Don't miss these Christmas movies

Since Christmas is this week, and since I did a previous entry regarding what my favorite Christmas albums are, I thought it only appropriate to make a post about what some of my favorite Christmas movies are.

"A Christmas Story"

Who doesn't like this Christmas classic about Ralphie, a boy who wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas? "You'll shoot your eye out," everyone tells him, but that doesn't stop Ralphie! While it was released in the early 80s, it takes place sometime in either the 30s or the 40s and has various, hilarious sub-plots throughout the film. Based off the real-life occurances of the narrator Jean Shepherd, this is one Christmas film that is entertaining for the whole family.

"National Lampoons Christmas Vacation"

Who can forget the Griswold family Christmas? Chevy Chase reprises his classic role as Clark W. Griswold who decides to have an old-fashion family Christmas at home with all the relatives, but things get a bit crazy when Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) shows up too, unannounced, in an RV. So many memorable moments in this one as well... while some parts may not be suitable for the younger kids, adults and teens will enjoy this one.

"Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Forget the live-action Jim Carrey one, the classic animated Grinch is the one to watch! Who doesn't like this one, where Grinchy gets annoyed with all the Who's singing and happiness so he dresses up his little dog Max like a reindeer and himself as Santa and sneaks down into Who-ville on Christmas Eve to steal Christmas away from them, only to realize when it doesn't affect them that Christmas is more than just about presents and roast beast! What a great classic for the whole family!

"Elf"

One of the more recent Christmas classic is "Elf," where Will Ferrall plays Buddy the Elf, a human who was raised at the North Pole, being brought up like an elf, but decides to go to New York city and find his real father, spreading innocent holiday cheer to those he comes in contact with. While a lot of Will Ferrell movies are dumb and slapstick-y, this one was actually pretty heartwarming and a great one to help get you and your family into the Christmas spirit! Zooey Deschanel co-stars too.