The staff at Intellectual Takeout and the Charlemagne Institute participated in a highly non-scientific poll to crown our favorite Christmas movies as we prepare for Christ’s coming this Advent.

More than a dozen movies were listed in our staff’s top three picks for movies to get cozy with during Christmastime, but five stood aloft from the rest of the pack in capturing our hearts. Here are the top five Christmas picks from our staff, wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

5. Home Alone

“It’s goofy, but it’s a good Christmas film because the underlying drama transforms a toxic family situation into a loving one, as the family comes to Kevin’s rescue and Kevin realizes he needs the family he had wished would disappear. The finale with Kevin and his mother hugging is a heart-warmer.” ~ Edward Welsch, Executive Editor at Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture

“Every kid wants to construct elaborate pranks throughout their house in order to get the bad guys.” ~ Eric Teachout, Director of Operations

4. A Charlie Brown Christmas

“When Linus explains to a frustrated Charlie Brown, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” ~ Kim Crockett, Vice President and General Counsel

“A Charlie Brown Christmas is an absolute classic, and a favorite of my family growing up. Linus quoting from Luke 2 is powerful stuff in midst of the consumerism of the rest of the Peanuts gang.” ~ Anders Koskinen, Editorial Associate

3. A Christmas Story

“This was a nostalgic favorite of my Baby Boomer parents, but also one that we kids enjoyed. It brought the generations of the family together, and I chiefly enjoy it because it is fun to watch with family at Christmas.” ~ Edward Welsch

2. Elf

“My whole family loves this movie.” ~ Nick Bieter, Development Associate

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

“How can it not be the best? Everyone can benefit from the story of a man on the verge of suicide who learns through divine intervention just how much of a positive impact he has had in the lives of his friends, neighbors, and family, and how much they value him.” ~ Michael Leaser, Editorial Associate

“I mean, how can you not have this on your list?! I love the theme of the difference an ordinary individual can make in the lives of others. Also, I love the loyalty of the unsung hero of the movie.” ~ Annie Holmquist, Editor Intellectual Takeout

There you have it, the top five Christmas movies as recommended by the staff at Intellectual Takeout. First place votes also went to “Meet John Doe”, “White Christmas”, and “Joyeux Noël”.

Take it easy this holiday season and let us know what your favorite Christmas films are in the comments.

Merry Christmas!

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[Image Credit: FLickr-Anthony J, CC BY 2.0]