Getting in to the holiday spirit is can almost be more fun than celebrating on Christmas Day itself. The process of meticulously decorating your house, breaking out nutmeg scented candles and overindulging on hot chocolate and candy canes makeup of the month of December. The most surefire way to get in the mood though is immersing yourself in your favorite Christmas movies. For those so unprepared as to not have a ready-made list of the very best, look no further.

1. Elf

It's not mystery why this one is it at the top of the list. No matter how many times you watch it, it's still funny. Buddy's journey to New York in search of his real father and his role in saving Christmas are made hysterical by Will Ferrell's overly excited reaction to everything. If nothing else it teaches you that singing loud for all to hear is the best way to spread Christmas cheer.

2. Love Actually

Does this really need an explanation? British accents, Hugh Grant’s awkward dancing, Christmas in London, and Chris Nighy’s spoofed rendition of “Love is All Around” put it at the top of the list. Like many multi-story movies, it’s cliché at moments and definitely leans toward being a chick flick, but that doesn’t change the fact that when the credits roll, you will be that much more excited for Christmas Eve.

3. A Christmas Story

It’s so bad, it’s good. The honest depiction of struggling to drop subtle hints to make sure you get exactly what you want for Christmas and memorable moments like the frozen flagpole scene make this one a classic. It may not be everyone’s favorite, but it should definitely make it on your list of films to watch before the holiday season is over.

4. The Polar Express

This one might just be the most noteworthy solely for it’s being a cartoon that adults can actually sit through and enjoy. Not only does having Tom Hanks voice virtually every role make it better, but you’ll have the “Hot Chocolate” song stuck in your head for days after watching.

5. The Santa Clause

Tim Allen shows up as Santa Claus in this movie with a storyline aimed toward children that makes it all the more festive. The film makes sure to include everything from Santa’s workshop equipped with his elves to St Nick’s jolly red suit. it even puts a twist on the traditional story of how Santa Claus came to get his gig. Watching so many of the characters need convincing of Tim Allen's identity, the movie makes you wish you still believed in Santa and could hunker down in pajamas on Christmas Eve waiting for his arrival down the chimney. Though that is sadly not in the cards, there’s always the sequel.

6. Bridget Jones's Diary

Though it undoubtedly falls under the category of chick flicks it’s well worth the watch whether it’s the holiday season or not. Renee Zellweger actually manages to pull off an English accent and makes us all feel a little bit better about our own awkwardness because Bridget Jones' is far worse. The added bonus of watching two men fight over a woman whilst she simply tries to make the best of the holidays and choose the right one is just plain good entertainment. Whether you’re taken by the complicated love triangle or more entertained by the hilarious quips of Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, it’s easy to see why you would want to watch this one year after year.