One of the most
enjoyable aspects of the holiday season is staying in and watching movies,
warmed by a cup of hot chocolate and large down comforter.  The following
movies are the cat’s pajamas, the cream of the crop, the bee’s knees. Watch one
of these beloved classics to get into the holiday spirit.

The Polar Express (2004): This animated take on the timeless
children’s book is sure to please all ages.  The wonderful Tom Hanks lends
his voice to the story of a boy awoken in the middle of the night and taken to
the North Pole on a magical train ride.

Elf (2003): One of Will Ferrell’s best. Buddy the
Elf (Ferrell) must adjust to life in New York City after growing up in the
North Pole, leaving a trail of new-found Santa believers in his wake. It is an
uplifting story for the whole family.

The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen is a hoot in the tale of a
man who accidentally kills Santa Clause and must take over his job, however
unwilling he might be at first.  This film is unquestionably better than
its two sequels.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947): This film along with its 1994 remake
will pull at your heartstrings.  It is darker than other Kris Kringle
films, considering Santa is put on trial in question of his sanity. The 1947
black and white version is better than the remake.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Although it flopped at the box office, It’s
a Wonderful Life is now regarded as one of the best movies to watch during
the holidays. An angel helps a compassionate but disheartened businessman by
showing him what life would have been like if he never existed.

A Christmas Story (1983): The epic depiction of a young boy’s
quest to acquire a Red Ryder BB gun is both hilarious and heartfelt.  One
cannot help but laugh at Flick’s tongue-on-pole action and the infamous leg
lamp. TBS airs 24 hours of A Christmas Story every year starting 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve.

The Nightmare Before
Christmas (1993): Tim Burton puts
a ghoulish twist on the classic holiday film. Jack Skellington tries to take
over Christmas in this dark but captivating animated tale. Jack Skellington,
king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand
the concept.

How the Grinch Stole
Christmas (1966): The great Dr.
Seuss comes to life in this Christmas cartoon. The Grinch has a terrible plan
to steal all of the presents from the Whos down in Whoville, but he is
surprised to learn that Christmas is more than what he thought it was.

Student and Teacher
Favorites

Shannon Mahoney: Elf (2003)

Aisling Lynch: Elf (2003)

Diana Mack: Rudolph,
the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Ms. Arena: Home Alone
(1990)

Mr. Lynch: The Nightmare
Before Christmas (1993), A Christmas Story (1983)

Ms. Barrett: A
Christmas Story (1983)