The holidays are about spending time with friends and family. It’s about tradition and the spirit of giving. But, In my family we have traditional movies that we watch every holiday season. It’s a time for us to get together, eat good food, and laugh our heads off at the classic holiday movies.

My friends and I often challenge each other on the dialogue, trying to see who knows what movie the best. It’s just a great inexpensive way to add a little fun to the holiday gatherings. The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the following movies. These are my top pics for the best holiday movies ever!! These films are family oriented and some are even a bit dysfunctional, as most families are.

5. Christmas Vacation – This movie is a Chevy Chase classic!! The plot of the movie centers around the dreaded scenario of the disfunctional family, in laws, and unexpected distant relatives. Clark Griswold anxiously awaits the arrival of a bonus check while the entire house runs in chaos. There is even an unexpected abduction courtesy of one of the relatives. This does contain some language content, but it’s definitely worth watching.

4. Home Alone – Little Kevin wishes his family would dissapear and they do. He is left home by accident during Christmas. He has to defend the home from would-be crooks. This movie is full of antics and hilarity. Its comedic cast is outstanding. This is a great family movie.

3. A Muppet Christmas Carol – A classic story by Charles Dickens portrayed through the eyes of Jim Henson. The muppets narrate the story and interact with the other characters. The cast is well chosen and the muppets are a hilarious addition to the story. Kids will love this movie, as will adults.

2. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – This is one of my all time favorite Holiday Movies! Burl Ives is the loveable snowman who narrates the story and sings classic Christmas Songs. This early claymation film has endured the test of time and is still a timeless orginal. Rudolph and Yukon Cornelius and the misfit elf set out on their own because they don’t fit in. They find an island of misfit toys and then return to save Christmas. In the end Rudolph realizes his unique nose has a purpose as does everyone who felt they did not fit in.

1. The Wizard of Oz – “There’s no place like home…” I have loved this movie since I was a child. I still love it today. It is whimsical and beautiful. It deals with the classic elements of doubt, fear and the ability to overcome. Judy Garland plays young Dorothy who runs away from home. She ends up in the mystical land of Oz and picks up a few friends along the way. She is searching to find her way home to Kansas. She has to face her fears and destroy the Wicked Witch of the West in order for her to return home. The movie has a lot of hidden elements that psychological and personal to everyone.