They are everywhere…the Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, Netflix and others.  Christmas movie season is in full swing and so is the debate about the best ones…actually it’s not a debate that can be won because it’s just a matter of opinion.  With that said here are my ten favorites in no particular order and for now let’s keep Die Hard off the list.

Love Actually- I admit to being a sap for movies like this which is more like an R rated Hallmark movie starring Hugh Grant and a bunch of English actors. It’s funny, upbeat, and cheeky and yes it might be my favorite.

Elf-Maybe Will Ferrell’s best role ever as “Buddy the Elf.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation- Might be hard to compare with some of the classics but we can all relate to poor Clark Griswold.

Home Alone- No holiday season is complete without watching this one from start to finish…it’s also when Macaulay Culkin was cute.

Miracle on 34th Street-The 1947 original of course starring Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle and featuring 8-year old Natalie Wood.

The Family Stone- Great cast and more which should resonate with anyone part of a family that is tough on outsiders.  Both funny and sad.

White Christmas- Bing Crosby and Danny Kay star in this 1954 musical set in Vermont.

It’s A Wonderful Life- Many consider this THE holiday classic of all-time starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey 

A Christmas Story-It was 42 years ago that Ralphie first sought the Red Rider BB gun…still a holiday favorite.

The Holiday- If you have not seen this one and you like romantic comedies then give it a shot…Kate Winslet & Cameron Diaz head up an amazing cast.

New Jersey's 10 best holiday cookies

Here's a little history lesson before you bake your favorite cookies!

Gallery Credit: Jill Croce