It's that time of year again. We hear those sleigh bells ringing and ting, ting tinglin' too. Everything around us is becoming a green and red light up world seen through frost-covered windows, and the jitters are setting in. As the radio turns to holiday jingles and the TV becomes more festive, here are five unforeseen gems to look out for.
1. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Of course, you must watch the Jim Carrey version. He's too funny to pass up. This story of how a mean old Grinch finds his heart is emotional, hilarious and truly heart-warming. If you're having trouble getting in the Christmas spirit, take a trip into a snowflake to experience Whoville. It will be all you need.
2. A Christmas Story
This is an old classic and a total must-see. Along with being one of the most quotable Christmas movies of all time (you'll shoot your eye out), it gives you one of those nostalgic family Christmas feelings that you won't want to miss. The story of a young boy's wildest dreams of having his own gun takes on a much larger meaning and brings back the good old days.
3. Elf
You can't go through Christmas without Will Ferrell. Not only is this movie hilariously cute, it makes you believe in the spirit of Christmas again. Will Ferrell's portrayal of a real life elf searching for his father gives you the kind of Christmas hope we all could use.
4. The Santa Clause
Whether it's the first, second or third film, it's bound to be awesome. Tim Allen delivers in this adorable film about a man who accidentally becomes Santa Clause. Through his son Charlie's undying belief in both Christmas and his father, everyone has a heartfelt reason to keep watching.
5. Christmas with the Kranks
Another Tim Allen classic! As if he isn't already great enough in this movie, Jamie Lee Curtis plays his loving accomplice. Through the duo's attempt to skip Christmas, they ultimately realize all of the reasons why their former traditions were important. Along with so many laughable moments, this movie makes the best holiday of the year a little funnier.
If you haven't set your remote to record the countdown movies yet, you better get to it. You won't want to miss any of the great holiday flicks this year, and especially not these five. They are the hallmarks of the Christmas season, and we would all be lost without them.
