Pursuant to the previous post, I’d rather argue about something that actually matters – a proper Christmas movie list.  Here are the top five:

5. Hallmark Christmas Movies – Yes, technically this is more than one movie in one slot, but it’s my list, so… there.  These things are great.  Two hours with commercials – like 75 minutes without.  Nice, easy to follow plot, which always include hot cocoa and a snowball fight.  Despite their obvious shortcomings, sometimes it’s just nice to go full-wholesome.  Special shoutout to Kristoffer Polaha, who became an inside/running joke between Jana and I, only to become a fan-favorite.

4. White Christmas –  Jana deserves credit for this movie’s inclusion as it was on her must-watch list prior to our marriage. Over the years, Danny Kaye started to slay me and the General’s surprise manages to make me misty-eyed.

3. Elf – My parents and in-laws wouldn’t make it 10 minutes through Anchorman or Step Brothers.  But they love this movie because Will Ferrell crrrrrrrrushes it.

2. Die Hard – There will be no debate here as to whether this is a Christmas movie.  Go educate yourself.  Anyway… This movie is NOT wholesome.  But it is so pure.  There are bad guys.  There’s a good guy.  The good guy wins.  One man can make a difference.  Explosions.  F-bombs.  Bad puns and tough guy lines.  This movie is most famously known for, “Yippee ki-yay motherfucker,” and that’s not even the movie’s best line.  Die Hard has brought Jana and I back together through dark times and today, is a right-of-passage when our children turn 13.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life – Words cannot express what this movie has meant to me over 45 years.  Too often, people jump to the end and miss how many difficult themes the movie addresses… without perfect resolution.  But it is hopeful and I’m all for that.  Special side note: “Welcome home Mr. Bailey” is the sexiest line and scene in a movie ever.

Happy Viewing!