC to find his real dad, after he finds out he is not an elf like all his friends. Full of over-the-top adventures and utter confusion about what is up with Buddy, he lights a spirit of Christmas cheer and has them singing loud for all to hear!

Merry Christmas!