It’s officially the holiday season, meaning it’s time to break out the movies and songs that make the season. But there is a problem: the holiday season is only so long, so which Christmas movies and songs should you enjoy this valuable time? To help you make this critical decision, I have compiled a list of the best holiday movies and songs.

Movies are one of the best ways to bond with your family during the holiday season. There aren’t many better ways to spend a cold December night than curling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and dialing in on a festive movie. However, what are the five best holiday movies to watch these nights?

The Santa Clause

“The Santa Clause” is a Christmas comedy that takes a new approach to the classic story of Santa Clause. In an unheard-of story, a divorced father accidentally kills Santa Claus and is forced to take over as the new head of the North Pole. Things change around him after initially denying his new role, and he becomes “The Santa Clause.” Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accepts his new role and realizes he has a lot of work and only a year to do it. With an arguably perfect cast supported by hilarious dialogue and surprisingly well-done special effects for the time, this movie is a must-see to enjoy Christmas fully.

A Christmas Story

If you are looking for a classic movie that perfectly captures the events a child might encounter around Christmas time and the feelings that come with them, then “A Christmas Story” is for you. Throughout the movie, we follow Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsly, a 9-year-old boy whose one Christmas wish is to find a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle under his Christmas tree. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we follow Ralphie as he navigates the Christmas season and the challenges it brings. “A Christmas Story” is a timeless classic full of iconic moments. It has become as much of a part of Christmas as the tree; it is a non-negotiable must-watch.

Home Alone 

Amid the holidays, a wealthy family decides to leave Chicago and head to Europe for the season. Still, they forget to bring one thing with them: Kevin. In “Home Alone,” Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, is left behind by his family and forced to survive alone during the holidays. He didn’t mind having no family at first until he learned of a group of robbers plotting to burglarize his house, and Kevin was forced to defend his home. This film has hilarious moments, witty dialogue, and surprisingly emotional moments. “Home Alone” is a guaranteed hit at any holiday watch party.

Elf

“Elf” is said to be the most fantastic Christmas movie of all time, or in the words of Saint Paul’s senior Gray Cartier, “The movie “Elf” is a great movie to watch with your family during the holidays. The movie spreads and encourages the Christmas spirit while also being funny. Elf is one of the best Christmas movies all around.” “Elf” is the quintessential Christmas comedy loaded with some of the funniest moments in not just holiday movies but throughout all movies. During the film, we follow a human raised by elves named Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, on his journey from the North Pole to New York, where he learns who he is and where he came from and finds love along the way. “Elf” is a Christmas comedy with an excellent plot and a packed cast. If you aren’t already watching this during Christmas, this is the year to start.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

“Christmas Vacation” is a Christmas comedy that follows the antics of family man Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he and his family prepare for Christmas. Throughout the film, we witness Clark’s efforts to make this the best Christmas his family has ever had. Despite his efforts, as Christmas grows closer, things begin to go wrong, and he is forced to deal with rabid animals, crazy neighbors, and even crazier family members. “Christmas Vacation’ is a fantastic movie that perfectly captures the stress of the holiday season and the good times that make it all worth it.

Moving away from things to watch during the holiday season, what about holiday music?

Music has been a staple of the holiday season, and the holidays wouldn’t be the same without it. Whether you’re decorating the Christmas tree, making festive cookies, or just driving to work, holiday music playing in the background makes everything the merrier. However, what are the five best holiday songs to enjoy during these activities?

Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson

The holidays are best spent with loved ones, but this works both ways. The holidays can bring much joy and sadness when people remember the loved ones who are and aren’t there. Kelly Clarkson’s song “Underneath the Tree” perfectly encapsulates the joy of being with the people you love during the holidays and the melancholy that comes with them not being there. This heartfelt message, a catchy beat, and Clarkson’s great voice make this an excellent choice for any holiday.

The Christmas Song – The King Cole Trio

The right song can elevate the mood of any situation. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole elevates the Christmas mood regardless of the situation. The cozy, comforting lyrics and Nat King Cole’s soothing voices exude the Christmas spirit. Throughout the song, you can almost feel the warmth of a fire and smell pine and peppermint. This song can be perfectly summed up by its title because it truly is “The Christmas Song.”

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Micheal Bublé 

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is the best song to mark the start of the holiday season. This song is filled with the holiday spirit and magic that make the season special, but the thing that makes the song stand out is the voice behind it. Micheal Bublé has the best voice in the Christmas music industry; he was born to sing Christmas songs. Micheal Bublé’s iconic voice and the song’s ability to mark the beginning of the season make “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” a definite top-five song.

All I Want For Christmas is You – Mariah Carey

There aren’t many songs in the world that can be recognized by their first note as quickly as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You.” “All I Want For Christmas is You” can be heard throughout the country the second the holidays begin, whether in grocery stores, restaurants, or hospital waiting rooms. If there is music playing, you will hear this song. However, this constant song playing has caused a small community of haters to form. For example, when asked how he felt about the song, Sean Lenehan, St. Paul’s senior, stated, “Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want For Christmas is You” is the desecration of the Christmas season. Its themes of want and desire and its continued overplaying and popularity reflect America’s secular consumeristic culture.”  Regardless of the hate, this song is a holiday necessity and deserves the popularity it has gained. It’s worth a listen.

Last Christmas-Wham!

Suppose you’re looking for a holiday song that perfectly captures the holiday spirit but can still be played year-round. In that case, “Last Christmas” by Wham! is the song for you. It was written by the popular British pop duo in 1984 and has been the source of multiple covers since then, and everyone has been a hit. However, they still don’t top the original; the catchy beat paired with a story about past love and the lessons learned from it make the song impeccable. Overall, any song that has been the source of multiple hit covers and has a unique sound that almost everyone will enjoy makes it a must-listen during the holidays and maybe throughout the year.

This list should have helped you narrow your holiday choices, so happy listening and watching. Merry Christmas!