It’s the most wonderful time of the year to give thanks and appreciate your family and friends. So why not spend time with loved ones watching a movie that puts you in the holiday spirit? Pour out some hot chocolate, change into your favorite holiday sweater, and get comfortable, because we’re counting down our  top five holiday movies of all time.

At number five is something that will please the entire family. “New Year’s Eve” (2011) starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher, and many other Hollywood favorites, is sure to bring a smile onto the face of even the pickiest family member. This movie follows a huge cast of interesting characters, all with different stories, set on the night of New Year’s Eve. A sappy teen romance, a heart wrenching tale of love and loss, and even a hysterical story of an expecting couple can all be found in this unique movie. The events leave you guessing how all of these stories are intertwined until the very last shot. This is definitely a movie to put on your must see list this holiday season.

Coming out at number four is “Four Christmases” (2008). This comedy follows a couple, Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) as they’re just about to leave for a charity trip to Fiji on Christmas day. Through a few unfortunate events, they have to cancel their holiday plans and visit both sides of their crazy families. Except there’s a catch; both of their parents are divorced. This movie will not only leave you with tears streaming down your face as you’re laughing at all of the ridiculous problems this couple faces, but will also help you to better understand the true meaning of love and relationships. This movie isn’t for younger children due to language and a few upsetting comments, so I’d suggest watching with your older family members.

Number three is a classic that plays non-stop on Christmas day, so be sure you catch this unforgettable film! “A Christmas Story” (1983) follows a young boy, Ralphie (Peter Billingsly) and his dream of waking up on Christmas morning to find a Red Rider BB Gun under the tree. However, he runs into the disapproval of his family and members into his community. His father, played by Darren McGavin, even wins a leg lamp,  which he displays in the front window to the horror of his wife (Melinda Dillion). The popular phrases, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” and “I triple dog dare you!” come from this loveable movie that will leave you reciting these lines and many more for days to come.

“The Santa Clause” (1994) takes second prize, because of the brilliant images and imaginative themes that will make even the Scrooges of Christmas believe again. Starring Tim Allen, his character Scott Calvin finds Santa Claus dead after frightening him into falling off of his roof on Christmas Eve. As he and his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) investigate, their adventure eventually leads them to the North Pole where Scott finds that he now has to take the role of Santa Claus. This heartwarming film portrays the North Pole so realistically that anyone would want to visit this magical land. The Santa Clause also has two movies that follow that are just as good. Be sure to catch this trilogy before Santa comes to town.

Earning its rightful place at number one is “Elf” (2003), and I’m sure no one would argue with me on this one! Buddy the elf (Will Ferrel) was brought up in the North Pole with no knowledge that he was a human adopted by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) when he somehow snuck into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve as a baby. Finally an adult, Buddy realizes that he’s different than the other elves and begins a journey to find his true father Walter Hobbs (James Caan) in New York City. Throughout his hysterical journey Buddy, who acts like the Christmas elf he was raised to be, spreads Christmas cheer to everyone he encounters, even though most of them thinks he’s crazy. Elf is guaranteed to make you laugh, smile, and fight the urge to “spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.”

Well there you have it! Now it’s time to grab that remote, gather the family, put on your Rudolph pajamas and get watching! Happy Holidays!

Did we leave out any of your favorite’s? Feel free to leave a comment.