While everyone loves a good entertaining and sentimental film, the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy these classic favorites. Grab a yuletide grog, gather the family and spend your holiday with Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Natalie Wood, Danny Kaye, Margaret O'Brien and Barbara Stanwyck.

 1) It's A Wonderful Life - (1946)

One of America's most loved movies anytime of the year, this film is certainly a Christmas classic. Frank Capra's masterful direction and Jimmy Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey is some of the best work in films. George is a desperate small-town family man considering committing suicide on Christmas Eve (his decision isn't that apparent to kids). When he gets a heavenly visit from an angel (Henry Travers) he discovers the real meaning of Christmas. What a shame this film didn't win any Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated).

2) Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

Anyone who saw this film as a child has never forgot the wonderful story of a man (Edmund Gwynne) who claims to be Kris Kringle. Maureen O'Hara is a Macy's employee who feels for the man, but never lies to own daughter (Natalie Wood). The charming girl falls for the old man and everything that believing brings along. There are several versions of this film but none top the 1947 version.

3) White Christmas (1954)

It might be somewhat unadventurous, but then classics were mostly that - entertainment of a gentler kind. Filled with Irving Berlin tunes such as "Blue Skies" and "White Christmas," Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as two war buddies who start a song and dance routine. They set out on the road - along with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) and find an amazing challenge at one Vermont hot spot. Fun and genuine.

4) The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven star in this heartfelt tale about a workaholic Bishop who loses sight of his family and of why he became a clergyman in the first place. Then Dudley (Grant), a mysterious angel, enters the scene and jealousy and reality twine their way through a delightful story with a Christmas theme.

5) A Christmas Carol (AKA Scrooge) (1951)

Alastair Sim was said to have played the perfect Ebenezer Scrooge in the Dickens' classic adaptation about a miser who doesn't believe in Christmas until three ghosts come to take him on three voyages. Vivid with what life was like in 19th-century London, the terrific performances of the cast, including Kathleen Harrison as Mrs. Dilber, make the story come to life. This version of A Christmas Carol is the one to see.

6) Christmas In Connecticut (1945)

Barbara Stanwyck (Elizabeth) sparkles as a prominent food writer and self-described hard working farm woman, mother and excellent cook. In truth she's only trying to impress her boss, and the unmarried liar can't even boil an egg. When her boss decides to send a sailor (Jefferson Jones) to spend Christmas with her, Elizabeth fears she's done for. A fun and lively movie with a touch of nostalgia and patriotism. Stanwyck is wonderful in the role.

7) The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)

Bob Hope offers holiday magic and laughs in this Damon Runyon adapted classic. He plays Sidney Melbourne (The Lemon Drop Kid), a guy who causes a gangster's gal to lose his $10,000 in what would have been a winning bet. Lemon Drop must then come up with the money or else! Fortunately for him the Christmas spirit is alive in this charming film that also stars Marilyn Maxwell and William Frawley, and can only be found in the Bob Hope Film Collection.

8) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945)

Elia Kazan directs Dorothy McGuire and James Dunn in this 1900 era tale about the Nolans, a poor family who has the battles of alcoholism and a loose family member but somehow one member manages to keep hope alive. A great film about making dreams come true.

9) Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

This is the story about the Smiths, a St. Louis family with four daughters (Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Lucille Bremer, Joan Carroll.) The girls are upset when father accepts a transfer to New York. It may be a stretch as a holiday themed movie, but everyone will be convinced when they hear Judy Garland croon "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to her sister "Tootie" who is disheartened about the move. This was director Vincent Minnelli's third film and was nominated for four Academy-Awards.

10) Holiday Inn (1944)

Among classic fans holiday favorites, Holiday Inn starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire as song and dance men who run an inn only open on holidays. There are lots of Irving Berlin song and dance scenes with Crosby and Astaire as they work the inn and vie for the attention of Linda (Marjorie Reynolds). A magical holiday-themed movie.