25 best Christmas movies to watch during the holiday season

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION - Deck the halls with boughs of laughter - the Griswolds are back! Hapless Clark (Chevy Chase), exasperated Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their ever-changing kids (Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki) gear up for Christmas in this Vacation installment that became a holiday classic. As usual, all the good intentions in the world can't save them from disaster ... or Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), whose unannounced visit throws the house into further disarray. (WARNER BROTHERS)CHEVY CHASE /

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20. The Santa Clause

So what happens when you basically break Santa Claus? Well, if you are watching The Santa Clause, then Tim Allen has to take on the job and finish the Christmas deliveries.

Perhaps what makes The Santa Clause a great Christmas movie is the fact that it is as much a family film, as it is a holiday offering. This story delivers everything from drama to comedy, and of course all the Christmas magic we could have hoped for.

Not only is this movie the start of a solid series, but we get to watch the evolution of Santa Claus from an everyday businessman to the leader of the North Pole. And seriously how cool is that? We literally watch Tim Allen gain a ton of weight just so he can be Santa.

Beyond watching the man’s transformation, there are certain moments that feel perfect in this movie, especially when young children come up to him in order to tell him their wishes. After all, they know who he is, even if he can’t come to terms with it (right away).

This is a film that gives us the holiday spirit we crave from a good Christmas movie, and that we sometimes struggle to find. And while it may not be the most in-depth storyline ever, it still draws you in and leaves you laughing, crying, and of course smiling with joy. What more can you ask for really?

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