“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”

There have been many a poignant, many a funny and many a silly movie that celebrates the Christmas season. From the blockbuster to the obscure, film has been a crucial partner in the wintry wonderland we call Christmas.

At TGON, film is a large part of our tech love as nerds. Here-in no particular order-is a list of films that embody the warmth, neuroses and family fun of Christmas.

1. Home Alone-the tale of the boy left at home by his family before Christmas. I’m aging myself, but I saw this in the theater when it came out and it was gutbustingly hilarious. The slapstick, the message of family being the reason for the season, all worked.

2. ELF-I’m not a huge Will Ferrell fan (except for his SNL oeuvre) but his portrayal of Buddy the Elf was whimsical, touching and laugh out loud funny. Never forget Buddy eating all of the doctor’s cotton balls. Never forget.

3. Holiday Inn-a totally convoluted plot line about an entertainer converting his farm to an entertainment venue…but the male leads are Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. ‘nuff said.

4. The Polar Express-this was beautifully animated and had the voice of Tom Banks lending its dulcet tones. Win-win.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas-the CBS classic that shows the kid in all of us what the true meaning of Christmas is.

6. Mickey’s Christmas Carol-the Disney take on the classic Dickens’ tale of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge.

7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-classic 60’s claymation and animation. The original anti-bullying film for kids.

8. White Christmas-the film that gave us Bing Crosby’s seminal version of the song of the same name.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-who doesn’t remember the Griswold’s tale of neighborhood light competition (and Clark being electrocuted in the process)?

10. The Santa Clause -Tim Allen was at the height of his ‘Home Improvement’ prowess and the film showcased his humor perfectly.

Here’s to the next generation of Christmas films and the hope, laughs and mistress it inspires within us all.