I love the Christmas season, and one of my favorite things about this time of year is the stories. So, today, I decided to give you guys a list of some of my favorite Christmas stories (and give myself the opportunity to rave about them).

One thing I will mention is there are a bunch of other “classic” Christmas stories not listed here simply because I haven’t read/watched them yet. But don’t worry… I have a list of Christmas stories I’ve been meaning to see.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

This is hands-down the best Christmas movie ever… change my mind. I have watched it every Christmas of my entire life, and I have no intention of stopping.

One of the reasons I love this movie so much is because of the originality of it. When you sit down to watch a Christmas movie, you don’t expect to see a discontented, “warped, frustrated young man” like George Bailey as the MC. You also don’t expect his guardian angel to be an annoyingly innocent and jolly guy named Clarence. These characters—and many other elements in the movie—mean that you never know what’s going to happen next.

George Bailey is a man with ambition, but one thing after another keeps him trapped in his hometown of Bedford Falls. Though he resents his lot in life, George refuses to give in to the demands of Mr. Potter, and becomes the only one able to stand up to the evil tycoon. However, a turn for the worse causes George to question his place in the town, and it’s up to an angel named Clarence to make him see the truth.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

This movie is also a tradition in our house. Despite the somewhat questionable animation and the less-than skillful voice acting, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang will keep you laughing—and thinking.

At the beginning of the movie, Charlie Brown decides to find the true meaning of Christmas. Through a series of hilarious scenes, Charlie’s well-meaning friends try and fail to help him. Finally, Linus steps forward and gives the answer that Charlie Brown has been looking for. (A little bonus… as Linus is speaking, try to catch the meaningful moment when he drops his security blanket.)

3. The Nativity Movie

I love this movie because it helps bring the Christmas story to life. While it isn’t totally accurate, it’s definitely better than most other Bible movies I’ve seen. The acting is also quite good, and it’s filled with the perfect balance of drama, heart, and a touch of humor. Another thing I like about this movie is its creative music score, featuring many well-known Christmas songs.

Mary, a young Jewish girl living under Roman oppression, receives news from an angel that she has been chosen to bear the Messiah. Scorned by many around her, betrothed to a man she barely knows, and now forced to go on a grueling journey, Mary must rely on her faith to see her through.

4. A White Christmas

I’ve only seen this one a couple of time, but those songs just stay in your head, don’t they? While some think this movie is boring or cheesy, you’ve got to love the characters and their often-hilarious interactions.

Bob and Phil are singing partners who spend much of their time traveling the country and performing their act. But when they meet up with Betty and Judy, a small sister act, Phil decides to get Bob to fall in love so that he can have “forty-five minutes—all to myself”. This decision lands them in a Vermont inn that is about to close down due to lack of business, and the foursome put their heads together to save the inn before Christmas.

5. Christmas for a Dollar

While not anywhere near the top of my favorite movies list, I decided to put this in here because it’s a great Christmas movie for kids. The acting might not be first-rate, but the story is definitely heart-warming.

As Christmas approaches during the Depression, the Kamp family is struggling after Mrs. Kamp’s death. When Mr. Kamp brings home a single dollar to spend on Christmas presents, the children must use their imaginations to create a truly special Christmas… with a little help from some unexpected friends.

If you aren’t in the mood for a movie—or maybe you’re stuck on long car ride during the holidays—here are two audio dramas from Lamplighter Theater that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas:

6. Candle in the Window

While this audio drama starts out slow, you will soon be caught up in this story of a little boy with a wish. It’s not as full of adventure as some of Lamplighter’s other audio dramas, but it definitely has just as much heart.

Tully is an imaginative little boy with just one wish—to make his teacher, Miss Ravenstow, smile. So when Tully discovers the one thing that can make his wish come true, he braves a snowstorm and icy winds to deliver Christmas hope to an unhappy young woman.

7. The Unlikely Wiseman

This audio drama is less than an hour long, but its poetry-like narration and warm characters spin a tale that will leave you with something to think about.

Robert Redfern, a wealthy English businessman, hates Christmas with a vehemence. So when he receives an invitation from his much poorer and happier brother, Robert hatches a plan to disprove the existence of unconditional love. But a generous doctor, a lost little girl, and an unexpected friend show Robert that true happiness is found in forgiveness through Christ.

Comment below what your favorite Christmas story is!