As much as I love music, the only thing that comes close to rivaling it for my attention is Movies. As previously stated, Christmas music has a short amount of weeks to hold my attention, and I’d say the same is true of Christmas movies as well. There’s only so much time in the 3-4 weeks of December to fit it all in, but these are the top ten movies I find myself returning to every year. On to the countdown!

The Santa Clause

Tim Allen “suits” this role well and provides enough chuckles to go along with single Dad sadness. Favorite line: “You call this a little bit of weight?!”

Home Alone

A movie about a kid being left home alone and fending off grown men is far fetched, but it’s buffoonery and cute Culkin charm are good for some groans and laughs. Plus, it has some great lines…”keep the change you filthy animal!”

A Muppet Christmas Carol

Who doesn’t love Kermit and the gang?! Add the familiar muppet characters to the Christmas Carol and you have an nice twist on a classic story. Rizzo the rat is a favorite character for me from this one. “Thank you for making me a part of this!”

While You Were Sleeping

Not a Christmas movie you say?! It happens on Christmas Eve/day and into New Years. If Die Hard’s a Christmas movie, then So is this excellent romantic comedy. This would also make the list (possibly top that list) of favorite romantic comedies as well. So many great quotes! “Was that my pants or my muscles?!”

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Jim Carrey May have hated the prosthetic suit, and we may have missed seeing his rubber faced comedy because of it, but he plays the cynical grinch “grinchtastically.” Favorites line: “Hate hate hate, double hate, LOATHE ENTIRELY!” ”

White Christmas

What entertainment used to look like when performers were much more multi-faceted and not reliant on movie magic. Singing, dancing, acting, comedy, and then more singing. Some may find the pace slow, but I love the simple message of taking care of the people you love. There are several great song and dance numbers in addition to classic Christmas song “White Christmas.” Plus, Danny Kaye is amazing in ever scene he’s in.

Christmas Vacation

This one is uproariously, and often inappropriately funny. I grew up watching a version taped off of tv to only buy the dvd and watch the unedited version in its entirety. Yikes! Still, though irreverent at times, it still has a family centric heart. We all have an Uncle Eddie or two in our families. “You serious Clark?”

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A true classic in ever sense of the word in my opinion. I love that Scripture is heard every year through this story, and we are reminded what “Christmas is all about.” Plus, snoopy dancing is always a delight. “Of all the Charlie Brown’s, you are the Charlie Browniest.”

Elf

“Buddy, the elf. What’s your favorite color?” Ha! This is one Christmas movie my family watches anytime of the year. So good. Will Ferrell plays innocent elf Buddy like no other could have. “I just like smiling. Smiling is my favorite.”

It’s A Wonderful Life

Unfortunately the most quoted line in this movie has become a punchline. (“every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings”) It’s a shame really because this a fantastic move with a timeless message. Sometimes the small acts in people’s lives make the biggest difference, and he who has friends is truly rich regardless of his financial situation. This is a must-see if you haven’t, and my all time favorite Christmas movie!

Honorable Mentions:

Arthur Christmas

Four Christmases

Surviving Christmas

So there you have it! What about you, what are your favorite Can’t miss Christmas movies? I’d love to hear from you!