Make a bowl of eggnog and hit play:

“Gremlins was the first movie I ever saw in a theatre – the Garrick theatre in Bonavista – and by ‘see’ I mean I had to be carried away because I was crying and screaming in fear. But, I have a bit of a soft spot for this one. I love adventure movies, especially ones that have a hint of darkness. A Christmas Story and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (1966) are obvious choices, but I watch them every year. The Grinch melts my heart and A Christmas Story is so full of classic, l-o-l moments for me, I can’t resist.” -Allison White

“Not your typical Christmas fare, A Christmas Tale stars Catherine Deneuve as the matriarch of an intellectual French family who’s dying of liver cancer. The family descends on the family home at Christmas time to decide who is going to donate the bone marrow that may save her. Like most families, this one has its share of problems and Christmas always seems an appropriate time for squabbles, petty jealousies, and moments of tenderness to emerge. Arnaud Desplechin (King and Queens, My Golden Days) directs this gem with his usual empathetic eye.” - Chris Darlington

“My pick is Jason Eisener’s Treevenge. It’s only sixteen minutes long, but it makes an impact. I saw it at the Nickel Festival in 2009 and shared it with friends ever since. A film that asks: What if Christmas trees had feelings? And what if those feelings included bloodlust?” - Andrea Dunne

“Call me cynical, but there’s no better movie to end a day of turkey coma and drunk, annoying relatives than The Ref. Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis are an unhappily married couple whose holiday bickering is interrupted by failed burglar Denis Leary. Things only get worse when the in-laws and a drunk, depressed Santa show up. Hilarity ensues, mostly in the form of a rogue’s gallery of great character actors yelling at each other. “I’ve never heard of such a Christmas! Sex! And drugs! And women being set on fire!” That sounds about right to me.” - Ed Tanasychuk

“I love The Muppet Christmas Carol. I watched it as a boy in the movie theatre. It’s a holiday must see for me each year. Michael Caine plus Muppets! You can’t go wrong. I also really like the soundtrack.” - Brian Woodford

“Bad Santa is my favourite Christmas movie. I once mentioned this to an older gentleman and fellow board of directors member. He glowered, mumbled something about indecency, and never made eye contact with me again. The film is definitely a little risqué. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie, a mall Santa/thief/degenerate drunk who becomes entangled with a strange yet endearing little boy named Thurman Murman. The film is not for children or my old board of directors buddy. It is, however, for my Dad, whose laughter rings through the house every Christmas Eve as my family watches Bad Santa together.” - Emily Bridger