Growing up, one of the best parts about Christmastime was watching my favorite Christmas movies. I knew they were coming on the TV right after Thanksgiving and I would watch the TV guide to make sure I didn’t miss them.

I am sure you would agree there are a lot of movies that could be on the list, however, to keep this post short and sweet I narrowed my list down to my Top Five Christmas Movies.

The Christmas Carol (1984)

Although there have been numerous versions of this story created before and after; my favorite version is the one staring George C. Scott. I thought he was the perfect Scrooge.

This version also struck me because there weren’t a lot of special effects which added to the crude representation of each character, especially the three visiting spirits. Can you forget the scene when Christmas Present shows Scrooge the children names Ignorance and Want. No great effects, yet the scene however I found it to have a tremendous impact. As I got older, I realized why these two “children” were to be avoided.

The Year Without a Santa Clause (1974)

In this movie I remember watching Santa give up on Christmas. Then Mrs. Clause and a few elves worked together to bring back Christmas cheer to Santa in hopes that he would want to bring joy and toys to the children around the world.

My favorite characters in this animation where the Mizer Brothers who argue about the temperature. I always sang along to this song. I know that I always sided with Heat Mizer. Even back then I preferred the heat…lol.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

I lived for this Peanut Gang special every year. I think it was just a classic that had a great message and happy ending. It could have also been the scene where Snoopy gracefully skated around the pond.

I always felt bad for the Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree. It was scraggly and no one wanted it. In the end, the gang accepted it and showed us the true meaning of Christmas. It wasn’t about the imperfect tree. It wasn’t about gifts that the children wished for. It was a celebration of a story about hope and peace.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (1964)

One of the greatest Christmas stories, in my opinion. Loved the message of the misfits becoming victorious by saving the day.

I sang along with this movie every year. Who didn’t root for the underdogs to save the day (and of course, they did). I know Rudolph was the main character but I still fell in love with the misfit toys especially Charlie-in-the-box.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Try not to sing, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel…” I know that I couldn’t and still can’t help myself when this song comes on. It was an iconic movie that I grew up with. Although there was a non-animated version created starring Jim Carrey; my heart still belongs to the original animation and musical scoring.

Some honorable mentions would be:

• Home Alone
• Mickey’s Christmas
• Santa Clause (starring Tim Allen)
• Christmas Shoes (It is a sappy story that will bring about tears of joy and sorrow)
• Frosty the Snowman
• Polar Express

Did I miss one of your favorite Christmas/Holiday movies?  If so, please share your favorite Holiday/Christmas movies in the comment section below.