I love holiday movies - especially listening to them whilst trimming the tree, wrapping gifts or doing some baking. I didn’t grow up with TV so it’s not the TV specials I look forward to but just a few movies - even though most of them aren’t technically holiday. Even so, I keep them tucked away with my holiday trimmings and pull them out when the tree comes out.

Here’s my Holiday DVD Lovin’ List:

Meet Me In St. Louis: I get a little misty every time every time Judy Garland sings “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Such a beautiful movie, a wonderful musical, and somehow Christmassy with a few wintry scenes.

Eloise at Christmastime: I thought this children’s movie would annoy me but somehow, the story of a girl living at the Plaza hotel and taking a day to go shopping for gifts, well, it charmed me.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A classic although I didn’t see it until about two years ago. I’ve been in-love with it ever since.

Elf : My favourite part? “I’m in a stooooooore! And I am siiiiiinging!” I love this movie with it’s charm and wit and the complete way in which Wil Ferrel commits to being elf. Plus, I have a slight crush on Zooey Deschanel in this role. And the soundtrack is wonderful.

Anne of Green Gables: Not holiday but both this and the sequel have holiday moments in them. And they’re charming and sweet enough for the holidays.

The Bells of St. Mary’s: Again, not a holiday movie but I seem to have only ever seen it during the holidays. Although, one of my favourite scenes in a movie ever is with the children as they practice for the holiday play!

Little House on the Prairie: So, their first Christmas in Walnut Grove is not a movie nor can you get it on its own (you can rent the whole first seasons via Netflix though!). But it’s still worth it, I think, to get the first season just for the Christmas episode. If this doesn’t make you feel the spirit, I don’t know what will.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! : Classic and just fun to listen to.