Ultimate festive flicks

AROUND CHRISTMAS, many of us just love to snuggle up on the sofa, especially when it’s cold and dark outside, to watch Christmas movies.

Whether it’s an old classic featuring the likes of Bing Crosby or a modern tale, animated or even one with a horror aspect to it, Christmas movies are perfect to get you in the mood for the big day. Today, it’s so easy to get hold of DVDs, whether to buy, rent or download from the internet, why not get hold of your favourite this season and get that festive feeling? There are so many to choose from but here are some favourites:

The Snowman – a beautiful animation film for all the family, this is completely wordless, except for the song Walking in the Air. It’s an adventure about a young English boy who makes a snowman one Christmas Eve, only for it to come to life that night and take him on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

Miracle on 34th Street – either the 1940s black and white original or the more recent version, featuring Richard Attenborough, this is a Christmas must – especially for children who need convincing that there really is a Santa Claus!

The Polar Express – this is a fantastic animation movie made just a few years ago, featuring the voice of Tom Hanks. It’s moving, beautiful to watch and great to keep the whole family entertained.

The Muppet Christmas Carol – this is one to take you back to your childhood (or your children’s!), featuring none other than the great Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Michael Caine playing Ebeneezer Scrooge. What a combination! On the same lines, any ‘Christmas Carol’ movie is a must.

White Christmas – one of the most memorable festive films of all time, starring Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby. This classic movie makes for a magical Christmas every time.

Love Actually – not one that would immediately spring to mind, but it is set around Christmas and is funny, romantic and a must for your seasonal viewing.

The Holiday – for those that like a bit of romance, this a delightful festive film starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

Gremlins – undoubtedly an odd one but it is funny and creepy and is entirely set around the festive season. A must for the unconventional!

Nightmare Before Christmas – a typical Tim Burton animated movie – it’s a little strange but still gets you in the mood for Christmas.

The Grinch – a fabulous film from the king of comedy, Jim Carrey, who is virtually unrecognisable as ‘the Grinch that stole Christmas’. Excellent.