Christmas is right around the corner, so what better way to prepare than by relaxing and watching some of your favorite Christmas movies? Yes, there is nothing quite like it around this time of year. A nice way to keep this tradition alive is to have a mix of the classics and some of the most recent films that will become your future classics. To get you psyched up and in the mood, I compiled a list of 12 movie titles in order to reflect the 12 Days of Christmas. Hopefully the list will remind you of some of your all-time favorites and introduce you to some you have yet to view! So, sit by the fire in your warm, wear cozy pajamas, maybe even grab a mug of hot cocoa, and enjoy!

1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

A caring but disheartened family businessman, played by James Stewart, is shown by an angel what life would have been like if he had never existed, which allows him to put all his troubles into perspective. Because it takes place at Christmas time, it has become a staple and is watched regularly during the holiday season. The film, directed by Frank Capra, was based on a short story by Philip Van Doren Stern titled “The Greatest Gift.” A modern retelling of this story was featured in the film “17 Again” starring Matthew Perry, who attempts to right his wrongs with his family when he goes back in time as his 17-year-old self.

2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

An older man who claims to be Santa Claus (he is, in fact, the real thing) is supported by a lawyer and young girl, who both believe his story. Fun fact: this was one of Natalie Wood's’ first leading roles as Susan Walker, the young girl. This is a truly timeless classic that everyone in the family will enjoy.

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

In this all-time classic film, the infamous Griswold family plan to host a big Christmas dinner for friends and family, only to have the whole thing turn into an epic disaster. Luckily for viewers, there will plenty of laughs to go around while watching the misfortune of this crazy American family. Just be glad that you are a spectator and not a participant!

4. Home Alone (1990)

Macaulay Culkin stars as a young boy who is accidentally left behind by his family as they prepare to fly to Paris for their Christmas vacation. Given his young age, he initially loves the freedom from his parents and older siblings, but he has a run-in with two burglars and has to think of inventive ways to get rid of them, which is very humorous to watch.

5. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

In this romantic comedy, Lucy (Sandra Bullock), a ticket collector at a train station in Chicago, pretends to be the fiancee of an unconscious businessman in an unusual series of events. Unfortunately, her white lie doesn’t get her too far and she is eventually found out by his suspecting brother. Don’t give up hope yet, because the hopeless romantic does find love in the end, but with whom you may ask? Check out the film to find out for yourself!

6. A Christmas Carol (1999)

While this classic has been remade at least five times, the first being in 1938. This version is just wonderful and modern audiences may enjoy it more than some of the earlier ones. Just as with the other versions, this production was adapted from Charles Dickens’ well-known novel of the same name. In this made-for-television production, Patrick Stewart plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a businessman who first appears greedy, and unfriendly, but by the end is softened to his younger state after he is visited in the night by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Fun fact: Patrick Stewart was sought out to play this character after he had received positive reviews on his readings of the novel on both the Broadway stage and in London.

7. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

In one of Jim Carrey’s stand out roles, he plays the wicked Grinch and does so so successfully that he is virtually unrecognizable. The Grinch resides on the outside of a village called Whoville, where mini-sized people reside and spread joy and love at Christmas. Unfortunately, the Grinch despises their tradition of celebration and goes out of his way to ruin the festivities for all involved. Adapted from the story of the same name written by Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, and published in 1957, the film remains faithful to the original storyline with few minor exceptions. One of the main differences from the book is that viewers get to know a bit about his backstory and how he came to Whoville in the first place. One additional treat is seeing the visual landscape of Whoville, which is displayed with bright pigments and is recognizable by the huge Christmas tree in the center of the village. Fun fact: this film has been recorded as the highest-grossing holiday film of all time.

8. Elf (2003)

In this comedy, Will Ferrell plays an over-sized elf who learns that he is in fact human and leaves the North Pole in search of his biological father who lives in New York City. As expected, hilarity ensues as Buddy (Will Ferrell) isn’t entirely familiar with this new bustling environment and it takes him some time to get used to everything. Fun fact: Jon Favreau who is also involved in the acting side of Hollywood, took the director’s chair for this film. Since the release of “Elf,” Favreau has gone on to direct ten films, including “Made” in 2001.

9. Love Actually (2003)

This romantic comedy begins with a heartfelt tribute by the British Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in 2001. The message he communicates is that despite all of the thoughtless destruction that occurs on what seems like a regular basis, love actually exists all around and people will always be willing to celebrate it no matter what. The film takes place five weeks before Christmas and follows a multitude of individuals who are all dealing with aspects of love while the film countdowns to the new year. It is revealed as the story progresses that many of the characters are linked by either blood, friendship, or love.

10. The Polar Express (2004)

In this animated film, a young boy embarks on a journey unlike any other when he boards a train with other kids his age and head to the North Pole. During the trip, he learns the importance of things like courage, friendship, and family. Before the trip, he was doubtful about being a believer in Santa Claus, but his faith is restored by the end of his journey.

11. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

In this modern classic, a middle-aged couple decide to skip the celebration of Christmas altogether after their daughter, Blair (Julie Gonzalo), goes abroad to lend her services. At the very last minute, Blair calls home to announce that she will be returning with her fiance, which causes quite a stir in the Krank household when they try to pull out all of the stops to decorate their home appropriately for the holidays before Blair’s arrival.

12. The Family Stone (2005)

A recently engaged couple attends a Christmas celebration, hosted by the fiance’s liberal family, to the dismay of the conservative fiancee.Things don’t go as planned for her and she feels a little bit out of place in this new free-spirited environment. Fortunately for her though, she finds her place and is accepted by her new family, but does she leave with the same guy? Hmmm...you’ll have to watch it in order to find out. Rachel McAdams is great as she plays the unruly sister-in-law to be who initially makes it hard for Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) to feel at ease, but eventually warms up to her after they have a bonding moment.