It's that time of year again – break out all things peppermint and pine. Rejoice, for the gods have blessed us with enough reruns of "Elf" and "Christmas Story" to last us until next December. The Christmas season is the time for family, comfort food, and comfort films. And what films could be more comforting than the ones we grew up with? The ones we shoved into the VCR on Christmas Eve and watched with hot chocolate warming our hands? I'm not talking about the stop motion movies – those belong to our parents' generation. We have our own batch of holiday movies, and while they might not be all what you'd call "critically acclaimed," they're no less special. So dust off your old VHS collection (if you haven't sold them at a yard sale yet) and get ready to take a trip down memory lane.
Olive the Other Reindeer (1999)
Olive is a pooch on an adorable quest to save Christmas with her penguin friend, Martini (Martini and Olive, get it?). With clever writing and a unique art style true to the book it's based on, "Olive the Other Reindeer" is a must re-watch.
Annabelle's Wish (1997)
Continuing with the theme of "animal that isn't a reindeer wants to become a reindeer", up next is "Annabelle's Wish." If there's anything I remember about watching this movie, it's crying my eyes out – a little boy becomes mute after a barn fire, a little calf has an impossible dream. I was a sensitive kid, ok?
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2000)
The cream of the crop, the pinnacle of holiday entertainment - "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Ah yes, every year for the past fifteen years this masterpiece has aired on Cartoon Network, and every year it never fails to amaze me. For those not in the know this movie is...bad. The animation and writing are so ludicrous that it's hilarious and endearing. Who could forget such musical numbers as "Grandpa's Gonna Sue the Pants Off of Santa"? A classic.
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas (1999)
Huey, Dewey, and Louie wish for everyday to be christmas. Goofy tries to prove Santa is real to his son Max. Mickey and Minnie try to get each other the perfect gift. You probably remember at least one of these mini-movies from "Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas."
The Christmas Toy (1986)
Before "Toy Story," there was "The Christmas Toy." Woody wasn't the first toy to be replaced by one from outer space. In this Jim Henson movie, Rugby the Tiger fears being replaced by the new Christmas present, Meteora. It's a charming story of friendship, even if Apple, the doll, is a little creepy.
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (1991)
When the letter to Santa from the residents Hundred-Acre Wood doesn't make it to the North Pole, it's up to Pooh himself to bring Christmas to his friends. It's impossible not to love that silly ol' bear.
Pikachu's Winter Vacation (1998)
It might be a bit biased of me to include this, but no holiday video makes me more nostalgic than "Pikachu's Winter Vacation." No dialogue necessary, it's a solid half-hour of silly winter antics. Even if you didn't grow up a Pokemon fan, this little flick is a sweet treat.
