Songs, snow and sweet endings – what would Christmas be without a good Yuletide movie?

2. It’s a Wonderful Life

Like eating Christmas pudding and going to church, watching It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those things you do at Christmas because it’s tradition, not necessarily because you like it. But really, how can you not like it?

Loveable all-American George Bailey (James Stewart) is shown the world as it would be without him and triumphs over evil banker Mr. Potter (no ‘Occupy Bedford Falls’ here). It’s one of those films that portrays a by-gone America that probably never existed in the first place, but you wish did.

With a supremely uplifting ending it’s guaranteed to make you feel good about your fellow man, even if you have just spent three hours battling them in a crowded shopping centre.

1. The Muppets’ Christmas Carol

There are umpteen versions of A Christmas Carol, and everyone has their favourite, but the Muppets version stands out for managing to make Dickens’ much-plundered public domain classic feel fresh, funny, and entertaining while still staying true to the tale. And for having Muppets in it of course.

There’s great faux-Dickensian attention to detail, some inspired Muppet casting (especially Gonzo as Charles Dickens and Waldorf & Statler as the Marley Bros.), and songs so catchy you’ll still be singing them in February.

Michael Caine says Scrooge his favourite roll to date. Never mind that he can’t sing, and the closest he gets to dancing is moving his arms up and down like a Texan oil rig, in his own inimitable way he’s a superb Ebenezer.

What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Let us know below…