It’s that time of year when you gather around the fire, sip hot chocolate, and watch a Christmas movie.  Or if you live in California, you turn on the AC first, then gather around the fire. But what do we watch? There are a few that are mandatory: Elf, Christmas Vacation, and Home Alone.  Let me give you a few others you may have overlooked – one for the family, one for the couples, and one for the guys.

1.It’s a Wonderful Life

This one is for the whole family. Yes, this is a national treasure, but due to all of our cartoons, claymation,  and new releases, it often gets passed over.  I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favorite Christmas movie, but it is a great one for all ages.  Plus, it has a great message for all of us who will wrestle with greed, entitlement, and self-loathing during the holidays. Glad that’s not me …

2. The Family Man

Just for you and your special someone, settle in and watch the story of a life that could have been.  It has similarities to It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol but with a modern twist.  Plus, it’s one of the last movies Nicolas Cage did that’s worth watching. This movie is funny, heartwarming, and guaranteed to please both male and female. 

3.Die Hard

This one’s for the guys.  Most forget that Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve. So, that makes this a Christmas movie, right? Based on that criteria, the first Lethal Weapon can also work.  Either way you go, a lot of things blow up with Christmas trees in the background – something you may long for if the holiday guests stay too long. 

I know I’m missing some, so help me out … what Christmas movies do you recommend that may be often overlooked?