CHRISTMAS is the perfect time to kick back, relax, spend time with loved ones and of course, enjoy reruns of old Christmas movies that never fail to bring a smile to our faces. Old or young, there are Christmas movies for everyone; from black and white to recent blockbusters. The one theme that ties them together is simply the magic of Christmas — the spirit of forgiveness and peace that brings us closer together. Here are live it!s top five Christmas movies from the past that’s sure to bring back memories.

Home Alone (1990)
Who can forget how adorable Macaulay Culkin looked like as a little kid? With his rebellious attitude and cheeky smile, little “Kevin” stole the hearts of millions around the world with his ingenious solutions to deter two thieves from breaking into his family’s home while they were away on vacation. By the end of Home Alone, even the two villains, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) had won the hearts of audiences with their hilarious antics.

Love Actually (2003)
In this British comedy Christmas film, we follow an array of characters (played by an all-star cast) throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas — a cheating husband, a single parent raising his teenage son, a love triangle between friends, an ageing rock and roll legend and several others make Love Actually one of the most memorable, colourful Christmas movies in recent decades.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
While most of us wouldn’t have been alive when this movie first hit the big screen, it has become traditional for Americans to watch It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, we follow him as he is “saved” from committing suicide by his guardian angel who shows him how he would not have touched the lives of those around him had he never been born.

A Christmas Story (1983)
Based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story is a combination of various subplots that make up a whole. Set in 1940, nine-year-old Ralphie Parker is the main character of this comedy.  The story revolves around his dream Christmas gift: a model air rifle with a compass in the stock. 

The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express is the first  all-digital capture film to use cutting-age technology that employed real actors “blended” with technology. The movie itself sports elements of fantasy mixed with reality, and Tom Hanks’ portrayal of various lead characters is memorable. At the end, the audience is left to ponder about the reality of magic, and what we truly believe. 

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on December 22, 2014.