Christmas is easily the best season of all-- and there's a whole genre of movies and music to prove it.
While some haters think that early decorations, music, and movies are "cause for depression or stress," it's officially post-Thanksgiving which means... BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS!
Here's a short list of movies to get you in the mood for the best season all year:
1. A Christmas Story
Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like watching Ralphie and his unbridled quest for his Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!
2. Elf
Probably one of the best Christmas movies in the last fifteen years. Watching Buddy figure out New York City and earn the affection of his dad warms our hearts every year.
3. The Santa Clause
Starring the brilliant Tim Allen, this trilogy follows the story of Scott Calvin as he transforms into the one and only Santa Claus. A heartless businessman turned jolly Saint Nick is a brilliant way to kick off the season.
4. The Grinch
Whether you prefer the cartoon version or the Jim Carrey version, this tale of the Whos down in Whoville is sure to de-Grinch any cranky passerby.
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
With songs like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Silver and Gold," you can't go wrong with this classic stop-motion animated film.
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Another stop-motion animation movie, this story tells us just how Santa Claus came to be!
7. It's A Wonderful Life
We can all lose sight of the things that matter, but this movie is a wonderful reminder that we all have a purpose, even if we can't see it. Plus it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling every time you hear a bell ring.
8. Christmas With The Kranks
When the Kranks' daughter leaves after Thanksgiving, everything turns to chaos and shenanigans as they try to avoid the merriest season of all! But in the end, we get to see all the wonderful things that the Christmas season brings.
9. Miracle on 34th Street
With a 1947 version and a 1994 version, you have two beautiful tellings of the story to choose from. Is Kris Kringle a fraud, a confused old man, or the real deal? Either way, his love and compassion for the people he crosses paths with is sure to put a smile on your face.
10. The Polar Express
Remember reading this book as a kid and ringing every silver bell in the house to make sure you could still hear it? No matter how old we get, being able to hear the ring of a silver bell after watching this movie gives us goosebumps and a sense of satisfaction every time.
11. Home Alone
A little kid, a giant house, a couple of burglars, and a whole lot of pranks make this movie a ton of fun and a serious hazard for any mischievous 9-year-olds this time of year!
12. The Christmas Carol
If you haven't seen this movie or read the book, did you really grow up in the public school system? Following Ebeneezer Scrooge on his journey of self-realization is a classic-- and slightly creepy-- way to get in the holiday spirit. Plus, there's like 15 versions to choose from!
13. White Christmas
An oldie but a goodie, this 1954 film includes two sisters, two performers, lots of music, and yes, a white Christmas.
14. The Holiday
With Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black, the two unlikely pairings in this movie-- complete with unexpected twists-- are a great new addition to your holiday movie lineup!
15. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
To quote John Mulaney, "How do you get lost in New York? It's a grid system!" But at any rate, this movie incurs just as much fun and shenanigans as the first one, plus a couple of celebrity cameos (I see you, President Trump).
16. The Nightmare Before Christmas
It could be argued that this is more of a Halloween movie, but I think it really has double duty. Jack Skellington and his crew of creepies from Halloween Town trying to save Sandy Claws from having to do work is one of the weirdest, yet oddly kind things to do. It's the thought that counts, right?
17. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Apparently there was a time when a cartoon movie could tell the story of Christ's birth and not offend everyone and their mother. I know, it's crazy, but this movie presents it in a fantastic way. With the whole Peanuts crew and a few of our favorite Christmas songs, you really can't go wrong.
18. The Nativity
The real reason for the season. Without the nativity story, we wouldn't have cause to celebrate. So whether you choose to watch the silly or the heartwarming, make sure you make room for this life-changing story on your Christmas list.