Christmas: the time of giving and getting. The time of being with friends and family. It’s the time for people to cook Christmas cookies and kiss under the mistletoe. It’s time to sit by the fire and exchange gifts. It’s also the time for Christmas movies to come back on regular television. Christmas movies are the best way to get everyone together and to be merry with your family. This is my list of the top 5 Christmas movies.

5. A Christmas Story

There is no better way to start off your Christmas season than with the classic Christmas Story. It is filled with laughter and Christmas joy that will bring everyone together. The main purpose of this holiday movie is to follow Ralphie and his family on their quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun. The movie is filled with Ralphie facing everything from bullies to parents just not understanding him. This movie is a must watch for the Christmas season.

4. Elf

Will Ferrell brings holiday comedy and a heartwarming story together in Elf. If you haven’t seen Elf, then go to your nearest Redbox and rent it today. This movie will put you in the holiday spirit and make you believe in the magic of Santa. Elf follows Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, who is a human raised by elves in the north pole. After learning that he is a human, Buddy sets out to find his actual father in the city of New York. Along the way he runs into nonbelievers of Santa, and is determined to win his father over with the Christmas spirit. This movie is a classic Christmas movie.

3. The Polar Express

The Polar Express is one of the best Christmas movies that has come out in recent years. Not only does the animation make the movie a must watch, but the Christmas spirit captured in the movie makes it even better. Having a train roll up to your house and bring you to the North Pole is every child’s dream. The Polar Express is about a boy that is having a hard time believing in Santa Claus, but soon finds his belief after a train takes him and other kids to the north pole. This is a must watch for anyone and everyone.

2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

This is a classic Christmas movie that captures humor and holiday joy into one movie. The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation makes bringing the family together even easier. This movie is about the Griswold family and their holiday adventures. Whether it’s having cousin Eddie unexpectedly showing up at their house or having the millions of Christmas lights not come on, the Griswold’s are always facing some hilarious struggle. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a perfect movie for the holiday season.

1. White Christmas

White Christmas is one of the most classic Christmas movies there is. Featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the movie is filled with some of the most classic Christmas songs that are still popular today. White Christmas follows four singers to a small motel where they plan a huge Christmas pageant. The movie is perfect in every way and needs to be watched during the holiday season.