Flicks to get you into the holiday spirit

Feeling particularly “bah-humbug” this year? It’s understandable, given the poor economy and the fact that holiday décor seemed to peek its little head out of store shelves soon after the red, white and blue decorations were taken down July 5th.

One trick I use to cool down my inner Grinch is to watch a few heartwarming (albeit often cheesy) holiday movies. There’s nothing better this time of year than curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and watching Rudolph and friends travel to the Island of Misfit Toys, or seeing Will Ferrell parade around New York City in elf tights.

So step aside, Scrooge, here are the top movies to get you back in the holiday spirit:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, TV-G) — A classic for a reason. Charlie Brown and his little fir tree have long been the image of many people’s December, and I wouldn’t want to see one without it.

• A Christmas Carol (1999, TV) — Patrick Stewart makes the perfect Scrooge. An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous story, Scrooge’s inspirational transformation asks the viewer to question their own greed and anger in favor of love, generosity and family.

• Elf (2003, PG) — When one of Santa’s elves (Will Ferrell) discovers he’s not really an elf, he must travel to New York City to connect with his naughty-listed father. Bright and enjoyable, “Elf” is a lighthearted venture into the realms of family and belonging.

• The Holiday (2006, PG-13) — A bit of a sappy pick, but definitely an excellent chick flick/holiday film. Two women switch locations to escape the men in their respective areas and end up finding precisely what they were trying to avoid.

• Home Alone (1990, PG) — Although this movie is perfect at any time, it’s even more enjoyable this time of year. The scene with Kevin and Marley in the church is one of my favorites. The light-heartedness of “Home Alone” makes me not mind the snow and early sunsets quite as much.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, TV-G) — Sorry, Jim Carrey, but Boris Karloff will forever remain the ultimate Grinch. Dr. Seuss’ words come to life, the Grinch’s showdown with the unknowing Whos is a holiday must-see.

• It’s A Wonderful Life (1946, Approved) — Of course, but the film also touches on some of the true meanings of the holidays. With the economy being as it is this year, the inscription “no man is a failure who has friends” is especially important.

• Love Actually (2003, R) — Hilarious, heartwarming and, at times, wrenching, “Love Actually” follows a predominantly British ensemble as they discover that love, while not always what they may expect, is all around them.

• Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, TV-G) — Another holiday staple. It’s never really Christmas for me unless I’ve seen claymation Rudolph guide Santa’s sleigh. Obvious sexism of the movie aside (Donner’s ”this is man’s work” makes me laugh every time), it’s still the No. 1 movie I have to watch every year.

• The Santa Clause (1994, PG) — Disregarding Tim Allen’s law issues, “The Santa Clause” is still a pretty awesome movie. Fun and humorous, the film touches on the belief in not only Santa Clause, but also in yourself.

Did I miss your favorite holiday film? Let me know about it by sending me an e-mail at rcrofut@fltimes.com.