Christmas Movies

Around this time of year – well, let’s be honest, starting in November – everyone starts playing their favorite Christmas movies. I’ll admit to not being one who usually seeks out the Christmas movies (or Christmas books, for that matter), but over the last few years, there have been a number that have snuck into my rotation of “must see sometime in the Christmas season” list. And I thought I’d share them with you. They’re in no particular order- I have trouble ranking things with “best” and “favorite” as options.

• While You Were Sleeping – This is an almost-perfect romance. And it’s so excellently cast. Plus, it has many, many quotable moments that make their way into conversation frequently round here.
• Die Hard – Seriously, this is a Christmas movie. And it’s fantastic. (Yes, there are adult situations and language, but “Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho” is still classic.)
• A Christmas Story – I’ll admit this is more my husband’s favorite than mine. I tolerate it. (I still quote it, mind you, but it’s not a huge favorite. I like pieces of it. I find other pieces of it incredibly mind numbing.)
• White Christmas – And yes, not only *can* you sing along. You must!
• Holiday Inn – Love Bing Crosby at Christmas.
• The Bells of St. Mary – see above
• The Ref – This one is not for everyone. It’s full of language, so if that will ruin something for you, please steer clear. However it’s also about dysfunctional families finding common ground via a thief with a low tolerance for idiocy who tells it like it is. Husband and I laugh ourselves silly throughout it.
• The Christmas Card – This is a made-for-TV movie (I believe made for the Hallmark channel?) but it’s one that always leaves you with a happy sigh and perhaps a little dampness around the eye lashes. Or maybe that’s pine tree allergies. Not sure.
• Scrooged – Hands down my favorite version of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Bill Murray. ‘Nough said.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol – My second-favorite version of the Christmas Carol. Kermit and Michael Caine. ‘Nough said again.

What about you? Any I missed?