I know that every movie site out there is either doing a Top Ten of 2009 List, or a Decade in Review List, or even the Best Christmas Movies List, so I wanted to go against the grain and tell you what my Favorite Movies that I like to watch at Christmas are. Some will be Christmas related obviously, but these are just the films that I find comfort in watching around the holidays.

1) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

I don’t think I really need to go into detail about why this is a Must Watch for me at Christmas time. I know that a lot of families have traditions with either It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th St. but for me, it’s Christmas Vacation. This is Chevy Chase’s best film in my opinion and hearing that opening song always makes me think of this wonderful classic. I think this film will always hold up to any comedy that comes out from here on out. It’s timeless. Can we ever get this kind of line-up back? Has there been a comedy that’s come out in the last decade that’s marveled the brilliance of the National Lampoon series?

2) Home Alone

This is another movie that really gets me in the holiday spirit and is like a benchmark for me when it comes to knowing that Christmas has officially started. I wouldn’t classify myself as a true lover of pure physical comedy, but I laugh so hard when the criminals get what’s coming to them. There’s just something so hilarious about a kid putting together all of these torture devices made from everyday household products. I know that a lot of it has to do with the fact that it’s a kid. We can all picture ourselves having to survive without our parents and having to go “to war” at our home. Daniel Stern made this movie for me, he was genius!

3) Little Women

Alright, I hope I don’t lose my man card for this one, but when my wife introduced me to this film, it instantly became one of our traditions. Sure, at first, I didn’t like this film and just passed it off with my “manly” hand as a chick flick that I’ll never like. There’s just something nostalgic and warm to see a family pull together during some of the harshest of times and truly show unconditional love towards one another. The standout for me in this film was a young Claire Danes. Man, I don’t know when in her career she did this film, but I think it was a huge role for her to break out from. We also are graced with a very young pre-Dark Knight, pre-Batman Christian Bale.

4) Scrooged

Bill Murray is one of my all-time favorite actors and this is one of his greats! I know that Christmas time should be merry and happy, but I love the darker take on the classic Dickens’ tale. Murray does an excellent job of playing “Scrooge” in a more modern, yet 80′s, context. One of my favorite characters is the ghost of Christmas Present played brilliantly and violently by the great Carol Kane. I love how much she kicks the crap out of Murray’s character. Some other notable performances include Bobcat Goldthwait, Karen Allen, and the crazy cab driver David Johansen. It’s hard to believe that this came out in 1988, a full 21 years ago!

5) Lord of the Rings

This has nothing to do with Christmas time per se, but this is my favorite time to watch all three of the films. Every year for the last three years I have sat down and watched all three films back-to-back including the extended footage. We’re talking about 12 hours of amazement! Maybe it’s because I have off of work and actually have the time to sit down to watch them that’s included my in Christmas list. Anyone else watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy at Christmas time?

There’s my list, now what’s your list? What movies do you watch every holiday season? I know I left out a lot of films, but like I said, this isn’t my “Christmas Movie” list, it’s just the films that I love to watch around this time. What are yours?