As the holidays rapidly approach like a cold North wind, our thoughts turn to our favorite holiday movies. Each family that I know can list numerous ones that are their special favorites and the ones that have become repeats to family traditions. The holiday movies that we cherish become timeless classics for us and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation with their own variations thrown into the mix. The following is a list of the top 10 holiday movies we enjoy each year.

As you read over my personal list, I invite you to share your own family favorites in the comments section.

It's a Wonderful Life

Frank Capra directed this movie starring James Stewart and Donna Reed in 1946. It has become a timeless classic played again and again on differing channels all throughout the holiday season. James Stewart plays the down and out business man who is guided through what life would have been like if he had never existed.

The kids suffered through this one with me year after year as I would silently cry. It has now become one of their must watch holiday movies during the season.

Miracle on 34th Street

Directed by George Seaton and starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwenn in 1947. As a nice old man who swears he is Santa Claus is institutionalized, John Payne defends him in court trying to prove he is the real thing.

This one is old too but such a fun watch. The antics that finally convince the court and the beautiful little girl who believes make you want to believe there really is a Santa Claus by the end of the story.

A Christmas Carol

There are many versions of this one around. My personal favorite is the original, but my kids like the Disney version the best. If you like Muppets they have their own version of this holiday movie, as well. Or, you could rent Scrooge as a twist on the tale. Check them out and see which one becomes the favorite in your household.

White Christmas

Michael Curtiz directs this story of savior starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in 1954. This is the classic example of giving and love during the holiday season. For song and dance it is a must see.

The Year Without Santa Claus

In 1974, this cute tale told by Mrs. Claus about a time when Santa decided to skip Christmas because he was sick, reminds us that everyone can have an off day and what we can do to help. The animation is old, but still fascinates even the little ones.

The Nighmare Before Christmas

In 1993, Tim Burton graced us with this animated film that has become a holiday movie favorite for many adults and children alike. It is a little on the creepy side and isn't recommended for the under 13 years of age.

The king of Halloween discovers Christmas Town but it is all a mystery to him. This stick figure with a pumpkin like head will endear you as the story unfolds.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

1989 gave us Chevy Chase playing Clark Griswold and his version of what a Christmas Vacation should be all about. The antics in this slapstickly humorous holiday movie will have you chuckling as you see Uncle Fred or one of your other family members in the characters portrayed in this classic.

Edward Scissorhands

Tim Burton gives another look at the holiday movie in this sad tale about the misfit Edward Scissorhands. It is not your traditional holiday movie, but is set during that time of year. Johnny Depp does a stupendous job playing the awkward Edward and Winona Ryder is endearing as his love interest.

Told from the reverse, the film starts out with Winona as an old woman remembering a different time and retelling it to her grandchild.

The Home Alone Series

Again, the slapstick comedy of what can happen when a boy is forgotten by his family as they leave for holiday is perfectly done in this series of films. Our personal favorite is the first one but once we begin we must watch them all.

Drumroll please...

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is our all-time favorite holiday movie. It has to be the original animated version though we will watch the Jim Carey one on occasion. You can't beat the little Cindy Loo Who or the quirky evil smirks of the grinch in the original for a great family holiday movie classic.

you have enjoyed the tour of family holiday movies I have shared here with you. Again, I invite you to share your own favorites in the comments section below. I have included links to a couple of the movies on Amazon where you can purchase these favorites. Do enjoy your holiday season!

This article copyright to lynnechandler at HubPages 2009.