As Christmas rapidly approaches, many people are beginning their annual Christmas traditions. Across the nation people are baking cookies, decorating trees, and of course, watching classic Christmas movies. But what are the best classic Christmas movies?

There are many beloved and well known Christmas movies that are watched every year. Some popular examples are “Elf”, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, “Home Alone”, and “A Christmas Story”.

One of the most popular Christmas movies in the last few decades is Elf. Elf stars Will Ferrell, a human raised as an elf in the North Pole, who tries to reintegrate into society and find his dad in New York City. A wholesome movie focusing on the importance of spreading Christmas cheer; Elf is a classic that can be enjoyed for the first time or the twentieth.

Another classic is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. Although older than “Elf”, coming out in 1989, it is just as popular, if not more. It is popular among State High students as well. According to State High Junior Aubrey Oknefski, it is her favorite Christmas movie “of all time.”

“It’s just so nostalgic,” Oknefski said, “It gives me the holiday feels. The comedy follows a family who is just trying to have a perfect Christmas, despite everything going wrong. It is the perfect slapstick comedy, yet also heartwarming and serious at times.

In terms of popularity, however, not many Christmas movies can beat “Home Alone”. I assume the majority of readers have heard of it, if not seen it. Following an 8-year-old kid who is accidentally abandoned at home by his family and left to fend off a pair of robbers with improvised booby traps, Home Alone Is the perfect mix of heart and humor. While a very funny movie, it has a strong serious message on the themes of family and Christmas, and can be watched time and time again.

Although less appreciated, modern Christmas movies can be very good as well. “A Knight Before Christmas”, a romantic comedy based on the premise of a medieval knight traveling to the future and meeting the love of his life, is a perfect example of this. For State High Junior Raina Barot, it is the best Christmas movie. “I just think it has such a cute storyline,” Barot said, “It’s not corny like other Christmas Hallmark movies, and has a very interesting story and ending”. “A Knight Before Christmas” was also a big success, releasing on Netflix, and will likely have a sequel, confirmed by Netflix.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter what Christmas movie is the best, or most popular. The true joy of Christmas movies is spending time with people you love and appreciate. So no matter what movie you watch this Christmas, remember that the most important thing is to have fun with loved ones and enjoy the holiday season.