Christmastime is here, and now that everybody is home for Christmas, we have tons of downtime. What should you do this holiday season to pass the time? Watch a Christmas movie. Whether you are quarantined with your family, friends, or on your own, here are some movies to bring you joy this season.

• The Nightmare Before Christmas

Before you say this is a Halloween movie, the holiday in danger is Christmas, and the holiday saved is Christmas. Plus, Santa Claus is in it, automatically making it a Christmas movie. I said what I said. Tim Burton’s classic characters, fun songs, and a touch of romance make this one of the best Christmas movies. This movie has a cult following for a reason, so must be added to your list.

• The Polar Express

This film is one of those movies that I can always revisit. Something about a train and some hot cocoa emits a holiday ambiance you can’t get enough of. It’s a highly underrated Christmas classic, and its values of friendship and bravery never age.

• Love Actually

If you like romance movies, you’ve probably seen this film before. This is your sign to watch it again. This movie will never get old. Eight different Christmas romance stories: what more could you want? This movie is the refined version of all those Hallmark movies you secretly binge. “Refined” is a strong word. The word we are looking for is socially acceptable.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This movie needed to be on this list. As to which version you should watch, I’ll leave that to you. You know a movie is good when any version of it is applicable. I prefer the original animated version, but the Jim Carrey version is respectable, and quite frankly, hilarious. 

• Elf

This movie should be watched year-round. This film has it all. It’s got humor, action, love, elves, Santa, New York, and most importantly, Zooey Deschanel. There’s nothing more to say. If you haven’t seen this movie before, you are missing out. Not only are you missing out, but you also have never truly experienced Christmas.

• Home Alone

You knew it would be on this list. This film is somehow even more fitting this year. If you are home alone this Christmas, make sure you watch this one. This movie has all the “feel good” qualities, and if you pay close attention, it teaches you a bit about self-defense.