Top 10 Christmas Movies for 2008

When you're taking a break from the endless bustle of the holidays, these Christmas Movies are sure to bring a smile to your face. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

#10 - A Christmas Carol (1999) starring Patrick Stewart
Ok, it was sort of a toss-up for me between this version and the Muppets. There have been tons of versions of this story, we know it, we love it, and you've got to love the Muppets. For really telling a great story, though, there's nothing like great actors - and this movie has them in abundance. The main thing about this film is, it gives a lot of backstory to Ebenezer Scrooge. A lot of other versions come off as a very stiff morality tale, this one actually lets you get in touch with the characters.

#9 - Elf (2003) starring Will Ferrell
I'm not usually a Will Ferrell fan, to be quite frank, I find him and his characters annoying. I actually saw this film for the first time this year, at a friend's house. I was surprised to find myself laughing at "Buddy's" antics, and also a little touched to see how his childlike enthusiasm worked magic on the others around him. Besides, it actually is fun to watch a really tall guy wearing a ridiculous looking green suit and tights running around New York City. I guess I'll have to make an exception and let Elf schmaltz into my holidays from now on, although it's not really one to share with younger kids.

#8 - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), animated
I am a big Tim Burton fan, and any film that can be watched for two holidays gets a thumbs up from me. I pull this one out at Halloween and we play it till New Year's. The songs are great, the quirky characters are lovable in their own twisted ways, and I can't think of any other film that has Santa Claus being questioned by a giant gambling ghost. Gets me in the Christmas spirit - pun intended.

#7 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) starring Chevy Chase
It just wouldn't be Christmas without the Griswolds. Throw the kids in bed, grab some eggnog, and laugh about all the craziness. After Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and Aunt Bethany (Mae Questel) you will find yourself feeling much more relaxed about the in-laws.

#6 - Bad Santa (2003) starring Billy Bob Thornton
Do I really want to admit I like this film? Thornton's character has a dubious plan to rob a department store by dressing like Santa. He then proceeds on a crazy spree including getting drunk, beating up little kids, and cursing throughout. It may not sound like it, but there is a goodwill message hidden somewhere within. Yeah, this is not a family film - but it is pretty funny.

#5 - Scrooged (1988) starring Bill Murray
Back when Bill Murray was still funny (meaning pre- "Lost in Translation") he made this gem of a film. I especially love Carol Kane's performance as the ghost of Christmas Present, and yes, it's still kind of fun to laugh at what we thought was stylish in the 80s. The story is, of course, Dicken's Christmas Carol - but with many more wisecracks.

#4 - The Santa Clause (1994) starring Tim Allen
You don't want to be Santa? Tough, you knocked him off your roof, it's your job now. Tim Allen's elastic face gets a lot of hysterical expressions throughout this movie. I love his attempts to dodge the Santa look, and personally find the visual of Santa on the treadmill hilarious every time.

#3 - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) starring Maureen O'Hara
Schmaltzy? Sure. Love it anyway, and embrace that belief that there really is a Santa. Maureen O'Hara is of course stunningly glamorous. Black and white or colorized, it's a great film.

#2 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946) starring Jimmy Stewart
Given the financial events of this year, this one was a close one, almost got number one for me. Sometimes it's hard to remember that everyone's life makes a difference, and that your family needs you. Get everyone to sit down together and watch it, enough said.

#1 - A Christmas Story (1983) starring Peter Billingsley
"You'll shoot your eye out!" Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, and the aunt who thinks he's "a perpetual four" are something we can all relate to. I find something funnier every year as I get older, layers of both irony and that child-like hopefulness tied up inextricably together, as well as the remembered frustrations of childhood. (Let's just say I sympathize deeply with the kid brother in the snowsuit.) Jean Shepherd's writing is transferred nicely to film, his voice comes through in Ralphie's hopes and daydreams beautifully.

So, sit down, grab your favorite holiday treat, and settle in for a long winter's night. I hope these films bring a little joy to you and yours this year - Merry Christmas!

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