Favorite Holiday Movies — Amy’s Top 9 [VIDEO]

With Thanksgiving around the corner, that means the holiday movies are coming. I love holiday movies, and yes, I watch the same holiday flicks year after year! Someone asked me why I watch holiday movies when I know what happens in each movie. I say, "That's the point!"

Watching holiday movies is a fun family tradition at my house. I grew up with this tradition, and I like to continue it with my family (I think they like it, too). It's the one time we can all agree on the movie and watch it together. I wouldn't take anything for those precious moments.

Be sure and share your favorites. I don't want to miss a good one!

No. 1: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Starring Chevy Chase

 It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing his Christmas bonus is coming soon. But is it?

No. 2: "The Waltons" The Thanksgiving Story (1973)

One particular Thanksgiving sees John Boy primping because Jenny is returning for the holiday. But an accident in the lumber mill throws a pall over the normally happy holiday as one member of the Waltons winds up in the hospital with a serious injury. Meanwhile the preparations for the big meal continue as Ben gets his chance to bring home the turkey for the first time; and Mary Ellen prepares to star in the school play as Pocahantas.

No. 3: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charlie Brown is down in the dumps. Lucy's remedy? Direct the school Christmas pageant. Along the way Schroeder plays Fur Elise, Sally pens a letter to Santa, and Linus recites the Gospel story of the baby Jesus' birth: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy!"

No. 4: A Christmas Story (1983) Starring Peter Billingsley

All Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is a BB gun -- to be precise, a Daisy Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. He is obsessed with it but meets opposition and disbelief from the adults, who lecture: "You'll shoot your eye out!" Even a visit to Santa's lap leaves him stammering. Sometimes Christmas can be the most surreal season of them all.

No. 5: It's A Wonderful Life (1946) Starring Jimmy Stewart

A young George Bailey, overwhelmed by family obligations and a sense of responsibility toward his community, feels tied down to a company he never had an interest in working for, and a life he never wanted to live. As he ages, he sees his youth, dreams and opportunities pass him by. Unknown to George, all of his friends and family have been praying for him to get through those hard times. Told through the point of view of a group of angels, he is met by Clarence his guardian angel, as he contemplates ending his life.

No. 6: The Polar Express (2004) Starring Tom Hanks

This is the story of a young hero boy on Christmas Eve who boards on a powerful magical train that's headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus's home. What unfolds is an an adventure which follows a doubting boy, who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole; during this ride, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery which shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

No. 7: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the villagers of Whoville, having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things. The village is sure to have a sad Christmas this year.

No. 8: Elf (2003) Starring Will Ferrell

Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can.

No. 9: Scrooged (1988) Starring Bill Murray

Frank Cross runs a US TV station which is planning a live adaptation of Dickens' Christmas Carol. Frank's childhood wasn't a particularly pleasant one, and so he doesn't really appreciate the Christmas spirit. With the help of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Frank realizes he must change.