And while I do love these cookie-cutter festive films that run 24/7 on cable, no December is complete without the true classics.
I'm talking, of course, about my Top 12 Christmas Movies of All Time.
It was tough to narrow it down, but I've made my list and checked it twice. I promise these are full of sugar, spice and everything nice...
Curl up on the couch and let the streaming begin!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Why it sleighs: A lovely tale that puts Kris Kringle on trial to prove Santa is real, winning the hearts of the court, Macy's customers, and a very skeptical six year old.
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Why it sleighs: Cary Grant is a suave angel named Dudley, performing much-needed miracles for a bishop and his new church, but the biggest miracle of all has to be that his wife doesn't fall in love instantly and fly off with him.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Why it sleighs: A feel-good stop-motion masterpiece featuring Hermie the Misfit Elf who longs to be a dentist and Rudolf who can't play in any reindeer games because of his big red honker. This sweet story is all about embracing what makes each of us special.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Why it sleighs: In the only acceptable version of this yuletide yarn, a small-hearted Christmas crank and his rein-dog Max learn the true meaning of the holiday from the Whos down in Whoville and Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than two).
The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)
Why it sleighs: Sure Santa's under the weather and may not make his annual toy trip around the globe, but the breakout stars of this Rankin-Bass classic are the Brothers Miser -- Heat and Snow -- with one of the greatest song and dance numbers of the season.
Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (1977)
Why it sleighs: The Riverbottom Nightmare Band rocks in this hidden gem from Jim Henson. And Emmet and Ma Otter will steal your heart quicker than they'll put a hole in your washtub.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Why it sleighs: All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle, and all he gets is agita. You'll shoot your eye out if you don't see it at least once this season.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Why it sleighs: Every attempt to have the perfect family Christmas is foiled as befuddled Clark Griswold is visited by his outlaw inlaws, he can't get his over-the-top decorations to light and he gets enrolled in the Jelly of the Month Club in lieu of a luxurious swimming pool. Most of this is as crass as Cousin Eddie but the warmth is pure John Hughes.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Why it sleighs: A Muppetty twist on the Dickens holiday tale, every scene and song is a delight, and Michael Caine makes the best Scrooge ever (fight me if you disagree -- bah humbug!).
Elf (2003)
Why it sleighs: A narwal bids Buddy the Elf farewell as he walks from his home in The North Pole to New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel in search of his dad and the four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.
Love, Actually (2003)
Why it sleighs: To me, you are perfect. Nine holiday stories intertwine with one thing in common: Love.
The Holiday (2006)
Why it sleighs: Two words: Jude. Law. Mr. Napkinhead is pretty dreamy in this cross-continental house-swapping rom com.
Finally, Ho Ho Honorable mention goes to this newbie:
Spirited (2022)
Why it sleighs: Good afternoon! This modern musical spin on A Christmas Carol is jam-packed with jokes and campy, catchy songs. They just look like they had fun making it, which makes it just as fun to watch.
Am I missing your faves? List them below.... unless it is It's a Wonderful Life. That one stinks, stank, stunk!
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