All you have to do is turn on your television to know that Christmas is around the corner. Christmas specials are a tradition dating back to ancient times. They teach us the value of giving and sharing and warm our chilly hearts. Here’s a list of my personal favourites:

5. Die Hard

After all, what is Christmas without a little Bruce Willis? It’s Christmas Eve when NYPD officer John McClane singlehandedly takes down a building of terrorists. There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than bombs, helicopters and walking barefoot on broken glass.

 

 

 

 

4. Love Actually

If you like a good romantic comedy, then you’re in luck: this movie is eight in one! It follows the lives of eight couples through the pandemonium that is December. The cast of this film is star studded to say the least, it even features Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean).

 

 

 

 

 

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Watching this animated Christmas special on Christmas morning has become one of my favourite childhood memories. In the film, Charlie Brown becomes frustrated with the commercialism of Christmas and sets out on a journey to find the true meaning of the holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

2. It’s a Wonderful Life

This 1947 film is a bittersweet Christmas staple. The film follows an almost-suicidal man as he struggles with debt and depression. The movie isn’t your typical holiday flick but it is a touching tale that has endured the test of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. A Christmas Story

All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB Gun, and he will do anything to get it. This movie follows Ralphie on his quest for the ultimate present. Every scene in this great American film is packed with laughter, mischief, frozen tongues and caroling in botched Chinese accents.