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Muppet Christmas Carol
Probably the best Muppet movie ever made. Gonzo retells the classic Charles Dickens story of the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) and his ghostly visits from Christmas past, present and future. Available on DVD from most shops for a good price. Absolutely one to watch, and you’ll be tempted to watch it after Christmas is over.

Scrooged
A more adult version of the Charles Dickens classic starring Bill Murray. It is set in present day (well, the 80s when it was made) and this Mr. Scrooge must face his Christmas ghosts. Sadly no Muppets appear in this movie but it’s just as good.

Home Alone
A brilliant family film. Very slapstick in its humour but still quite witty. Kevin McCallister accidentally gets left behind at Christmas when his whole family go on holiday to France. He learns to fend for himself and wards off two notorious burglars while learning some valuable life lessons along the way.

Home Alone 2
Same story different setting. Apparently Kevin had more life lessons to learn but this time in New York. Considering it is a sequel it is a more than decent film in its own right. This film captures childhood dreams of having free reigns yet also frames the responsibilities which come with this. Christmas fun with a moral tale which is of course what Christmas is all about…

The Santa Clause
The first and best of three stars the lovable Tim Allen as Scott Calvin who reluctantly becomes Santa Claws through a miss-understanding. We follow Scott through the year as he starts to embrace not only believing in, but being Santa whilst re-igniting the belief of others. Watch out for Comet, the farting reindeer

Santa Claus the Movie
This is a slightly lesser known film starring Dudley Moore. You may think you have never seen this film but chances are you probably have once in your childhood. It’s a tale of the origins of Santa himself and an Elf called Patch who has some inventive ideas of his own.

Miracle on 34th Street
There are two versions of this film, but the one I recommend is the remake starring Mara Wilson. It’s a tale of a young girl who doesn’t believe in Santa until she meets the man himself. This story progresses from a bittersweet centre to a heat warming Christmassy end.

The Snowman
Typically English with Raymond Briggs’ animation The Snowman could be (should be) considered a Christmas tradition. It is a short feature about a young boy whose snow man comes to life and takes him on adventures whilst flying to the theme of Aled Jones’ ‘Walking in the Air’.

Wizard of Oz
Not strictly a christmas film, but is always on around this time of year. One of the best loved musicals of all time, Judy Garland plays Dorothy Gale who accidentally leaves her monochrome Kansas home and winds up in the Technicolor merry old land of Oz. Whilst trying to find her way home she makes lots of friends along the way and accumulates a rather nice pair of ruby slippers.

Die Hard
This is one for the boys. To tell you the truth I have never seen this, but I shall leave you in the capable hands of Mattt to give you a review:
What can I say, this film is Christmas. John McClain with his iconic grubby white vest is trapped in a sky scraper attempting to save his wife amongst others from the conniving grip of Hans Gruber. The Matrix of the 80’s, as it was so fondly dubbed, provides gunfights, explosions and dry cool wit galore all set on Christmas eve. A film to enjoy all year round but once those end credits start rolling and the quintessentially Christmas music begins there will be no doubt in your mind that this was a good choice for the night before Christmas.

Beth Harper (and a lil bit Mattt Connor)