As Christmas approaches, trees are put up, lights are strung, and Santa Clauses stand outside every major store. While flipping through channels on TV, you pass dozens of Christmas movies. Even though new movies are made every year, there are some movies that will always be good. Here are a few:

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Whether it's the cartoon version, or the live version with Jim Carrey, both versions of this movie are amazing. It shows that love and kindness can be found in any kind of person.

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Starring Chevy Chase, this movie is shown every year. It's hilarious, and I personally watch it every Christmas. This movie shows the value of the holidays, and that even a crazy family is enjoyable at Christmastime.

3. The Santa Clause

This movie started a revolutionary trilogy. Starring Tim Allen, this is one of the most popular Christmas movies ever shown. The Santa Clause shows that Christmas magic is possible if you truly believe.

4. Deck the Halls

When a neighborly fight breaks out over Christmas lights, Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick go neck and neck. In the end, family love and Christmas spirit trump decoration arguments.

5. Christmas With the Kranks

A year without Christmas? For Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, that sounds relieving. However, when family calls, will the Caribbean have to wait? This movie shows that spending time with family and friends is what the season is all about.

6. The Polar Express

Ride aboard the Polar Express and meet the one and only, Santa Claus. However, do you have to see him for him to believe. This train ride shows that believing is seeing.

7. Elf

When Will Ferrel ventures to New York to meet his father, he gets caught in a whirlwind adventure. While he may be different from other elves, Buddy (Ferrel) learns that our differences make us special and unique.

8. Frosty the Snowman

Created by school children, Frosty is a magical snowman, who loves to have fun. However, when a greedy man takes his magical hat, will Frosty melt under pressure? Or will Santa Claus save the day?

9. A Charlie Brown Christmas

With all the presents that we receive each year, sometimes we forget the true meaning of Christmas. Join Charlie Brown and his friends as the learn what Christmas is really about.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

While being different may seem like a bad thing, it can also be extremely helpful. Though the other reindeer made fun of him, Rudolph comes to Santa's rescue, and saves Christmas.

11. The Year Without a Santa Claus

When sibling rivalry gets in the way of Christmas, two brothers, Mr. Heatmiser and Mr. Snowmiser, must find a way to save Christmas. However, can they put aside their differences, even if it's just for one night?

12. The Holiday

With all the craziness going on in their lives, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet decide they need a break. Using a website, the two meet and switch houses for the holidays. By letting go of the drama in their lives, the two learn how enjoyable the holidays can be.

Each of these movies is wonderful, and are watched all over the globe. While they send meaningful messages, they do something else amazing: they spread Christmas cheer. If you can't seem to find these movies on TV, you can buy them, rent them, or find them on Netflix or HBO. Happy watching everyone, and happy holidays!