As promised, here’s a list of my 10 favorite Christmas films:

10.  Christmas Story:  I know that many people consider this a modern classic, but I have to admit that I don’t love it.  Screechy children using profanity don’t amuse me.  And Santa’s elves are mean.  Still, it makes the list for its de-sentimentalizing humor.

9. White Christmas: A fun piece of holiday fluff with some great dancing by Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen plus "Count Your Blessings," a personal favorite.  And I covet Rosemary Clooney’s dress in the finale.

8.  Elf: An inaccurate depiction of elf culture (we eat vegetables and don’t put maple syrup on spaghetti.  Most elves know how to make a lovely marinara).  Still, a favorite for the beautifully decorated toy department and for showing that it’s our faith that lets Santa fly.

7. Christmas Carol (Alistair Sim version):  A glorious Christmas story in its most classic incarnation.  It’s only so low because I find the Ghost of Christmas Future scary.

6.  A Muppet Christmas Carol: I know, these should be reversed, but I love this version.  The penguin’s skating party.  One more sleep till Christmas.  Michael Caine.  Muppets.  It always makes me smile.

5. Holiday Inn:  Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.  You can’t beat that combination for singing and dancing. And the first performance of "White Christmas" is just lovely. Don’t you think I should open a Holiday Inn?

4.  It’s a Wonderful Life:  I have to take this one in small doses, but I do love it’s message about what really matters.

3.  The Bishop’s Wife:  Okay, it stars Cary Grant, always a great start. One of the best things about this movie is that it understands that Christmas is about more than presents.  It talks about caring for the poor in an ordered way — not with the occasional spare change — and about the important role that good will and tolerance play in bringing peace.

2.  The Santa Clause:  For my money, the best Christmas movie in more than 50 years.  I love everything about this movie — every single thing.  It explains Santa and the North Pole.  It’s good with elves.  And it’s all about the power of faith.  Seeing isn’t believing.  Believing is seeing.

1.  Miracle on 34th Street (the original): The courtroom scene is one of my favorites in all film. I believe.  I believe.  It’s silly, but I believe.

Do you agree?  Disagree?  Want to lobby for your favorite?  Leave me a comment!