One of the many gifts of the season is viewing our favorite holiday films and specials. They range from timeless classics to animated television specials. Each one represents a particular memory or touches our heart and/or our funny bone.
In no particular order, here are a few suggestions for you to enjoy this season.


The Bells Of St. Marys (1945) Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby star with Henry Travers in this vintage film.

Desk Set (1957)stars Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Gig Young.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Henry Travers portrays Clarence the Angel in search of his wings. Ward Bond and Frank Faylen play Bert and Ernie. Lillian Randolph was Annie. To learn more about the characters from Bedford Falls, watch this classic.

White Christmas ( 1954) stars Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye,Vera Ellen, Dean Jagger and Mary Wickes. Crosby and Kaye are Bob Wallace and Phil Davis,old WWII buddies in show business who stumble upon Clooney and Ellen (a sister song and dance act) and also stumble upon their former General (Jagger) and....well watch the movie.....

The Bishop's Wife (1947) stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) features Michael Caine, Kermit, Rizzo the Rat and many Muppets.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) stars Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara,Edmund Gwenn and John Payne.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) features Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien and Mary Astor in this classic directed by Vincente Minelli.

Holiday Inn (1942) stars Bing Crosby,Fred Astaire,Marjorie Reynolds.

ELF (2003) stars Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Daniel Tay.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) features Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold in this modern classic directed by John Hughes. Also featured are Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki,Doris Roberts,Diane Ladd, E.G.Marshall,John Randolph and Randy Quaid.

Home Alone (1990) introduces Macaulay Culkin to the role of Kevin McCallister in this fine John Hughes classic. Catherine O'Hara,Joe Pesci,Daniel Stern, John Candy and John Heard are also featured.

Scrooged (1988) stars Bill Murray being haunted by three holiday spirits in this Christmas Carol interpretation. You will find Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Carol Kane, Alfre Woodard, Robert Mitchum. Robert Goulet, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jamie Farr,David Johansen, John Houseman and Mary Lou Retton in this film.

Christmas In Connecticut (1945) stars Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sidney Greenstreet.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) stars Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Schroeder,Lucy,Sally,Pig-Pen,Patty and Shermy.

Any Andy Williams, Perry Como,Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin Christmas television special will bring back great memories for me and will be great fun for you to watch. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964), Frosty The Snowman (1969)and The Little Drummer Boy (1968)are also cherished specials.

There are plenty more favorites of mine and I am sure you have your favorites too. The important thing is to take time to watch them and remember. Start your traditions now. It is never too late. Happy holidays. happy viewing. Could someone get the lights?