Grab the Popcorn and a Blanket! Here are My Top Five Christmas Movies:

I thought it would only be fitting to finish out the Christmas hat trick of top fives with my favorite Christmas movies. There are so many Christmas specials on TV and live performances throughout the holiday season and movies to go right along with it. With everything to do that is Christmas related, lets add tons of must watch items for any Christmas lover. When it comes to Christmas movies there are probably ten or so that I will watch more than once;  THIS CHRISTMAS, A CHRISTMAS STORY, FRED CLAUS and HOME ALONE 2 to name some. However, here are my Top Five Christmas Movies.

5. Disney's A Christmas Carol - I love the story of A Christmas Carol, and this animated version, starring Jim Carrey, is my favorite. A scrooge, for lack of a better word, is shown the errors of his way with his hard heart, and is scared into bettering his ways. This is truly a story of second chances, and one of the big reasons I love it as I do. I don't want to miss out on any special moments with those in my life.

4. The Santa Clause 2 - Yes, a sequel!  The lovable characters are already established, and Santa is trying to find his Mrs. Claus so he can stay Santa. In this movie there is a very powerful scene to me. If you have seen this movie, you'll know and if you haven't, I suggest to watch at your first opportunity.  But the scene I'm talking about is the school's faculty party where Scott/Santa gives all the adults a toy from their childhood, and you vividly see them spiritually turned into children. That is what I go for with every gift I give; to try take you back to your childhood.

3. Home Alone – OMG!  What is there not to like about this movie?  It is a modern classic; one of those movies I could watch back to back, not that wife or daughter would like that. Just a fun movie of a small kid being left behind by his family, and ends up protecting his home from two bumbling cat burglars on Christmas Eve. Even the side story of a boy learning the difference between fantasy and reality when facing his fears hits close to home with me.

2. Christmas Vacation - Who hasn't felt like the Griswolds at some point when spending holidays with family? Maybe not to the extent this movie portrays, but still a hilarious vision of the pains that go into preparing for the holidays and all that comes  with it. When all is said and done, when the lights go out, when the cat's been electrocuted and dinner has been eaten, you still have family. That is worth any trouble it may take to make them happy.

1. ELF - Not to use OMG again, but I must. I laugh out loud at least half a dozen times every time I watch this movie.  The story of Buddy, a human raised by elves, finds out he’s human and goes out to find his dad and who he really is. Elf is such a feel good movie, I remember leaving the theater after seeing it for the first time and literally feeling so full of joy I had no worries. Truly, it was a magic experience, and one I get every time I hear the cast, led by Zooey Deschanel, sing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. On top of that, Will Ferrell's delivery in this movie has no problem taking you away from reality.  This cannot be any more highly recommended by yours truly... Merry Christmas!