It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching these 5 films

SALT LAKE CITY -- Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the movies that embody the spirit of the season and help us laugh our way through this crazy time of year. They can bring you back to your childhood, when the stress of the holidays was your parent’s headache and all you knew of Christmas was the magic. Watching certain films may even be a tradition for some families. And sometimes a Christmas flick is the best way to remind even the biggest Scrooge that there indeed is something special about this time of year.

There are many standout holiday movies, but it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without enjoying at least one of the following five films.

A Christmas Day tradition

I triple-dog-dare you not to watch “A Christmas Story” in December. If you own a television, it’s almost impossible not to revisit Ralphie and the tacky leg lamp with the “soft glow of electric sex in the window.” Devoid of any Hollywood gimmicks, “A Christmas Story” gets it’s charm from the nostalgic story line and a boy’s simple Christmas wish for a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. There are few, if any, Christmas movies with as many memorable scenes and quotable lines as this film, which strangely flopped in theaters and found mega success as a television staple on Christmas day.

An old classic

It’s hard to believe that “It’s a Wonderful Life” was released more than 55 years ago. In 2011, the story of a man struggling to live the American dream in a nation trying to recover from economic turmoil may be more relatable now than ever. George Bailey, played by the incomparable Jimmy Stewart, is a family man and small-business owner overwhelmed by debt and failed dreams. Convinced that the world is better off without him, he comes to his breaking point only to be rescued by an unconventional angel. Even though the main events of this film occur on Christmas Eve, the story is poignant and moving no matter what time of year you watch it.

A new classic

If you’ve ever poured syrup over your spaghetti and smiling is your favorite, you’re probably a fan of “Elf”. It may not move audiences to tears or convey a mind blowing holiday message, but it scores points for being original. It’s goofy, immature and all together ridiculous, and that’s exactly why so many people love it. Will Ferrel is endearing as Buddy, the elf, who moves to New York City from the North Pole after discovering he’s actually human. Trying to adapt to life outside of Santa’s workshop leads to slapstick antics and silly encounters. “Elf” doesn’t take itself seriously, and reminds us that this time of year is supposed to be fun!

A children’s classic

Whether you watch the 1966 cartoon based on Dr. Seuss’ popular book, or prefer Ron Howard’s take on the holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has a lesson for kids young and old. If your children have a case of the gimmies and you’ve become overwhelmed by crowded shopping malls, it helps to remember the moral of this story. “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…means a little bit more.”

Home for the holidays

“I don’t know what to say except, it’s Christmas. And we’re all in misery.” If your family puts the fun in dysfunctional, especially during the holidays, than you’ll appreciate “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. It’s probably one of the most popular Christmas-themed comedies ever, and for good reason. Clark W.Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is a family man and idealist who attempts to have a “fun, old fashion family Christmas.” His good intentions backfire again and again when his family and in-laws come to stay. There are too many laughs in this movie to mention, and the ensemble of characters may make your own family seem normal.

Nicole Pollard currently resides in Canyon Country, Calif.