As November comes to a close, we are on the cusp of the holiday season, and with that comes a maelstrom of Christmas spirit. If you’re interested in getting into the holiday cheer, there is no better way than sitting back and watching a Christmas movie.

There is nothing better than a classic, and this fact still rings true when it comes to Christmas movies. If you’re feeling sentimental, I think the best movie to watch is It’s a Wonderful Life. The 1946 cinematic gem tells the story of suicidal George Bailey as he learns the meaning of life. Another classic dates back to 1947, Miracle on 24th Street. The movie follows the story of Kris Kringle as he is institutionalized and put on a trial regarding his true identity as Santa Claus. The film is a childhood treasure and a reminder of the magic that comes from a complete and utter belief in Santa Claus.

Claymation films are also extremely popular in the genre of Christmas films. My personal favorite, and perhaps the most iconic is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964). The plot follows Santa’s ninth reindeer, Rudolph, and his emblematic red nose as he learns to accept his differences. The story is the epitome of Christmas as it features reindeer, elves, and of course, Santa Claus while all taking place in the North Pole. Another claymation favorite is A Year Without a Santa Claus (1974). While this one isn’t as well-known, it centers around the lives of two elves, desperate on restoring the public’s belief in Santa. On top of the lighthearted story, the movie also includes catchy Christmas songs that you’ll be singing for days.

Some childhood favorites are also key to any Christmas movie marathons. The John Hughes penned movie, Home Alone (1990), is essential to watch throughout the holiday season. Child star Macaulay Culkin stars as the film’s protagonist after his family accidentally leaves him home when they jet off for their Christmas vacation. While “home alone”, he must fight off dim-witted robbers who scheme to break into his house. Another adolescent favorite is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). The film is adapted from Dr.Seuss’s book of the same name and stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, a creature who aims to ruin Christmas for those in Whoville. The Grinch is an icon in the realm of Christmas stories, and Carrey does not disappoint as the green grump.

More modern Christmas movies have also become instant phenomenons in the past decade or two. Jon Favreau’s Elf (2003) became an immediate classic the second it was released. Will Ferrell’s iconic Buddy is an elf from the North Pole who journeys to New York in hopes to reconnect with his estranged father. Buddy says so many hilarious one-liners that your stomach is guaranteed to hurt from laughing so hard. Another Christmas hit is The Santa Claus (1994). Tim Allen stars in the movie as Scott Calvin who accidentally kills Santa, rendering him responsible for taking upon the role of Santa Claus. The film is engaging and comedic with a heavy sense of Christmas cheer.

December is the perfect time to grab some holiday cookies, drink some hot chocolate, and sit down to watch some of your favorite Christmas movies to get into the holiday spirit.