A Charlie Brown Christmas- This movie is uplifting and sweet. Although Charlie Brown is hopelessly cynical, he searches for the true meaning of Christmas away from all of the commercialism and goes back to the roots of Christmas, trying to catch the holiday spirit by directing a Christmas pageant. Despite Charlie Brown’s efforts, it is clear that no one in the play truly cares which is made evident by one of the most famous scenes in any movie. Linus, Charlie Brown’s friend, eventually refocuses the group by telling the story of Christmas.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town- Although the animation in this movie is not fantastic now, it was when it first came out in 1970. This story is an explanation of how Santa Claus came to be Santa Claus- how he was left on the doorstep of a family of elves, and tries to bring joy to the children of a nearby village by bringing them toys. This story contains explanations for all the Santa Claus myths, including Santa Claus going down the chimney, putting presents in stockings, the letters, and the reindeer.

It’s A Wonderful Life- One of the all-time Christmas classics, It’s A Wonderful Life stars James Stewart, who plays George Bailey, a generous and selfless businessman who hits rock bottom after a financial crisis, but meets an angel named Clarence right before he commits suicide. Clarence decides to show him what life in Bailey’s town would be like if he had never been born. It’s A Wonderful Life teaches the important lesson that everyone matters and has a place in this world.

Elf- Arguably one of the funniest movies ever, Elf, starring Will Ferrell, tells the story of Buddy the elf, who travels to New York to find his dad and try to move him from the Naughty List to the Nice List. There’s only one major problem- Buddy has no idea how to function in the human world. If you haven’t seen this movie, then you need to watch it immediately, whether it’s Dec. 24 or the middle of July.

How the Grinch stole Christmas- (the cartoon version)- Is anything by Doctor Seuss bad? This endearing story is set in Whoville, which is in the shadow of a cave where the mean Grinch lives. One year, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas from Whoville by taking all the presents. With the help of his faithful dog Max, the Grinch, dressed as Santa, sneaks around to every house undoing all of Santa’s hard work. However, right before the Grinch gets rid of the presents, he realizes that the people of Whoville are still celebrating, and he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

And finally, in my opinion, the greatest holiday movie of all time: A Christmas Story. Set in Wisconsin in the late 1940s, this movie tells of a boy named Ralphie and his plans to get Red Ryder B.B. gun for Christmas- with hilarious results that last throughout the holiday season.  This movie perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, and Ralphie and his adventures are something everyone can relate to.