Christmas – the first person we probably think of is the big guy in the red suit. There’s no doubt about it that Santa Claus plays a big role in most Christmas movies. However, there are a lot of Christmas movie heroes other than Santa. Here’s a list of ten of our favorites:

Kevin McCallister – "Home Alone"

An 8-year old single-handedly saves Christmas for his family and prevents their house from being robbed. In the second movie, he is even more of a hero because he saves Christmas for kids in the hospital in a city he's not even from!

Linus – "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

In the midst of the hustle and bustle from planning the Christmas play, decorating for Christmas, and planning Christmas parties, Linus brings us back and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Nestor – "Nestor, the Long-Earned Christmas Donkey"

Perhaps a more forgotten Christmas classic, Nestor carries Mary to the stable where she gives birth to Jesus and uses his long ears to protect her from a storm – all while he just lost his mother. Nestor is the number one hero in my book.

Bernard – "The Santa Clause"

Who whips Santa Claus into shape for Christmas? Bernard, the head elf. Scott Calvin might not have even delivered presents and been Santa Claus if it weren’t for Bernard.

Jingle and Jangle – "A Year Without A Santa Claus"

Again, Santa Claus might not have delivered gifts if it were not for these two little elves. They make the journey to Southtown, U.S.A. to show Santa that there is still Christmas spirit. While they do make a few mistakes along the way, their hearts are in the right place and end up finding Christmas spirit with the help of Mrs. Claus.

Yukon Cornelius – "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

He saves everyone from the Abominable Snowman…and even reforms the “Bumble” and gets him a job at Santa’s workshop!

Hocus Pocus – "Frosty the Snowman"

While Hocus Pocus is supposed to be Professor Hinkle’s sidekick, but realizes that he is evil and brings that hat that makes Frosty come alive back to the children.

Jovie – "Elf"

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” She gets everyone gathered in New York City to join in singing “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town” and, in turn, makes Santa’s sleigh fly.

Cindy-Lou Who – "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Cindy-Lou Who gets the Grinch to come down from Mount Crumpet and nominates him as the Christmas Cheermeister. It doesn’t initially work out, but he does end up having more Christmas cheer than any other Who in Whoville.

Jessica – Santa Clause is Comin’ To Town

Jessica makes sure to get the Kringles out of prison when they are put away for giving gifts to the children. She wants to make sure that the children of Sombertown are happy just as much as Santa Claus does.

So there you have it: ten unsung heroes of Christmas movies. Make sure to watch these classics over winter break!