I love Christmas. I love the smell of pine trees and fresh baked cookies. I love giving and getting presents. I love traveling to a million places to see family and friends. (Okay – maybe not the traveling so much)

Most of all, I love sitting on my couch, snuggled up with a cup of hot cocoa with eggnog, (or eggnog with liquor) and watching movies or TV shows about the season. They bring me back to childhood, change as I experience them for the first time with my kids, or just make me happy. There are so many good ones out there. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Scrooged – The story of “A Christmas Carol” is timeless. It’s a lesson every generation can benefit from learning. This 1988 version was for my generation, the Bill Murray generation. I really related to his character having been raised by the TV myself, and later going on to work in the film industry. And yes, it’s a comedy, but I still get choked up in the end. Seeing Bill Murray’s eyes brimming with tears always puts a little love in my heart!
2. Die Hard – I saw a meme the other day that said “There are 2 kinds of people in this world – those that think Die Hard is a Christmas movie and those that are wrong.” Yes, I am in the right on this one, though it doesn’t have to be Christmas to watch Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman nail it. I love this movie. I must’ve watched it 400 times over the years. The script is phenomenal, the action is great and what better way to get in the holiday spirit than with lines like “now I have a machine gun – ho, ho ho.”
3. A Christmas Story – I saw this movie in the theater when it came out because everyone else was going to see “The Big Chill” and my dad thought I was too young. I was 9 and frankly I think I was too young for “A Christmas Story” too. But over the years it has been a staple of my holiday season, and something I quote constantly throughout the year. I even get a little emotional when I watch it. Guess I’m fragile. Must be Italian or something.
4. The Bishop’s Wife – As a kid, my favorite part was the wine glass that continuously filled up. I thought that was magical. As an adult, it’s the magic of David Niven coming to terms with what is truly important in his life. One very sad holiday season, this movie inspired me to end a relationship when I realized an angel was never going to come down and answer my prayers. A deep and beautiful movie about love, mortal and divine.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life – There are so many haters out there. Maybe it’s because everyone felt like they were forced to watch this movie. I don’t think it’s overrated at all. It is one of the best movies of all time. Who hasn’t felt like it wouldn’t matter if he was gone? Who hasn’t felt like there was no point in going on? Hopefully, we will all earn the love and respect of friends and family so they will be there to help us when we most need it. Hopefully, we will all find life worth living, the way George Bailey did.
6. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – I love Dr. Seuss’ books and this is by far the greatest version of any of his stories brought to life. In fact, I kind of like the cartoon better. The lyrics from the song really improve the ending, which feels a tad abrupt in the book. What an ending! When the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas, his heart grows. If only we could all have bigger hearts. It would bring peace on earth. May we all one day stand heart to heart and hand in hand.