I consider myself a bit of a Christmas expert, whether it be festive activities like making gingerbread houses, cutting down a tree, decorating the house, or making Christmas treats, I am your gal. However, I consider my expertise to fall in the movie category. For as long as I can remember, my parents made a point to go all out as soon as Halloween was over (is this too early? you can be the judge). Either way, I have done my research and concluded that the following are the best Christmas movies of all time! (***in no particular order***)

Elf

Elf is definitely my favorite xmas movie ever. I distinctly remember seeing this in theaters when I was seven years old and absolutely dying of laughter. It is truly a heartwarming film that never tires its humor. Each time I watch it it gets better.

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Santa Clause is Coming to Town is great because it's one of the classic claymation films that are so iconic to the holiday season. The movie tells the story about how Chris Cringle became Santa, complete with songs, the ultimate villain-BergerMeister MeisterBerger-and even talking animals.

The Santa Clause

I always loved the movie as a kid because how cool would it be if your dad was Santa? You would get to play with the reindeer, eat really great cookies, go for rides in the sleigh, and get endless Christmas presents. Not a bad gig.

Home Alone

Kevin does a kick-ass job of defending his turf when the creepy burglars come and try to tear up the place. Home Alone also reminds us how important family is during the holidays, even though they might drive you insane sometimes.

A Christmas Story

Okay this movie is literally ICONIC whether it be the classic "Don't shoot your eye out", or "Be sure to drink your ovaltine", or the leg lamp, or when he triple dog dares his friend to stick his tongue to the flag pole. Either way we can totally relate to Ralphie's excitement as Christmas day comes, and how over-the-top everything feels when you're nine years old.

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty is literally such a nice guy and brightens up all the kids' days. Also as a kid I weirdly identified with Karen. Either way, this movie is so heartwarming and the song is great.

Christmas Vacation

If you have never seen Christmas Vacation, I highly suggest that you do. I saw this movie far too young, and ever since then no Christmas comedy compares. Clark Griswold is the epitome of a suburban dad trying to get Christmas to be enjoyable for his entire family, unfortunately, his trashy cousin, Cousin Eddy comes along with his family and makes the Christmas season a complicated adventure. The movie is literally hilarious from the first minute to the last.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

So Rudolph is a bit of a wuss until he goes on his adventure with the dentist and lumberjack, meets the misfit toys and King Moonracer, and then gets his calling and eventually saves the day. We will forever remember all the reindeers' names thanks to this timeless film and song.

Miracle on 34th Street

This film is wicked deep and also very sad because the little girl doesn't believe in Santa because her mom is a jerk. Anyway, the real Santa pretty much shows her whats up and then her mom promptly shuts up. So all the non-believers can sit down after they watch this movie.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch is the WOAT until he is the GOAT. His heart grew a lot and Cindy Lu Who helped him out along with all the other Who's in Who-ville. Poor little Max was the Grinch's slave. But this movie is way better than the live-action version (sorry Jim Carrey).

So sit back, drink some eggnog, and enjoy these Christmas classics to get you in the mood for the greatest time of year.