My Must-See Holiday Films

Everybody has a selection of films they watch annually as part of a Holiday tradition.  This post includes my top 5 must-see Holiday films.  Please note, I have excluded Die Hard as, while it might be a flawless movie that takes place at Christmas, it technically doesn't qualify as a Holiday film. Spoilers ahead, obviously.

All great films, but do they make my list?

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS

It's based on a John Grisham novel called "Skipping Christmas" and it stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen.  It's a funny, heartwarming film that is perfect to start off your Holiday season.  It can often be found on Netflix.  The simple premise is that two aging parents have their first Christmas without their Peace Corps bound daughter so they decide to skip Christmas and spend the money on a cruise.  The neighborhood goes nuts and standard holiday hi-jinks ensue until the daughter announces she'll be home for Christmas and the neighborhood comes together to give her a happy holiday homecoming.

TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Can you believe how old this film is?  It's an instant classic that bridged the gap between Halloween and Christmas. It gave us phenomenal decorating opportunities and, arguably, the best Holiday attraction ever made.  Follow Jack Skellington as he discovers Christmas and decides he, the Pumpkin King, wants to handle it this year.  Jack means well and the townsfolk blindly follow his lead until they realize only Sandy Claws can make Christmas happen.  "What's This?" remains, to this day, one of my favorite Christmas tunes.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

We all remember the cartoon based on a Dr. Seuss book.  It's great!  But a few years back, Jim Carrey brought the story to life.  Join the Whovians in Whoville as they celebrate until the mean old Grinch who lives outside of Whoville decides to steal their Christmas.  Can Cindy-Lou convince the Grinch to have a heart?  It's a classic you remember in an updated, beautiful way.  If you Have never seen the film, you're missing out.  Even if you don't like Jim Carrey, you'll like him in this!

THE SANTA CLAUSE

While the two sequels are not required viewing, the original is a must watch film!  Tim Allen makes his second appearance on my list as a neglectful father that accidentally takes over the mantle of Santa Claus when he inadvertently kills Kris Kringle.  This is the role made for Tim Allen and he is perfect in this original tale.  Tim Allen plays well off of everyone but the real winner here is a very young David Krumholtz as Bernard the Elf.  The sequels round out a nice trilogy but if you don't have the time, you must watch the first film!

MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

I have saved the best for last.  This is my number 1 must-see Holiday tradition.  I have watched it annually since 1983 when it came out.  It used to air on TV along with 3 winter themed shorts from Disney.  It eventually found itself on a variety of DVD compilations.  Whatever you do, watch this film!  It's a short retelling of the Dickens classic and yes, I know there are 20 versions out there but this one stars Scrooge McDuck as Mr. Scrooge and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit.  There isn't a bad thing to be said about this film.  It IS Christmas to me.  If you can find an old VHS of the original TV airing that includes the three shorts: "Donald's Snow Fight", "Pluto's Christmas Tree", and "The Art of Skiing", you are a lucky person!