My Ten Personal Favorite Christmas Movies/TV Specials of All Time

With it being December and officially the Christmas season, I thought I'd go over my ten personal favorite Christmas movies or TV Specials.  There are a few things I have to preface this list with, which I'll outline in bullets for organizational purposes:

• These are not what I consider to be the ten best Christmas movies ever.  These are just ten movies (or Christmas specials) that I am very fond of and invoke nostalgia and childhood memories.  These are the ten movies I'd personally pick to watch every Christmas season if I could only choose ten.
• I am allowing sequels as separate entries as some sequels I like while others I don't.  
• These are ranked in order of how much I personally like them, not by how good of a movie I think they are.
• A few of these aren't your typical "theatrical release" style films, and more so TV specials or TV movies.  To me, they're close enough to be considered a movie or film.

With that said, here are my personal 10 favorite Christmas movies, ranked:

10. 'Twas the Night
This is a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), but it's still a movie about Christmas.  Basically, an Uncle who's always getting into trouble (portrayed brilliantly by Bryan Cranston) has to watch over his niece and nephews on Christmas night while his brother and sister-in-law (their parents) have to work.  They accidentally knock out Santa and decide to deliver toys for him.  I won't get into it anymore, but it's a good family Christmas movie with a good message.  You have to suspend disbelief during this film for some parts, and the technology in it has NOT aged well.  But if you can get past those few things, it's really quite enjoyable.

9. Elf
Everyone else loves it, and yes, I have a certain fondness for it as well.  It came out in 2003, and I didn't see it until several years after it came out.  It might've been close to a decade later.  It has rewatchability and it's one of the few roles I enjoy Will Ferrell in, so there's that.  Perhaps I'll have this higher on my list as the years go on, but for now it's only #9 because I haven't seen it quite enough.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 TV special)
Don't get me wrong, I like the Jim Carrey version and the 2018 "The Grinch" film isn't bad, but this is the one that makes me feel all nostalgic.  That classic animation style is just timeless, and I absolutely love the "You're the Mean One, Mr. Grinch" song performed admirably by the legendary Thurl Ravenscroft.  This just never gets old.  

7. Frosty the Snowman
This is one I watched as a small child and have seen it sporadically throughout the years.  It always pulls at my heartstrings.  The Frosty the Snowman song alone is enough to make me emotional.  I also love the animation style and the voice acting is just classic.  I have this on DVD so I can watch it anytime I want during the Christmas season, even if I can't find it on TV/streaming.  

6. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
This is the one Christmas movie sequel that worked.  The Santa Clause 2 wasn't bad, but it still fell a bit short for me.  But this one ups the stakes, changes the setting, and recreates the magic of the first.  In some ways, I almost enjoy it more than the first one, but the first one is such a classic.  It's too bad all the rest of the "Home Alone's" were not even close to the first two.

5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Another timeless classic is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  It's another TV special, but at 52 minutes it almost feels like a film.  My favorite thing about this is its songs.  From "Silver and Gold" to "We are Santa's Elves" to "The Most Wonderful Day of the Year", there's a song in here for everybody.  As a kid, I related to Rudolph, in being picked on for something you were born with and couldn't control (for me, it was my lack of height).  I will never stop loving this TV special.

4. Jingle All the Way
The crazy thing is, I almost want to rank this higher.  I've seen it at least a dozen times.  I love Arnie in it.  It's such a simple premise: A father trying to make something up to his son, goes on a hunt to find him a Christmas gift that's nearly impossible to find.  I love all the hijinks and to me, it's entertaining from start to finish.  Yes, a lot of it is a bit cringy and doesn't make logical sense, but you have to suspend belief when watching this.  

3. Home Alone
Of course, it had to be here if Home Alone 2 was here.  And the first just always slaps, as the kids say these days.  I kind of wanted the same thing to happen to me as a kid--be able to eat as much junk as I wanted, stay up as late as I wanted, watch whatever I wanted.  How Kevin learns about and later deals with the burglars is always my favorite part.  And it includes some great Christmas songs from "Walking Around the Christmas Tree" to "Run Run Rudolph".  

2. The Santa Clause
Similar to 'Twas the Night", Santa becomes incapacitated, and the family whose home where this happens has to take over his route.  This one, however, does it a bit better, with Tim Allen assuming the title of Santa Claus because of "The Santa Clause".  As a kid, this movie made me believe Santa Claus was spelled with an "E" at the end.  I've never been the biggest fan of the custody battle between Scott and his ex-wife for Charlie, but it does add another layer to the plot.  Nevertheless, I absolutely love this movie, and I have very fond memories of watching this on ABC with my family shortly after it came out.

