Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving are over and done with, it’s time to get ready for my favorite holiday of the year: Christmas! Outside, the road is lit by strings of fairy lights while the wind carries the faint sound of Christmas carols to your ears. Nights that are bitterly cold are a perfect setting as you sit in your winter robes and fuzzy slippers, a mug of piping hot chocolate under a dollop of whipped cream gripped in your hands. The tree is decorated in lights and baubles, safeguarding the pile of gifts that are to be exchanged soon. You’ve got your Christmas dinner all planned out, so what is there to do as you wait to celebrate one of the jolliest holidays of the year?

Ah, yes. Movies. How could I forget?

Here is my list of ten Christmas movies to watch throughout December (and all year long if you’d like, join my club). Also, take a shot of Caprisun for every time I mention Christmas, but don’t blame me if you get slightly tipsy.

10. The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007)
Not a classic Christmas movie at all, but it is set around Christmas. I watched this film as an eight year old and I loved it. Has got a terrible reputation amongst the book fans for its blatant disregard of the source material, but my nostalgia could care less. Winter aesthetics are on point.

9. Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)
I couldn’t make a Christmas movie list without adding this piece of gold (the child in me would be very disappointed if I didn’t). Admittedly, the visuals are oftentimes funky at this day and age, but who cares when the classical songs fill you with excited joy? This was the film that got me into ballet (no, sadly I’m not a ballerina, but it’s still one of my absolute favorite art forms to watch).

8. Barbie in a Christmas Carol (2008)
Not one, but two Barbie movies in this list? Yes, and I’m proud. It’s your classic tale you’ve probably heard all your life, but in a lighter way so as to not scare the kids. Chuzzlewit the Cat is hilarious and a total mood. Barbie as Scrooge… Who would’ve thought?

7. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Made the list for the snowball fight scene alone (it’s adorable). This film has such a homey charm, it’s definitely one of my favorites. Great visuals and music, sad undertones that end in cheer. What’s not to love about this Disney classic?

6. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Well, that’s a mouthful. Also a classic in my eyes. As soon as Lucy found herself in that winter wonderland, it has stuck with me throughout my childhood. Jadis did a great job decorating her stolen land.

skip to 2:52 for the reaction

5. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The best thing about this movie? You can watch it for Halloween and Christmas and no one will bat an eye. Both holidays are given importance. It’s a fun stylistic movie that older kids are sure to enjoy.

4. Eloise At Christmastime (2003)
A movie based on a book of the same name by Kay Thompson. A six year old girl named Eloise is searching for her Christmas present, but finds that she needs to help her friend reunite with his love. A true classic and nostalgia fills me every time I watch it.

3. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
A group of Folklore characters that call themselves the Guardians protect all children from evil. When the Boogeyman devises a plan to destroy the children’s belief in the Guardians, it is up to a winter sprite named Jack Frost, to save them all. It’s a fun film to watch with your kids, if you’re not cynical.

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The first installment in the Harry Potter movie franchise is filled with magic and wonder. It’s the most lighthearted from the rest in the series, the holiday aesthetics truly make me wish I were celebrating in the Hogwarts castle. I mean, have you seen their feasts and decorations? It’s so extra.

skip to 2:08 for the reaction

1. The Polar Express (2004)
It has become a tradition for me to watch this animated film every single year since it came out. Based on the book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, a boy with his doubts about Santa Claus’ existence decides to get on a train destined for the North Pole, ultimately learning that it’s okay to believe. Tom Hanks is simply wonderful (as usual) in this film and that hot chocolate scene grants me eternal youth.

BONUS! The Great British Baking Show: Holidays Season 3
As a fan of cooking shows in general, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to add this treat to the list. Bon appetit!