Just in case you ever wanted to know what movies are in rotation at my house (and why) from Thanksgiving until New Years:
1. A Christmas
Story Although the rest of my list was a challenge to sort out, this one is hands-down easily my all-time favorite Christmas movie. Not only because I could empathize with Ralphie on so many levels, but the nostalgia of the entire film rings true. It creates a holiday mood like no other. Plus he's a Hoosier. I remember seeing this for the first time in the theater when I was 13 years old, and I've been hooked ever since.
Most memorable line from that first viewing: "The line to see Santa stretched all the way back to Terre Haute." It was fun to hear mentioned a nearby town that I knew. It was like I was being let in on a private joke.
Favorite line today: "You used up all the glue....ON PURPOSE!"
2. It’s a
Wonderful Life There's no better movie to help us remember what's really important in life.
3. Christmas
Vacation Is it just me, or does every family have a Cousin Eddie?
4. A
Charlie Brown Christmas "Of all the Charlie Brown's in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest." Me too, Charlie.
5. Miracle
on 34th St (1947) Cute as a button Natalie Wood, paired with the best Santa-actor ever.
6. A Year
Without A Santa Claus Heat and Snow Miser ruled my childhood, but the best part now (because I'm old) is the little girl singing "Blue Christmas" to Santa. Brings a tear every time.
7. A
Muppet Christmas Carol Jim Henson + Charles Dickens? Hard to beat.
8. Scrooged Bill Murray at his comic best. "Have you tried staples?"
9. Bad
Santa Not a movie to watch with Grandma....unless Grandma cusses like a sailor and likes fart jokes. Rude, crude holiday fun, but, amazingly, with a heart.
10. Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer Watching this movie without fail every year since I can remember taught me that being a misfit doesn't make you a nitwit. In fact, misfits just might be more important than anyone thought.
11. Home
Alone Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. And a classic older brother.
12. How
the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Such a goolish character, they had to get Boris Karloff to voice.
13. Polar
Express Ok, so the animation is creepy, but the story is great. And when Santa takes off, I get goose bumps every time.
14. Elf A bit hokey, but Will Ferrell's interpretation of a wide-eyed innocent raised as an elf is great fun.
15. Edward
Scissorhands Johnny Depp at his sweetest and Winona Ryder at her blondest, but it's the great Alan Arkin as the clueless dad that keeps me coming back for more. And a wonderful last appearance by Vincent Price.
16. The
Nightmare Before Christmas Love the catchy songs... 
"What's this, what's this?"
17. Black
Christmas (1974) Did you think Halloween kicked off the slasher genre? Think again. And this one is better. Hard to believe this is the same director as my #1, the late Bob Clark.
18. Love
Actually A montage of love stories, some happy some sad, but each feels like a little Christmas special all by itself.
19. About
a Boy Sweet story about the transformation of a gloomy loner by the dogged persitence of an annoying kid. Just try not to enjoy the rendition of "Killing Me Softly."
20. Nestor,
the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey A little known Rankin/Bass classic about the donkey who was to take Mary to the manger. Good luck fighting the tears within the first 10 minutes.
"No, no, no, I want an official Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle!"