Hello all!

As you know, the holiday season is upon us, and Christmas is quickly approaching. Most colleges are wrapping up finals by now, and all other schools will be out on break shortly after. Winter break is one of the best times to spend with family- making memories, decorating the house, eating and drinking festive treats, and watching holiday movies! I have already pulled out some of my favorite Christmas movies to watch with the family, including two spoiled dogs! With this as my inspiration for this week, here are my top Christmas movie recommendations to help celebrate your winter break!

1. “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”

Okay, hands down, this is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. You can watch whichever version you please, but without a doubt I'm choosing Jim Carrey's outstanding performance as our Grinch. This movie is so incredibly funny- this coming from someone who really doesn't like comedy all that much. There are so many lines from this movie that I spout out all year long, it's just that good. And not to mention it has such a heart-warming ending. I'm sure you've all seen this already, but this is your excuse to pull it out and watch it again!

2. ”Elf”

Behind the Grinch, I would say that this is my second favorite movie on this list. While I'm not a huge fan of Will Ferrell- again not a fan of comedy- this movie has me rolling with laughter. Seriously, it never gets old. Buddy the elf is such a classic Christmas character from my childhood memories, and each time I re-watch this one it just gets better and better. Add this one to your watch-list this year.

3. “It's A Wonderful Life”

I've only seen this film once, but a few years ago I was able to perform this show live with my high school theatre troupe, and therefore am very familiar with the story. This is such an amazing Christmas story, and I highly recommend checking it out if you, like me, have gone most of your life somehow avoiding it.

4. “The Santa Clause”

Okay, all I have to say for this one is, Tim Allen. He practically makes this entire series with his performance as Santa Clause. Again, this is one of those movies that my parents constantly put on during Christmas growing up, and therefore has remained a classic in my heart.

5. “The Polar Express”

This is one most of us know and love, so grab your pajamas, hot chocolate (or coffee, if you need it), and your tickets, and hop back on the Polar Express this holiday season.

6. “Jingle All The Way”

This probably isn't the most popular movie on this list, but it is definitely one that I watched over and over growing up. Arnold Schwarzenegger definitely plays a super dad in this one, and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a good laugh, and definitely bring along the little ones in your life to enjoy it as well.

7. “Christmas With The Kranks”

This is another one of my favorites on this list, and I've already watched it this season. Again, Tim Allen is hilarious as always, and this movie as a whole is something you surely won't forget. Every time I watch this, I pick up on more and more little comedic lines that make it even more enjoyable. And who doesn't love watching this family scramble together a Christmas in only a few hours after planning all month to skip out and go on a cruise?

8. “A Christmas Carol”

While all versions of this movie are great to watch during the holiday season, I would highly recommend seeing this acted live if you have a chance. I have seen this performed several times by a local theatre near my house, and the experience is so much more magical than simply viewing it on your TV screen. So check out your local performing arts centers and see this one live if you can!

9. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

This is just one of those movies that I feel like completes the list. While it's not my personal favorite, my mom always enjoyed watching it, and even puts up her own Charlie Brown tree every year. Whether you love it or not, it's just one of those movies that everyone has to watch at least once a year, because it's such a classic.

10. Any of the Classics

And, while the majority of these movies come from more recent years, it's definitely a great idea to pull out all of the classics as well. These include “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town”, “The Little Drummer Boy”, and many others!

Whether you like the classics, or prefer more modern Christmas movies, these are all of my recommendations for getting into the holiday spirit this year- and every year. Grab your blankets, a warm drink, and enjoy these movies with your loved ones by the fire and candle light.