Watching movies with my family, either in the theater or on TV was a big part of my childhood. It’s one of my favorite things to share with my own daughter. There’s something exciting about sitting in a theater, eating popcorn, and watching a new movie in surround sound on a big screen. There’s something comforting about sitting on the couch in your pajamas, with a blanket and some hot chocolate watching a favorite movie with your family at Christmas.

Watching movies during the Christmas season becomes a family tradition for many. For adults it creates an escape from a busy time of year. For kids, memories are created that they will take into adulthood and possibly recreate with their own families.  Watching movies during the holidays can also become a personal tradition. I love putting on my favorite Christmas movie {The Family Stone} and wrapping presents by the fire, with a cold beverage after the house is quiet.

Here is a list of 15 great Christmas movies to share with your family:

1. A Christmas Carol – There are several different versions of this film. Some kids may be bored with the older version, but some kids may be scared by the Jim Carrey version as the ghosts look very real.  Point being, you have several versions to choose from.
2. A Christmas Story – You can’t go wrong with this holiday classic about Ralphie and his desire for a Red Rider BB Gun.
3. Christmas with the Kranks – This film is an adaptation of John Grisham’s “Skipping Christmas” starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as empty nesters trying not to celebrate Christmas. Trying.
4. Deck the Halls – Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito are neighbors who try to outdo each other with their holiday flare.
5. Elf – “Santa! I know him.” Enough said.
6. Holiday Inn – This classic movie is perfect for the holidays! You can’t go wrong with Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes!
7. Home Alone – Macauley Culkin stars as Kevin, who is accidentally left behind at Christmas when his family rushes out of the house to catch a plane. What’s an eight-year-old going to do for a few days home alone?
8. Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Starring Jim Carrey as the green guy, this film brings the cartoon to life.
9. It’s a Wonderful Life – This beloved classic is a great reminder of what life is all about.
10. Meet me in St. Louis – Starring Judy Garland, this holiday classic tells the story of the well-to-do Smith family, including four daughters.  Four daughters won’t get into trouble, right?
11. Miracle on 34^th Street – I personally like the classic version with Natalie Wood as much as the remake with Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas – This Tim Burton film is a favorite as Jack Skellington tries to bring Christmas Town to Halloween Town.
13. The Polar Express – Based on the children’s book, this film is about a magical trip to the North Pole for a group of special children. It stars Tom Hanks.
14. The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause – These three films are holiday favorites starring Tim Allen as a modern day Santa Claus.
15. White Christmas – Another classic starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney {George’s Aunt} as friends who travel to Vermont to perform a Christmas show at a lodge.

I hope you have a magical Christmas making new memories and traditions with your families! What are your favorite holiday movies to watch together?