Top 5 Holiday Movies

Truth is I could have created a list 4 times as long but decided the few but mighty could give a better insight into me.

1. The Family Stone

Amazing cast. Touching and truthful story about family, the dynamic and dysfunction of family, and most of all the unconditional love of family. The characters are flawed and real, as families usually are. Most interesting is watching the interactions from an outsiders perspective. One character brings home his girlfriend and she struggles to fit in and feel accepted by this tightly knit family. When she hits her breaking point, she asks her boyfriend's mother, "What's so great about you guys?" The mother's response is simple. "Uh, nothing... it's just that we're all that we've got."

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Obvi. In true Charlie Brown form he tries his hardest and kinda screws up...again. That tree is pitiful and beautiful and Linus comes through as the true optimistic and encouraging friend that makes him so loved.

I think we can also relate to the overwhelming emotions the holidays can bring.

Charlie Brown: I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

Linus Van Pelt: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.

3. Elf

Last thing I want to be is a a cotton-headed ninny-muggins so this movie had to be on this list. My four favorite food groups mirror Buddy's and embrace my love for all things sweet. Honestly, I think we all could stand to see the world the way that Buddy does (myself included) with wonder, amazement, curiosity and honesty. He just wants to live life happily and spread that to as many people as possible. Isn't that truly what everyday should look like? So why do we think it should just be limited to the holidays?

4. Love Actually

This movie made it to the list for a variety of reasons. Romance. Ensemble cast. Smart writing and storytelling. London. Love concurs all. Sappy and all the feels.

5. A Christmas Story

Come on, you didn't think I'd actually leave this movie off the list. Flick's tongue stuck to the frozen pole. Randy stuffed into that ridiculous snowsuit. Randy face down in a plate of mashed potatoes, oinking like a little piggie he is. Ralph in the bunny outfit. Really I'm probably preaching to the choir. Most of all my step-dad loves this movie and we watch it every year.