Each and every year, I look forward to watching those precious Christmas classics that have become traditions in my family.

Everyone has a favorite.  A holiday movie we ONLY watch one a year.  A film you simply can’t miss as Christmas approaches.

It differs from person to person but we all hold certain films close to our hearts.  Movies shared with family and friends.  Movies that embody the Christmas spirit.

Christmas classics are a perfect example of how films can become a treasured part of a family.

Here are 10 of my personal favorites:

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

I remember looking in the TV guide for the Christmas Specials every year.  Shows like Charlie Brown, Garfield and Frosty the Snowman.  Yet Rudolph stands out as the one I loved the most growing up.  Creepy animation or not, it’s a cherished tradition in my house.

A Christmas Story

I have a confession.  I have never seen this movie before.  When I was talking with some co-workers about this issue, I was on the receiving end of some pretty bad insults about my taste in movies.  Why did the film make this list?  Enough people I spoke with considered it amongst the all time classics.  It’s now on my must see list.  Mostly so I can avoid a similar roasting next year but also because if it’s a classic, I need to see it.

The Santa Claus

This is plain and simply an entertaining movie.

Home Alone

If I had to describe this movie using only 1 word it would by fun. This movie is on the list for anyone who has every placed both hands on their cheeks and screamed.  We’ve all done it.  Admit it…  Lets  move on.

Elf

Was there really any doubt that a Christmas movie starring Will Farrell as an elf wouldn’t be on this list?  I rest my case.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

This film gets the 10 Flicks award for catchy tunes.

“It’s in the singing of a street corner choir, it’s going home and getting warm by the fire.  It’s true wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas…”

Don’t act like you haven’t seen this movie and never caught yourself humming that tune.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

How can you make a list of classics and leave The Grinch out?  There was some debate on whether or not to include the cartoon or the Jim Carrey version.  I think everyone eventually agreed that the cartoon has been with us far longer and deserves to be on the list.

A Muppet Family Christmas

I have another 10 Flicks award to give out.  This yearly tradition gets the award for program everyone loves but can never find on TV or DVD.  I’ve gotta find a copy of this.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

One of the greats.  It really is one of the best Christmas cartoons of all time and certainly one of the best Dickens adaptations we’ve ever seen.

Christmas Vacation

No matter who I asked, every single person mentioned Christmas Vacation.  It may not have been everyone’s favorite but it’s on everybody’s list.  Check out my Rainy Sunday post for more on this timeless Christmas Tradition.

PS: There’s my list.  What does yours look like?