Christmas is one of the greatest times of the year. It is a time of giving to one another and spending time with the people we love. It gives us hope and makes us feel warmth and also reminds us to be grateful even on the worst of days. The best part of it all is that talented directors and writers are able to capture the best parts of Christmas and make multiple movies about the wonderful time of the year. So for this holiday, sit back, relax, grab some hot cocoa and enjoy these movies.

1. Christmas With the Kranks

It stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee-Curtis in a movie about hating Christmas and all the stress that revolves around it. In the end they realize that all the chaos from Christmas is worth it because Christmas is a wonderful time of being kind and sharing. The movie also focuses a lot on family and reminds you that you don’t necessarily have to be blood-related to be family. You will laugh until you cry but by the end the movie you will have a smile on your face.

2. The Santa Clause

Another great Tim Allen movie, and this one is a classic. It tells the story of a dad getting stuck being Santa Claus and no one believing him. Definitely a feel-good movie and a great film for all ages. Even though the movie was released in 1994, it seems to never age. If you enjoy this one, there are two other installments to this movie franchise that are also worth your time to watch this holiday season.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

This film may be old, but I never get tired of it. It tells the story of a man who has just about had it with his life, and plans to commit suicide on Christmas eve. However, his guardian angel helps him see that his life is worth living and how he truly does have a wonderful life. This is a movie of hope to all those who think that it will never get better. The American Film Institute even recognized this movie as one of the 100 best American films ever made.

4. Elf

Probably the funniest Christmas movie to this day. Will Ferrell did a killer job playing Buddy the Elf, a confused elf looking for his biological dad in New York City. It is such a clever idea for a movie. There is no way to watch this movie without cracking up at least once. The movie can bring out the inner child in anyone.

5. The Family Stone

Personally this is one of my favorite movies anytime of the year. I never considered this to be a Christmas movie but it classifies as one because it does take place during Christmas time. The movie tells the story of the Stone family, a large family full of many strong personalities. When one of their sons brings home a girl that doesn’t quite fit in, the whole family goes crazy. Easy to relate to if you are used to big families and crazy holiday gatherings. Also a lot of well known actors and actresses in this film.

6. Eight Crazy Nights

The movie may be animated, but by no means is this a children’s movie. The hilarious actor and comedian Adam Sandler lends his voice to multiple characters in this movie, so you know it is going to be a good one. The nice part about this movie is it celebrates Christmas as well as Hanukkah.

7. I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Main reason this movie made the list is because I am a huge Jonathan Taylor Thomas fan, but also because it truly is a great Christmas film. The movie is about a boy named Jake who hasn’t been home for Christmas since his mother died and his father remarried. This Christmas is also different because his father offers his vintage car if he is home by a certain time, however it isn’t that easy. Another great movie that will make you giggle.

8. Bad Santa

This movie is a little raunchy and not suitable for kids, but hilarious for the more mature audience. It is about a thief disguised as Santa Claus who learns the meaning of Christmas. It would be classified as a Christmas movie for people who aren’t really into Christmas movies because it doesn’t have the cheerful Christmas feel that most Christmas movies necessarily have. If you are going to watch it make sure you watch the full thing and not the clean version that TV programs offer. If you’re going to watch it, watch it right.

9. Unaccompanied Minors

This is about a bunch of bored kids who make up their own holidays while stuck in an airport after Christmas. Something to relate to for all the travelers on Christmas because I know airports and busy highways are not be easy during that time of year. The movie is made for children, but adults can enjoy this movie too!

10. The Polar Express

Tom Hanks lends his voice to six characters for one of the best films of my childhood. I know adults enjoy the movie too. It gives hope to children and brings back the innocence in adults to believe that there is a Santa Claus. The director used a live action performance capture technique for the human characters creating one of the best Christmas films by far. It makes the film feel so real when you watch it. Long movie, but the catchy music and interesting story line never leave you bored.

11. Jingle All the Way

Another relatable movie about a father who forgot to buy his son the hottest toy around for Christmas, now on the day of Christmas eve he is running around in mayhem trying to get his hands on one. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the main character, and it is refreshing to see him go outside his comfort zone and play a more fun character compared to his other work. The film was inspired by real-life Christmas toy sell-outs like Cabbage Patch Kids and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

12. Prancer

WARNING: THIS MOVIE WILL MAKE YOU CRY. The film tells the story of a farm girl that nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa's, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas. This movie is not very commonly known, but the creativity of the film is genius and worth the watch.

13. Home Alone

This is a film you can watch all year long, but it is primarily one to watch during the Christmas season. Another classic, but for those who don’t know, the movie is about an 8-year-old boy that is mistakenly left behind during a family Christmas vacation and has to defend his house against two burglars. The brilliant writer John Hughes kills it yet again with this fantastic movie. The acting is outstanding and so believable. You are going to wish you were as smart as this 8-year-old when you are done watching this movie.

14. Jack Frost

Here is another sad movie, but once again makes you grateful for what you have which is part of what Christmas is all about. The movie is about a father that passes away but comes back to life in the form of a snowman to spend time with his son. Great family movie, especially because of the father-son aspect throughout the entire film. I am going to admit that the snowman costume scared me a little bit as a child, but nontheless it is still a great film.

15. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

We all read the children’s book by Dr. Seuss, but in 2000 they made the wonderful book into a movie with real people. Jim Carrey truly dedicated himself to the role of the cynical Grinch. You will fall in love with the adorable, goofy characters. After watching this you will have the songs stuck in your head and will want to push your nose up like the Who's because this movie is that amazing.

16. Miracle on 34th Street

I end this list with the Christmas movie of all Christmas movie, the 1947 film is about a man who gets hired as the mall Santa at Macy's and insist he is the real Santa Claus. Along the way he restores the Christmas spirit in everyone he comes in contact with. Nothing but positive joy comes from this movie and it is a guarantee to make you fall in love with Christmas all over again. Lucky for you, they play this movie, and all the remakes, all the time during the Christmas season. If you haven’t seen this one, well you’re just missing out.