Baker's Dozen

Twelve days of my favorite Christmas movies (in no particular order) plus one which I just kind of think is funny:

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): In which Jack Skellington learns the true meaning of Christmas Halloween Christmas(?). Is it for Christmas? Is it for Halloween? Nobody knows but the Oogie Boogie Man has a song and dance number!
   
2. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): In which Michael Caine learns the joy of acting with inanimate objects. My most favoritist version of A Christmas Carol that I watch every year without fail. Minus that one song about the love being gone... No dice, Mr. Goodman.
   
3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): In which Robert Downey Jr learns the benefits of a botched robbery. Even if it's not about Christmas spirit, this noir-influenced comedy set during the holiday season makes me all warm and fuzzy inside anyway. Nothing like watching RDJ and Val Kilmer banter about the proper use of bad and badly to put you in a holiday mood!
   
4. Joyeux Noel (2005): In which the German, French, and Scottish armies learn the joy of soccer. Based on a true story, the armies call a truce on Christmas Eve to bury their dead, have a prayer service, and play a game of soccer before continuing the war. A truly moving film that perfectly embodies Christmas without beating you over the head with a stick.
   
5. Brazil (1985): In which the audience learns the meaning of weird. Terry Gilliam’s masterwork tells the futuristic holiday tale of materialism and bureaucracy gone horribly wrong. Upon first viewing, you’ll probably wonder what the hell just happened, but that just means you should watch it again!
   
6. A Santa Clause (1994): In which Tim Allen learns the inner workings of the North Pole. I don’t care what anyone says, I liked it then and I like it now. No other movie has made hot chocolate look quite so good or David Krumholtz so cute. But I do believe that I’ll pass on the sequels.
   
7. Edward Scissorhands (1990): In which Johnny Depp and Tim Burton learn the joy of each other. Everyone knows the tale of tragic Edward Scissorhands and though it may be a bit of a downer, I bet after watching it you’ll want to invite that weird guy who always muttering to himself and can never figure out the printer over for Christmas dinner. Huh, huh? Well, then maybe just just try saying hi to him? Every other Friday?
   
8. It's a Wonderful Life (1946): In which Jimmy Stewart learns to never trust handicapped people. An all-time Christmas (and Frank Capra) favorite. No one's year is complete without hearing, "Every time a bell rings, an angel get it's wings," at least once.
   
9. The Shop Around the Corner (1940): In which Jimmy Stewart learns the joys of having a pen pal. Also starring Stewart, this Christmas movie is much more about stubbornness and love than Santa but it's still a winter charmer!
   
10. Tokyo Godfathers (2003): In which Americans learn that Japan celebrates Christmas. The story of three homeless social misfits who find a baby on Christmas Eve, it's an unusual but brilliant Christmas anime.
    
11. Die Hard (1988): In which John McClane learns that people with German accents are evil (and probably terrorists). Bruce Willis kicks ass when the company Christmas party is attacked by evil TERRORISTS (played by the lovable Alan Rickman). Who could ask for anything more?
    
12. Love Actually (2003): In which Hugh Grant learns that the only thing easier than being a CEO is being the British Prime Minister. This tells the story of several couples finding love at Christmas, when life is wonderful and little children dress up as lobsters and sing Mariah Carey covers. My favorite is Billy Mack! ...this also has Alan Rickman...
    

PLUS:

1. Eyes Wide Shut (1999): In which Stanley Kubrick spits in the face of everyone who likes Christmas. Here is a film that is long, explicit, and depressing and has nothing to do with the holiday season other than to mock the human sentiment that goes along with it. Here's to you, Stan!

Post your Christmas Favorites! I know someone's just dying to say Elf.