Holiday films are an important American pastime. For the best movies one must include all of the important ingredients, namely two cups of heart, a dash of fantastical whimsy and a good ole spoonful of yuletide rejuvenation, in order for a traditional holiday film to work. With that in mind, we here at 1st Inn Branson decided to compile a “best of” list – of sorts. Included within are personal favorites of the staff, or the films we all grew up watching during those festive afternoons when school was canceled due to winter storms, or during Thanksgiving or Christmas break. At their best, these films represent a merry tradition, one honored in most American households – these are the films we believe soundly capture the spirit of the holidays. A time and place when we believed Santa and his reindeer could fly; and that wishes could come true.

A Christmas Story (1983)
Say it with me: “I want an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time.” The quintessential Christmas movie if there ever was one, A Christmas Story remains a proverbial favorite in many a holiday household. TNT runs A Christmas Story 24/7 on Christmas day, and my family watches it all day long – if you haven’t discovered this gem yet, I urge you to take the time to do so as soon as possible. Just make sure you watch it twice.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
You can’t go through the holidays without experiencing George Bailey’s unexpected, even bizarre, holiday awakening. James Stewart plays Bailey, a down-on-his-luck denizen of small town Bedford Falls, a place he longs to escape, yet can’t quite get away from. That’s because, despite many an opportunity to leave, incidents ultimately force his hand to stay and save the town from the spider-like cruelty of evil business tycoon Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). One Christmas Eve, circumstances prompt Bailey to attempt suicide, wishing that he had never been born. Much to his surprise, a happy-go-lucky angel (Henry Travers) arrives and grants Bailey’s wish, allowing him to see a world in which he never existed. This experience opens Bailey’s eyes and heart as he discovers the true value of life, and the importance and ultimately rewarding qualities of friendship.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
A holiday list must always include at least one adaptation of Charles Dickens’ immortal Christmas classic. Of all the big screen versions to grace the silver screen, none has been quite as charming as the Muppets’ take, featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge, and Kermit the Frog as his lowly assistant Bob Cratchit. Some may balk, but Brian Henson’s adaptation remains the most accessible to mainstream audiences (especially children), one filled with wonderful sights and sounds, and memorable songs.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
I love this movie. Steve Martin and John Candy are brilliant as two travelers attempting to reach their homes for Thanksgiving. Predictably, chaos ensures a less than merry holiday for the pair. It doesn’t help that Candy plays a hapless buffoon (he sells shower curtain rings), one whose personality significantly contrasts against Martin’s uptight businessman. The results of their misadventures, including the complete annihilation of their car, an awkward hotel experience (“Those aren’t pillows!”), and a catastrophic freeway mishap involving semi-trucks and Candy’s brief transformation into Satan himself, provides the basis for the comedy.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
What’s Christmas without the Griswold? Chevy Chase is in fine form as the ever-relatable Clark Griswold, this time forced to spend the holidays with his in-laws. Chase does some of his finest work, but “Best in Show” belongs to Randy Quaid’s Cousin Eddie, a horrific redneck concoction if there ever was one.

The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express remains a holiday favorite – primarily because, as one character in the film states: “It’s just so Christmas-y.” Indeed, Zemeckis outdoes himself here, adapting the equally gorgeous Chris Van Allsburg children’s book of the same name to amazing, sometimes stunning results. Tom Hanks (with the help of mo-cap technology) plays just about everybody in the film (even the main “Hero Boy”), but his presence never feels excessive; in fact, quite the opposite. His portrayal of Santa remains the film’s high point; a masterfully executed performance that perfectly embodies the spirit of St. Nick.

Home Alone (1990)
Another slapstick farce – you might say the one that started it all – Chris Columbus’ original Home Alone has heart, big laughs, and a yuletide John Williams score consistently driving it home. The oft-remembered sequence involving a pair of bumbling robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) provides solid laughs, but it’s the build-up to that moment in which little Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), accidentally left behind by his family during the holiday rush, must fend for himself over the holidays, that catapults Home Alone into the echelon of near-classic status. Kevin undergoes a transformation of sorts: he learns to look past his fears and love the creepy neighbor (Roberts Blossom), wash dishes, and buy groceries at the local supermarket (alone!); he even watches Johnny Carson. Kevin’s adventure begins and ends long before the goofy slapstick comes into play.

Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell sings and dances his way through Jon Favreau’s goofy, even rambunctious comedy, as sugar-loving elf Buddy, who flees his North Pole sanctuary (where, at 6’3, he towers over the other elves) in an attempt to bond with his New York-based father (a very bored James Caan). Along the way he meets Jovie (Zooey Deschanel, lovely as ever), a jaded, yet quirky store employee with whom he instantly falls in love. The plot revolves around Buddy’s endeavors to save his dad from Santa’s naughty list, whilst integrating into a new, cynical society – one that frowns upon the good will carried at all times on Buddy’s sprightly shoulders.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Another holiday favorite, Miracle on 34th Street stars the endearing Maureen O’Hara alongside a very young Natalie Wood, and Oscar-winner Edmund Gwenn, who won the award for his charming portrayal of Kris Kringle. The film follows the genial St. Nick and his dealings with Christmas outside the North Pole, where he encounters cynicism and disbelief. As one might expect, Kringle performs inspiring miracles – he installs good faith between feuding store owners (namely the heads of Macy’s and Gimbels), secures a romantic relationship between O’Hara’s feisty event director Doris Walker and her attorney/neighbor Fred Gailey (John Payne), and even has time to endure a court trial in an effort to prove himself the real Santa Clause.