As we were growing up, we all watched many Christmas movies, especially beloved classics such as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. As get older we will watch those childhood classics, from the tear-jerkers to the movies that portray a happy white Christmas and brighten the holiday spirit. The classics will always be the best Christmas movies because they remind us of holiday customs and traditions. I was considering the best movies that I can remember watching as a kid, and I have ranked them based on their beauty, their comedic value, or best story that represents Christmas. Here are my top five best Christmas movies:

1. Santa Claus

This movie stars Tim Allen as Santa Claus, who has to take on the new responsibility of wearing the jolly red coat. It earns its ranking because the plot brings back the spirit of believing in Santa through a kid who knows the truth: just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not real. We only get a glimpse of Santa's factory and his workshop, but it brings to life the gift of believing.

2. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

This is technically a classic, but the remake, a non-animated version starring Tim Carry, makes it in the ranks. Unlike most movies that show us how the characters will find romance during Christmas, or help make Christmas better, this movie is the opposite of what we expect. The Grinch wants to destroy Christmas and practically suceeds at doing so by stealing all of the food, decorations, and presents. Fortunately, Little Cindy Lou Who ends up on the top of his sleigh as it slips over a cliff, and the Grinch comes to the rescue. The spirit of this little girl and the attitude of the Grinch toward the holiday festivities tells a new story-- a tale of inclusion.

3. Jingle All The Way

The comedy with Arnold Schwarzenegger tells a story about a father who neglects his family during the holidays due to commitment to his job. He's a classic business man. Howard (Schwarzenegger) searches for the most popular toy of the year for his son to prove he's not a disappointment. The ending isn't what you'd expect, but Howard proves he's willing to go above and beyond just to make his son happy for Christmas. This movie shows us that Christmas isn't just about the gifts, but it's about the lengths we will go to show our love for our family and share the spirit of the holidays.

4. Christmas Vacation

This movie is another comedy about a dysfunctional family that has what would seem to the typical family Christmas-- The Griswald Christmas. Even though the father is disappointed his boss didn't give out company bonuses, it shows the bigger picture about giving during the holiday season. I guess some people have to be kidnapped on Christmas Eve to understand the true meaning of Christmas.

5. The Polar Express

This amazing childhood favorite comes in as my personal favorite, with Tom Hanks winning an academy award for his performance. The moral of this story is illustrated through a train ride to the North Pole to prove to a child that "seeing is believing." The first gift of Christmas was a bell from Santa's sleigh, which isn't ordinary, but it told me that the best gifts are the gifts that bring us joy, even if they don't necessarily meet our needs.

Happy holidays to you and happy Christmas movie watching!