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Christmas would not be Christmas without classic Christmas movies to set the mood. Sure, we all love new films, and flock to the theaters to see them when they come out, but the Classics will forever be in our hearts.

A Christmas Story first debuted as a movie in 1983. It was based on the story by author Jean Shephard. Though this film didn't earn immediate fame, in the late 80's it was picked up by TBS who started a tradition of airing the movie the day after Thanksgiving. Now it is not uncommon to have marathons where they play the movie non-stop for days at a time. Let's face it, we all love Ralphie.

White Christmas. Who isn't dreaming of one? 1954's classic musical starring Irving Berlin is a must have at my house. This feel good tale leaves me yearning to go to Vermont and eat sandwiches and drink milk by a large stone hearth in my robe, only to be swept off my feet by a dashing young man who has a song for everything.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is another classic that is from my childhood. Coming out in 1983, this fun loving movie about a bunch of delinquents shows us that there is some good in us all.

My all time favorite, though it's not as old or classic as the others, While You Were Sleeping gets me every time! Who hasn't felt so alone, and desperate that they would resort to a little white lie? And who doesn't love a happy ending or Sandra Bullock?

The original 1947 Miracle on 34th Street is a must see if you've never seen it before. Not a big fan of black and white? Try the more modern, up to date 1994 version with Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, and Mara Wilson.

Oh, and we can not forget about the Grinch Who Stole Christmas- the original cartoon version. No Christmas is complete without it.

Some more modern movies, the "new" classics that I've fallen in love with recently?

The Family Stone with Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker. This movie has an ALL STAR cast and just has it all. It is humorous, sad, romantic, you name it, it is in this film.

The first Home Alone was just phenomenal, I don't think any of us will every forget that one hit wonder McCauley Caulkin when he puts the after shave on his face and gives his famous scream.

And then, there are the classics that we just simply watch every year because they are a ritual, those would be Rudolph, Frosty, and Charlie Brown's Christmas.

I can't wait to see what crops up this year, and what will be tomorrows classics. There are so many titles to choose from, you can literally watch a movie a day all the way to Christmas and still have not seen all that is out there.

Learn more about this author, Amelia Tibbett.
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