For this issue’s review, I thought a closer look at my favorite holiday movies was in order. Here are my thoughts on a few classic gems.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

I think we can all agree this is THE definitive Christmas movie.

It is a timeless story about the value of human life and how one person can positively affect the lives of many, not to mention it makes us all seriously re-evaluate the way we live our lives.

For those of you who have not seen it, the story revolves around George Bailey, a man whose various troubles cause him to consider committing suicide, only to be visited by an angel who shows him what the world would be like if he never existed.

Touching, humorous and downright unforgettable, this is one of those great classics that still feels fresh decades after its release.

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

An exceptional family movie that puts a new spin on the idea of Santa Clause, “Miracle on 34th Street” is essential viewing during the Christmas season.

It is about a young girl, her mother and a lawyer who meet a kindly old man dressed as Santa outside a department store who seems to have a strange effect on the lives of everyone he meets.

Many Christmas movies tend to become overstuffed with sentimentality but this one finds a good balance between humor, holiday spirit and believability.

There are also some wonderful messages about the value of childhood and the negative effects of cynicism that we do not see nearly enough of these days, unfortunately.

“A Christmas Carol” (1951)

While there have been countless adaptations of this classic story, none are quite as impressive as this version.

Instead of trying to dazzle the audience with special effects, it takes a simple, character-driven approach that results in both a great Christmas story and an emotional tale of redemption.

Alistair Sims’ performance as Ebenezer Scrooge is also brilliant and perhaps the best portrayal of the famous character to date. We are probably all familiar with this story by now (definitely read the book or see the movie if you are not) but its’ timeless message about the importance of Christmas and memorable characters are still compelling to this day.

“A Christmas Story” (1983)

Easily one of the funniest and most quotable Christmas movies ever, this particular classic is also a great piece of commercial satire.

The story of one boy’s misadventures in trying to obtain his preferred Christmas present and the antics of his crazy family never gets old.

And, scenes like a boy who gets his tongue stuck to a frozen pole and a father going on profanity-laced rants still feel fresh and original.

It also helps that many of the characters are both funny and relatable allowing the audience to connect with them based on personal experience.

Not many comedies are able to match this film based on sheer wittiness.

“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” (2010)

More often than not, Christmas movies are either lighthearted comedies or heartwarming morality tales. So if you have ever wanted to see a Christmas themed fantasy-thriller with a darker edge then this is the perfect holiday flick.

The story focuses on a group of reindeer herders in Finland who, while investigating the disappearance of several children, find themselves battling an ancient monster that is actually the original Santa Claus.

Filled with plenty of suspense and suitably traditional characters, it is definitely an entertaining film that has fun toying with its respective genre and serves as a good alternative to the likes of “Elf” and “The Polar Express.”