HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #1

HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #2

#2. A Christmas Story (1983)

Every year after Thanksgiving dinner, I slip into my food coma, watch television with family and snap into the holiday spirit. It's my favorite time of you; the season of reflection. Did you stick to your resolutions from the previous year? Were you good to others? What, if anything, would you do differently?

Although I am Jewish (and proud of it!), every holiday season I look forward to spending Christmas Eve at my Aunt's house. My uncle had the great fortune to marry an amazing Italian woman (and wonderful cook!). It is with great anticipation that my brother and I count down the days until we go over and enjoy a great feast with our family.

Aside from the food, it has become an annual tradition that my cousins, brother and I gather around the television and watch at least part of the 24 hour A Christmas Story marathon on TV. Although the plot of this movie is pretty basic - little Ralphie pleads with his parents, his teacher and Santa for an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two hundred shot range model air rifle - for me, it never gets old. "You'll shoot your eye out" is probably one of the greatest holiday movie quotes of our time.

For me, this movie represents time with my family. Everyone is so busy with the day-to-day, Christmas seems to be our time to regroup and catch up. It's one of the happiest days of my year.

HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #3

#3. White Christmas (1954)

If you like movies filled with singing and dancing, this is the film for you! Join Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye); a successful performance duo who team up with two sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to save a failing inn that happens to be run by their former commanding general in WWII.

This movie fully represents the holidays. It's filled with laughter, entertainment and the thought of doing something nice for others. So sit back, relax and join in on the fun of this 'feel good film'.

HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #4

#4. The Polar Express (2004)

No Christmas is complete without the tale of the skeptical boy who boards a magical train heading to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

This story has a much deeper meaning than just believing in Christmas. It's about self-discovery and choosing what type of person you will be as you continue to grow older. Are you going to be a leader? How about a good friend? Will you believe in things that aren't tangible? Will you take risks and journey to places you're unsure of?

Everyone likes to think that they will assume at least one of these traits. However, just like the bell in the story (a symbol of Christmas), most things we're taught when we are younger tend to get lost in translation as we get caught up in our hectic lives and other things become "more important".

The lesson learned here is to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Be proud of who you are, remember where you come from and appreciate what you've been given.

HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #5

#5. A Christmas Carol (1938)

No Christmas is complete without the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

The message Charles Dickens conveys is simply this: we are all human beings and therefore should treat each person equally no matter what their rank or stature. Additionally, it is important to be there for others in their times of need. When people have others that support and encourage them, it makes the rough road a little easier to navigate.

This tale hits especially close to home in our current state of economic crisis. This is the time to help others. Join a volunteer group or charity organization. You can help make a difference in someone's life.

Attention Readers!

Due to technical difficulties, I have been unable to post on my site until now. Many apologies for not being able to post my top 5 movies on New Years Eve. Without further ado, here are my top 5 holiday movies...

HOLIDAY MOVIE COUNTDOWN! #6

#6. Love Actually (2003)

Life is not a fairy tale; it's filled with good times and bad. When times get tough, people usually turn to those they love for support. As Hugh Grant states in this movie, "If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion that love actually is all around."

Love Actually portrays the different lives of a group of couples in the weeks before Christmas. As depicted in the movie some relationships endure, others struggle throughout. Some miss out on their chance with others and some find comfort where they least expect it.

Love Actually is witty, entertaining and has you falling in love with most of the richly scripted and developed characters. If you're looking for a movie where everyone lives happily ever after, this may not be the film for you. But if you're looking to watch a romantic comedy that has a bit more truth to it than most, sit back, relax and fall in love with this engaging work of art.

Check out the trailer below: