Every year, we moan that the same old films are being shown on TV, yet deep down we love watching those old favourites. There's nothing quite like sitting in a room where the only light is coming from the Christmas tree and watching a classic Christmas movie.

Who hasn't shed a tear at George Bailey's torment in "it's a wonderful life"? The heart warming story of the man facing ruin at Christmas, whose attempted suicide, is thwarted by an angel trying to earn his wings. This is a Christmas movie in the true sense of the word. Our hero is shown what life would have been like if he had never been born; and the repercussions for everyone around. His plaintive cry that he wants to live again brings a tear to the eye of even those with the hardest of hearts. This has never been remade for obvious reasons; any remake would fade in comparison.

White Christmas is a happy Christmas musical. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are two ex arm buddies who return to entertaining after the war. They follow two sisters to Vermont where they are performing over Christmas. The establishment turns out to be run by their ex Colonel who is in dire straits and looking to close down the hotel. They arrange for all their ex comrades to come to the hotel and put on a concert on Christmas Eve, then it starts to snow. White Christmas is a very schmaltzy movie; but hugely enjoyable.

We don't necessarily think of the Harry Potter series as Christmas movies, but as four of them were released in November for the Christmas market they make it onto a lot of lists as favourite Christmas movies. Whenever a new one is due to come onto television, it is inevitably at Christmas, more often than not being the blockbuster Christmas day film.

The Santa clause is a comedy where Santa falls off the roof and is killed. The clause states that whoever is responsible for Santa's death has to take on the role. This is a fun film for the whole film. We watch as Tim Allen fights against it, but eventually embraces the role and becomes an excellent Santa.

One of the best animated Christmas movies, that is loved by children and adults alike, is Rudolph. The story of the little reindeer who is outcast for his nose is a very moral tale, beautifully told. When Santa can't go out on Christmas Eve to deliver the presents because of the dense fog, Rudolph with his bright red nose steps in and saves Christmas. Although you know the story backwards, you can't help but cheer.

These are just a few of the movies which we rejoice in seeing every year. Whatever your personal favourite is, a good Christmas movie is welcomed by everyone.

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