We don't know about you, but our winter watch list always seems to grow that little bit longer each year. Whether it's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation or even Die Hard on Christmas Eve (or is that just us?), it wouldn't quite be Christmas without some cinematic excitement. So grab your hot chocolate, blanket and cinnamon candles, and settle down to one of these festive classics.
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"The number one slot for me is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, parts of which mirror some of our family Christmas mishaps with frightening accuracy."
The Griswolds are back, but this time they are off on holiday with their in-laws (cue the Christmas drama). A seasonal treat with lot of laughs.
"I always try to catch at least one version of Scrooge."
The 1951 version, of course! Who doesn't love Alaistair Sim as the grisly Ebenezer as he learns a few hard lessons from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come?
"I love the newer version of Miracle on 34th Street, although we did watch the old one last year as it seemed to be showing on some channel or another almost all the time."
This Christmas tale is perennial festive favourite if ever there was one. And one of the only times that a remake has lived up to the same standards as the original.
"That film was always trotted out at Christmas."
A Frank Capra masterpiece and bittersweet portrayal of a suicidal businessman who, with the help of angel Henry Travers, realises just how wonderful his life really is.
"My children always cried when he melted, but still wanted to watch it every time."
Perhaps the ultimate Christmas tear-jerker, The Snowman tells the fabulous story of a little boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve and takes him to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The perfect film to watch with your grandchildren.
"I love Love Actually and watch it every year."
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, this classic Christmas rom-com is sure to get you in the festive mood - so much so that it'll soon become a not so guilty pleasure.
"I love a soppy film at Christmas."
If you love a romantic comedy, this ones for you. A spontaneous house swap between Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz leads to a variety of unexpected events in this easy-going Christmas flick.
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"We watch Arthur Christmas as a family."
Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission to save Christmas in this delightful animated comedy. Clever, funny and ideal for the little ones. Who says Santa Claus doesn't exist?
"Christmas starts for me with The Muppet Christmas Carol."
Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang are back in a hilarious Muppet-style remake of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Not one to miss.
"It wouldn't be the approach to Christmas without watching Little Women with my granddaughter."
Based on Louisa May Alcott's beautifully-written novel of the same name and starring a stellar line-up, this adaptation (the fourth, in fact!) tells the timeless tale of the March sisters as they transition from childhood to adulthood. A wonderful choice to watch this holiday season.
"My absolute favourite around Christmas time is Holiday Inn."
And we're not talking about the hotel chain, either. This American musical propelled Bing Crosby's White Christmas into the limelight (it's not quite Christmas without Crosby on his piano, is it?), which was written especially for the film and subsequently went on to win him an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
"My favourite has to be A Christmas Story...undisturbed by phone or people."
Set in the American Midwest in the 1940s, this darkly humorous and eccentric comedy will, in the end, leave you feeling all fuzzy inside.
"My husband and I love Bad Santa with Billy Bob Thornton, and have also seen the sequel."
Billy Bob Thornton dons his Santa outfit to commit the ultimate Christmas scam in this hilarious (and downright rude) black comedy. One to help you release your inner Grinch.
"It's funny and sad, and I watch it every year - and have for decades!"
Quite the contrast from An Affair to Remember, this heart-warming and decidely innocent Christmas staple is an easy watch. And it's fair to say that we'd all want Cary Grant as our guardian angel, wouldn't we?
"For sheer unmitigated lunacy, the Mel Brooks movie Spaceballs."
Mel Brooks at his most ridiculous finest in the ultimate Star Wars spoof. An unorthodox choice, but ideal if you want to go a little off-piste this year.
Images: Shutterstock