1. A Christmas Story
It had to be, right?  And the weirdest thing is that I didn't see this until near adulthood.  I think I only watched it because I was told I resembled the kid (Ralphie) from the movie.  And boy, I'm glad I did.  It's the perfect Christmas movie.  Anyone who's ever wanted that super special Christmas gift can relate to Ralphie's quest for the Red Ryder BB gun.  I sure look forward to watching this each Christmas season.

Survivor Appreciation Post

Without a doubt, my favorite reality TV show of all time is Survivor.  It's currently on it's 40th season right now, going 20 years strong.  I have watched every single episode since season 2.  I didn't watch the first season live, as I was a bit too young and I didn't know if it was going to be worth watching.  I am currently in the middle of re-watching every season on Hulu.  Thank God Hulu put all of the seasons on Survivor (up until season 34 or so).  Oddly enough, in the earlier seasons, some of the episodes are not on Hulu, due to the contestants singing a song that is copyrighted or trademarked.  Eventually, CBS learned not to show contestants singing those kinds of songs.

Survivor is not only my favorite reality TV show ever, it is one of my favorite TV shows ever, period.  There is not one other show I've watched consistently for the past 20 years.  It's been a part of my adolescent and now adult life.  Every September and February, a new season has aired since 2000.  I may not watch every episode live (due to conflicts with other shows, being busy with work or social plans, etc.), but I at least watch them eventually.

I think there are three reasons why Survivor has stood the test of time.  One, it's always been about people and all the social games and politics.  And those people have generally been interesting characters, ones we either grow attached to or despise.  Two, it's not stayed the same game all the time, and has slowly evolved over the seasons to keep things interesting, new, and fresh.  And three, the show's amazing host, Jeff Probst.  Jeff's enthusiasm for the show and his ability to get the perfect responses out of people at Tribal Council make this show worth watching.  If CBS had picked the wrong host way back in 2000, there's no way it would still be on.

The one problem Survivor is starting to face is making the show too confusing and complex.  It's easy for the average person to keep track of Immunity Idols, but to ask the majority of people to keep track of other advantages (Steal a vote, block a vote, Idol nullifiers) as well is just asking too much.  To top if off, they have introduced a currency of "Fire Tokens" in their 40th season.  What they almost need is a segment where they show everyone's advantages and running fire tokens total.  Thanks to a fan suggestion on Twitter, a few seasons ago they started putting what advantages each player has underneath their name.  But that's only a modest amount of help.

I have thought about applying for Survivor, and technically I have.  About a decade ago, Survivor allowed people to submit three minute videos of just themselves.  That's all they had to do to apply.  I made a video and submitted it, but never got a response.  It's still on YouTube, and you can watch it here and cringe along with me.  I think I'm better suited for the game now, having studied all the players and watching the show twice now.  Once I get in better shape, I think I will seriously apply for the show and hope for the best.

So when will Survivor end?  My guess is around the 50th season or so.  If Probst decides to retire or stop doing the show, can Survivor even go on?  I don't think I'd watch it with a new host.  It certainly wouldn't be the same show without him.  Let's hope Jeff continues to want to do the show until it can't go on anymore.  But the one thing I'm afraid of is that the show becomes so convoluted with advantages and idols that it is no longer recognizable as the game it was twenty years ago.  It's starting to get that way, but what the show needs to do is go back to its roots.  Perhaps for one season they could do no advantages, except for perhaps one hidden immunity idol, and focus more on the survival aspect, just to see how well that season does with the fans.  I bet it would be received even better.

My Top 15 TV Shows Ever

I love TV.  TV is one of my top forms of entertainment.  You can watch it while eating, watch it before going to bed, have it on while you get stuff done around the house, etc.  So naturally, I have a lot of shows that I've watched that I'd like to share my thoughts on.  If they're BOLD then I've seen every episode.  Here we go, my top 15 TV shows ever! (In alphabetical order)

That 70s Show - This show jumpstarted so many careers: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, even Topher Grace.   There aren't many teen sitcoms, if any, that are as relatable and funny as this one.  

Breaking Bad - Oh, man.  There has never been a show that's made me go "Oh damn!" or "Oh shit!" as much as this one.  Never has a show made my heart pound harder or my jaw drop further.  Breaking Bad is known by those who've seen it as one of the best TV shows... period... and for good reason.

