Christmas is the is a time of year where we can see our families, exchange gifts, and watch Christmas movies. There is always a plethora of movies we get to choose from, but there will always be a select few one that are a must-see every year. These are movies you won’t want to miss.

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This movie is a live adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ story where a green creature called the Grinch hates Christmas and anyone who celebrates it. The “Whos” that live in the town nearby love the Christmas holiday, and the Grinch goes to extra lengths to seclude himself and scare off anyone who wants to find him. He reaches a point in the movie where he hates the holiday so much that he tries to “steal” it away from the Whos. At the end, lets go of any bitterness and resentment he has felt and learns to appreciate this cheerful holiday. This movie has the perfect combination of comedy and life lessons that anyone can enjoy.

2. The Polar Express

This film is about a young boy who lost his Christmas spirit, joy and belief in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, the boy is visited by a strange man on a train who tells him that they are going to the North Pole to see Santa Claus. Although hesitant at first, he gets on the train where he bonds with a few kids. The boy lives in a state of disbelief until the end of the movie  The train, children, and the entire journey represent hope, belief and trust.

3. Elf

This comedy is a movie that will make you laugh and cry. This childlike character can make you laugh with his actions, one-liners, and free spirit that can bring anyone joy on a bad day.

4. Christmas with the Kranks

Not everyone is into the Christmas spirit where you sing Christmas carols, send out Christmas cards, or start decorating the day after Halloween–you know who you are. If this describes you, this is the movie is for you. This family decides to skip Christmas because they are not able to see their daughter for the holidays that year. The neighbors try their best to get them to celebrate, but it doesn’t work until their daughter makes the last minute decision to come home. The neighborhood decides to rally, decorate, cook and set up the Christmas tree in order to prepare for the Krank’s daughter’s arrival. Seeing everyone come together is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

5. The Santa Clause trilogy  

These movies are always a must-see during this time of year. Watching Tim Allen morph into Santa Clause, save Christmas and defy all of the odds against him will leave you entertained. You’ll fall in love with him as he changes from being a pessimist in the beginning to a joyful Santa Clause while he discovers the true love of Christmas.  

6. Charlie Brown Christmas

This is a classic. Charlie Brown feels rather depressed around this time of the year and has a difficult time cheering himself up. He has to find out what the true meaning of Christmas in order to finally enjoy the holiday. This movie will be a great reminder for all ages about what Christmas is really about, and it is an enjoyable film to see around the fireplace with your friends.  

Get into the holidays spirit by watching one of these movies under a warm blanket while you sip on some hot chocolate.