Or alternatively, a guide to my top 3 Christmas movies.

In at number 3...

Home Alone

Definitely a Christmas staple. I watched the first one and its sequel only a few weeks ago. Both are set during Christmas and feature appropriately themed festive tunes. Macaulay Culkin also proves to be a likeable child star and I’m sure the films paved his way to stardom, and for better or worse hanging out with Michael Jackson at Neverland. Earlier this year when I was in New York I met the actor who played Kevin’s older brother Buzz in the films (real name Devin Ratray) in a bar at about 5am. I did see the resemblance still but let’s just say that time has not been kind to him.

Anyway, I need to go and fool a pizza delivery guy with my copy of Angels with Dirty Faces so I can move on to number 2 in my list.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Frank Capra’s classic movie is probably the greatest Christmas movie of all time. If you haven’t watched it recently then go and do so. In fact, I need to go and find my copy on DVD in time for this weekend.

The film was initially a box office disappointment for the studio, and it didn’t reach its recognition as a classic until the 70’s and 80’s. The film has since been named  by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number one on their list of the most inspirational American films of all time.

It’s one of those life affirming films that makes you think about your own life and be grateful for family and friends.

So lastly, my favourite Christmas movie of all time is...

Die Hard 

Strange choice you might say but let me explain. Right from the start we have John McClane arriving on Christmas Eve to try and reconcile with his wife – and if you can can’t reconcile for Christmas when can you?

You have Christmas music featured throughout including Argyle, the limo driver’s take on Christmas music which is Christmas in Hollis by Run DMC. The score also features sleigh bells at moments during the film.

It has the traditional boozy work Christmas party which the terrorists interrupt by taking them all hostage.

There’s the dead terrorist that McClane dresses as Santa and then sends back down the lift with the message for Hans Gruber: “Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.”

And finally the film ends with a reunited John and Holly McClane (née Gennaro) in the snow with the song, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 

It just goes to show that not even terrorists taking over a tower office block to steal $640m in bearer bonds, can stop a man from enjoying Christmas with his family. A morality tale we can all live by...

- Baydr