It is finally December. I don’t know about you, but the minute November 1st started, I began listening to Christmas music and stringing up lights. I love Christmas. In my opinion, there is no better holiday. And what goes best with Christmas? Christmas movies! There is a long list of films that people around the world enjoy; almost too many to ever see. But here are some of my all time favorites:

1. Elf (2003)

Elf is a story about a grown man raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop. When he finds out the truth about his background, he travels to New York City to find his real family.

Elf is Will Ferrell at his best. He is lovably innocent and captures how many feel about Christmas at heart. While it is PG, there are plenty of adult jokes snuck into the script that make this movie enjoyable for all ages. As with any christmas movie, this film goes best with friends, family, and a whole lot of laughs.

(image taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=elf&safe=strict&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS766US766&hl=en-US&prmd=ivsn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh89KAuZvYAhXp5YMKHXKKDDYQ_AUIESgB&biw=1024&bih=653#imgdii=d3fEWVWaEd72aM:&imgrc=0g-K4b6ANaXSyM:)

2. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually is an intermingling of stories surrounding Christmas time. As you watch the film, you begin to find the distinct story lines. It is all about how people find love during the holiday seasons. It is rated R, so be sure to ask your parents before watching this and there are quite a few scenes you may have to close your eyes during. However, the overall message of the film is that love surrounds us no matter where we are, and to embrace it. This is absolutely one of the best Christmas movies ever made.

(image taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=love+actually&safe=strict&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS766US766&hl=en-US&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOmMWcuZvYAhUI94MKHfUUBR4Q_AUICygD&biw=1024&bih=653&dpr=2#imgrc=1eMxWv6mdp5tgM:)

3. A Christmas Carol (1984)

There have been plenty of different versions of A Christmas Carol made in history. This one, however, is my personal favorite. It encompasses the joyful, yet also sorrowful, spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge. I remember watching this with my grandmother and being eternally freaked out yet also intrigued and in love. It is a wonderful movie to pass on through the generations and learn lessons from.

(image taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=george+c+scott+christmas+carol&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS766US766&oq=georgd+c+scott+ch&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.8009j0j9&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=5RUNX7QgKIh14M:)

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

There is a live action and cartoon version of this movie. Both are good, but Jim Carrey’s ability to live out the Grinch to the fullest has me watching this movie every year. His unscripted and crazy nature keeps you on your toes, all while he plays out the infamous story of a Christmas hating Who. I have endlessly enjoyed this film and the cinematography and makeup is unbeatable.

(image taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+the+grinch+stole+christmas&safe=strict&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS766US766&hl=en-US&prmd=visn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjjtdrkuJvYAhVN_oMKHcR_DR4Q_AUIEigC&biw=1024&bih=653#imgrc=wCjfEsoB19sD4M:)

5. Meet Me in St Louis (1944)

This is the ultimate Christmas movie from the past. The classic song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” comes from this movie. Judy Garland shines as a wonderful older sister and a teenager who falls in love. While the entire movie isn’t centered around Christmas, the climax takes place on Christmas Day. I make a point to watch this every Christmas with my sisters, and it never gets old.

(image taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=meet+me+in+st+louis&safe=strict&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS766US766&hl=en-US&prmd=vsin&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiquezWuZvYAhXh8YMKHa3VDLMQ_AUIEigC&biw=1024&bih=653#imgrc=WncggnAsFJQfTM:)

Now go out there and get your movie-watching marathon on.