Christmas is quickly approaching, and with all the movies out there, it can be hard to decide what to watch.

There are many things to consider when trying to choose a movie.

Do you want a good, family movie? Or do you want something a little more sophisticated and perhaps sad?

There are five movies that I feel touch on at least one of the aspects of what Christmas is about.

The first movie I suggest is “The Santa Clause” (1994). This movie tells the story of an average man who becomes Santa Claus.

This may sound sort of silly, but the movie actually touches on some deep topics.

The man, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), is divorced, and has an estranged relationship with his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Throughout the course of a year, Calvin tries to piece his life together and discovers the true meaning of Christmas and family in the process. The movie will leave you with a warm, satisfied feeling.

The next movie is a feel-good comedy called “Elf” (2003).

This movie is about Buddy the elf (Will Ferrell), who believed that he was an elf for his entire life. But when he discovers that he is actually a human, adopted and raised in the North Pole, he goes to New York in search of his father (James Caan).

Elf is full of humor, and it teaches you that you should not judge a book by its cover.  The movie will bring out your inner child and make you laugh throughout the story.

The third movie I recommend is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000).

The movie is based on the children’s book by Dr. Seuss and centers on the citizens of Whoville and their preparations for Christmas. The movie focuses on Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) and the Grinch (Jim Carrey).

For the past few decades, the Grinch has lived on a mountain just outside the town, hating Christmas and the citizens of Whoville. However, Cindy tries to reintegrate the Grinch into Whoville and spread Christmas spirit. There is humor, depth, and love in this film directed by Ron Howard.

The fourth movie is a personal favorite from my childhood and remains one of my all-time favorites.

“Home Alone” (1990) tells the story of an 8-year-old boy who is left alone on Christmas by his family in their rush to get to the airport.

While he is by himself, he runs into two thieves and begins to terrorize them as they try to break into his house and steal from his family. The theme of this story is that Christmas is about family and that you should not take them for granted.

The fifth and final movie is Disney’s animated film, “A Christmas Carol” (2009).

If animated movies are not your favorite, then you can watch the original film from 1951 or one of the other remakes. I personally like this adaption of the famous book by Charles Dickens because there is more humor and it is more current.

The movie tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey), a man who hates Christmas and has turned into a bitter old man.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (all played by Jim Carrey). These spirits are sent to him to try and make him change his ways. Within this movie, there is humor, darkness, and an important lesson: everyone is capable of kindness and everyone deserves to get it.

I feel that these five movies will warm your hearts during the Christmas season and will get you into the Christmas spirit.