Californication - I don't know what it is exactly about this show.  Maybe it's David Duchovny's acting as the lead character Hank Moody.  Maybe it's the tremendous writing or drama they build.  Whatever it is this show is able to keep me hooked once I start watching it.  I don't think this show gets enough praise for what it's done.  Anyone who is a fan of Duchovny, likes writing, or enjoys dark dramadies should enjoy this.

Dexter - This is definitely in my top 5.  Dexter is well-written (until the last few episodes...grr...), well-acted, and in my opinion, the most suspenseful and thrilling show I've seen.  Michael C. Hall was born for Dexter, and the role written for him.  If you love crime, thrillers, how the minds of serial killers work, or even cop-type shows you'll like Dexter.

Family Guy - I haven't seen every episode because it is still on the air, but Family Guy is the funniest cartoon I think I'll ever watch.  I've never liked the Simpsons, but Family Guy certainly hits my funny bone.  Seth McFarlane and the FG writers always know exactly where to draw the line, because they keep pushing the boundaries of dark comedy.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Friends may forever be my favorite sitcom.  I own all 10 seasons and have seen each episode at least 5 times.  Sure, there are plot holes and instances that make you cringe, but the things I learned about love and friendship from this show are more than any one person could have taught me.

Game of Thrones - I just recently got into GoT, and I got to say I'm hooked.  I'm not typically into fantasy type TV shows, but this show is so well-written and acted that I'm entertained by every episode.  They are only making 2 more seasons, but sometimes it's best not to draw shows out.  Plus, apparently there will be some spin-off series set in the same universe.

Heroes - Very strong first few seasons, then died off at the end.  Such a shame.  But if you like superhero... ANYTHING... then you have to watch at least the first two seasons of Heroes. A lot of plot holes and inconsistencies, but the first few seasons you really care for the characters and the episodes were very well-written.  I've never finished this show because the episodes went so off the rails the last few seasons.

How I Met Your Mother - This might be the most well-written comedy along with The Big Bang Theory.  A man tells the story to his kids of how he met their mother, but it's way more than that.  It's about all the twists and turns Ted and his friends Barney, Lily, Marshall, and Robin's lives take.  In a lot of ways, this became the Barney Stinson show, but that's only because of the stellar writing and acting for his character.  A lot of people criticize the way it concluded, but I feel that fans would have not been 100% happy with any conclusion.

LOST - Great acting, writing (the first few seasons) and great characters.  So a group of people survive a plane crash on a deserted island in the Pacific, but how and why they got there, and what this island is about is enough to take up all six seasons.  I feel like the show lost its sense of realism in the last 2 seasons or so, going from drama/action to science fiction.  Like Heroes and Dexter, don't look for a satisfying conclusion here.

The Office - I almost advise against watching this show because it kind of makes you want to go work for a paper company.  Such well-written characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight, and who could forget Michael Scott?).  Some of my hardest and longest laughs have come from something I saw on this show.  However, I have to agree with the majority that the show just wasn't the same when Steve Carell left.

Parks and Recreation - Like the Office, it is filmed like a documentary.  Some may say it is a rip-off of The Office, but it's actually a partial spin-off.  Apparently there was a plan to connect the two shows together, but that idea was scrapped.  The writing for this show is great, and the characters were LITERALLY written for the actors (See what I did there?  P&R fans will get it).

Star Wars the Clone Wars - Yes, a Star Wars TV show.  How could I not?  But what the writers are able to fit into 22, 23 minutes is incredible.  The voice acting is really good as well.  If only the prequel films could have had the same attention to detail as this show did.

Twin Peaks - Only two seasons made, but what a classic.  I love it when any show or movie is set in the beautiful PNW.  The show does stray into the sci-fi/fantasy genre a bit, which I wasn't a huge fan of.  However, Kyle MacLachlan's acting is superb.

The Walking Dead - I could argue that this may be the most binge-watched show in TV history and I probably wouldn't too many opposing me.  Who knew they could make a show about the zombie apocalypse so compelling?  While it is based off of the comic of the same name it doesn't always follow it, leaving for some mystery as to what will happen, such as who did Negan really kill?  But the characters we've followed since season 1 like Rick, Carol, Daryl, and Glen always make us cheer for them when they take out "walkers".

