Sure, movies like “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Love Actually,” and “A Christmas Story” are fun when you want a holiday fix, but we’ve all seen those movies a zillion times!  Here is my list of movies that aren’t by definition holiday films, but give good holiday cheer nonetheless.  Unsurprisingly, a lot of them feature singing!

5. Father of the Bride (1991) - Though this movie really makes no mention of Christmas, it’s got a very holiday feel to it!  Maybe it’s the father-daughter basketball in the snow scene, but I get a distinct feeling of holiday happiness whenever I watch this film!

4. Beaches (1988) - While this movie is an admitted tear jerker (some might even call it depressing), it has a fantastic holiday scene! The two impoverished roommates in their little apartment sing “Adeste Fideles” with only the light of the Christmas tree. So sweet!

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989) - The New Years Eve scene at the end of this movie is awesome. What a build up and what a fantastic end to a movie! It makes me so happy every time I watch it.

2. Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) - This Judy Garland musical ends with the holidays, and includes Judy Garland singing a gorgeous “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” to her little sister while it snows.  The music in this film is really spectacular, and Garland has never looked better!

1.  Little Women (1994) - This movie is COZY. It has a few Christmas scenes, including one that will leave no dry eye in the house, thanks to Claire Danes. Such a perfect snuggle-up-on-the-couch-with-hot-cocoa movie!