The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Cheer abounds, from delicious baked goods to gifts to festive decorations. Whatever you do, the highlight of the season is relaxing with your favorite Christmas movie. Even the most bitter Grinch tends to warm up as he or she watches the joyous festivities unfold in a holiday movie.

But the definition of a Christmas movie may vary from viewer to viewer, especially if you're a die-hard "Die Hard" fan. But however you define it, Christmas movies are a great way to escape the realities of the world and the stresses of the season. So grab your hot cocoa, put on your cozy socks, and put your feet up. Whether you watch it at home or stream it while waiting for your flight, here are some of the best Christmas movies on Max.

Starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin as his father, and Ian Petrella as his brother Randy, "A Christmas Story" is a movie for all ages. Ralphie wants one special Christmas present: a Red Ryder Range 200-shot BB gun. He tells Santa, his parents, his teachers, and anyone who will listen about it.

Although the film is set in the 1940s, it resonates with audiences of all ages. Perhaps it is because everyone remembers wanting a special gift as a child. But that is not the only focus of the film. The film also highlights family relationships, childhood friendships, and the simple joys of the season. Watching this classic Christmas movie has become a time-honored tradition in countless families.

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There is something irresistible about watching Will Farrell as Buddy, an oversized elf raised by Santa at the North Pole. He expresses the joy of the holiday season with a big smile and over-the-top excitement. Of course, his co-stars, such as Zooey Deschanel as his love interest and James Caan as his father, are all the more powerful because they do not feel the joy of the holiday season.

The movie "Elf" focuses on the moment when Buddy discovers that he is not an elf but just a man. Sadly, he also learns that his father is on the naughty list. So he takes the opportunity to meet his father in New York City to help him get into the Christmas spirit. It's a fun movie that's impossible not to enjoy watching, especially since Farrell gives a childishly silly performance of enjoying the Christmas season.

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One of the best children's books that captures the holiday season is The Polar Express. It is difficult to compare a film to such a magical piece of literature, but it succeeds in providing a similarly magical experience. Like the original, the film focuses on the children's journey to the North Pole. The film expands on the original story to make it an appropriate length, but it contains the same spirit as the original story.

Tom Hanks voices many of the characters, including the conductor and the hero boy. Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter, Nona Gay, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, and many other characters can be heard. The beautiful artistry found in the animation and the spirit of the season in the film make this film one of the best Christmas films on Max.

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If you are looking for more laughs this holiday season, you will love National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald, the father you've seen in numerous National Lampoon films. This time, however, he spends Christmas at home. Unfortunately, however, things turn out to be a big mess, as usual. What the film portrays is that no matter how hard you try, it just doesn't work.

Comical timing and strong performances make this film one of the best Christmas movies you can watch on Max. Beverly D'Angelo reprises her role as Ellen, Clark's wife. Meanwhile, Juliette Lewis plays daughter Audrey and Johnny Galecki plays son Rusty. But what will surely bring a smile to your face, especially if you are familiar with other National Lampoon productions, will be the sudden appearance of Randy Quaid as cousin Eddie Johnson.

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Fans of the original A Christmas Story are bound to love the charming sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas. Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley, returns to his childhood home and accepts the death of his father. His mother asks him to create a magical Christmas for everyone, and Ralphy accepts the challenge.

The film features many of the original cast members, including Zack Ward as Scutt Farkas, Scott Schwartz as Flick, and countless other familiar faces. Unfortunately, actress Melinda Dillon, who played Ralphie's mother in the original film, was unable to appear. However, Julie Haggerty does a wonderful job in her place. This is a worthwhile film that is sure to remain a Christmas favorite for many families who loved the first film.

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