Top 10 Favorite TV Characters of All Time

I just got to thinking recently.  I've made my Top TV shows ever, but what about my favorite TV characters?  Most shows I've seen have 1 or 2 characters that really stand out and are well-written, but I'm only going with one per show (and no animated shows... sorry).  Of course, a lot of credit has to go to the wonderful actors who portrayed them.  Here are my Top 10 Favorite TV show characters (That I've seen).  And for fun, I will include my favorite moment from that character, as well as a video clip of that moment.

10. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Parks and Recreation
I had to include at least one female character on this list, and it's Leslie from Parks and Rec.  I actually used to find Amy Poehler really annoying, but now after having watched Parks and Rec, I can say she is really fun to watch.  Her character is an inspiration to those at long odds, but with a lot of ambition. 
Favorite moment: Leslie and Ben's first kiss

 
9. Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), The Office
I'm not a huge fan of Michael Scott or Dwight Schrute on The Office, but they are good characters.  To me though, no one can top John Krasinski as Jim Halpert.  He was so good with the dramatic scenes with him and Pam (Jenna Fischer), and he is especially good at the deadpan stares at the camera.  My favorite moments of his though are the numerous pranks he pulls on Dwight. 
Favorite moment: When he dresses up and acts like Dwight to annoy him

8. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon is without a doubt the star of The Big Bang Theory.  He's a part of every funny moment on the show it seems like.  His obsessive-compulsiveness, his intellectual prowess, just everything make him such a unique character. Jim Parsons has won multiple Emmy's for this role, and for good reason.
Favorite moment: "Bazinga!" (In the ball pit)

7. Hank Moody (David Duchovny), Californication
David Duchovny clearly found his best role as Hank Moody.  What I love about Hank is his quick wit, especially with the ladies.  He might not always make the right choices, but he always has the right intentions and he's clearly a good guy deep down.  He makes picking up chicks look effortless. 
Favorite moment: "Boooooo ya!  The baby's black, Karen, the baby's black!"

6. Darryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), The Walking Dead
Darryl is many people's favorite character on TWD and he's mine too.  Rick is a close 2nd, but he often makes choices and decisions I don't agree with.  Darryl is just a badass who will occasionally show his soft side.  For these reasons, Darryl cannot be killed off.  Many fans would protest and probably petition to have him brought back (somehow).  Darryl might put up a tough front, but he's got a soft side deep down. 
Favorite moment: Reacting to his brother becoming a walker

5. Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Friends
Friends is an ensemble cast, and while they all did really good jobs, no one stood out to me more than Matthew Perry as Chandler.  Most people would agree Chandler is the funniest of the six, and I'm one of them.  What also helps is that he's a very relatable character, dealing with not finding the perfect job to family issues to finding the girl of his dreams. 
Favorite moment: The back and forth game with Phoebe, then telling Monica he loves her in TOW Everyone Finds Out

4. John Locke (Terry O'Quinn), LOST
There aren't many characters on TV that go through the trials and tribulations that John Locke goes through in his life.  From all the flashbacks and the portrayal of The Smoke Monster/Man in Black as him, he was definitely one of the highlights of the show every week.  I really wish he hadn't died, but perhaps he had to in order for him to finally have some peace.
Favorite moment: Admitting he was wrong about not pushing the button in the hatch

3. Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), How I Met Your Mother
Sure, the show centers around Ted (Josh Radnor) and how he met his kids' mother, but the star is obviously Barney Stinson.  NPH is so good at portraying the womanizing Barney that a couple seasons in the writers just gave up and ended up giving him more screen time than any other character, even Ted.  Not many (if any) TV characters have made me laugh more.
Favorite moment: Going on The Price is Right (best video I could find)

2. Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), Dexter
No one could have portrayed Dexter quite like Michael C. Hall.  Dexter wasn't that complex of a character, which is why he's not #1, but I certainly understood why he was the way he was.  Basically, Dexter was a badass and should have gone out in a bad ass way.  His character certainly made some questionable decisions near the end.
Favorite moment: Mocking a victim of his by yelling "F**********k!"

1. Walter White (Bryan Cranston), Breaking Bad
I think the role of Walter White should go down as the one of the best TV show characters... EVER... from any time period.  Basically, he is a good guy gone bad, but you still feel for him because of his good intentions.  Towards the end, he does pretty much go all the way dark side, but he redeems himself in pretty much the coolest way possible.  Hard to top that. 
Favorite moment: "Say my name." "You're Heisenberg" "You're goddamn right"